Revisiting the 5-Paragraph Essay

Argumentative Writing

Introductory ParagraphIntroductory Paragraph introduce your topic grab your reader’s attention have a strong thesis statement forecast what you are going to talk about

HooksHooks What can a writer do that will secure the

interest of a fair sized audience?

By using hooks to grab the reader's attention: a very important aspect of your writing!

Types of HooksTypes of Hooks Directly stated thesis: after providing general background, narrow

your focus to a thesis statement that previews the essay that will follow

Definition: works well in a paper that deals with an

unfamiliar topic

Types of HooksTypes of Hooks A quotation: a beginning quotation can effectively introduce

ideas but make sure the quote clearly relates to the topic

An anecdote/ personal experience: as long as it clearly sets up your topic, and has a

bearing on what will follow in the essay, a short tale can be effective in grabbing your reader's attention

Types of HooksTypes of Hooks An arresting statement: sometimes you can jolt the reader into

attention by using content, language, or both Interesting details: use to pique curiosity and draw the reader

into the paper

Last but not least…Last but not least… A question: a provocative question can entice the reader

into the essay to find the answers

You may also use current events, historical or biographical facts, an opposite point of view, how your own life was influenced, research findings, a plot summary, or any combination of tactics, to grab your reader's attention.

Examples of OpeningsExamples of Openings Everyone thinks -----, but... Statistically, in Singapore, .... I remember what it was like when... What is ---?

 

Developing a ThesisDeveloping a Thesis Central idea = thesis contains your view of your topic, your reason

for writing, your goal it asserts something about it often expressed in a single sentence called

the thesis sentence

Constructing a Thesis SentenceConstructing a Thesis Sentence A thesis sentence:

1) is an assertion, not a statement of fact or an observation.

2) takes a stand rather than announces a subject.

3) is narrow, rather than broad .

4) is specific rather than vague or general.

broad

ForecastingForecasting gives your reader an initial sense of an

essay's meaning and organization previews what lies ahead an effective way to tell your reader in

advance about the organization of your composition.

Supporting ParagraphsSupporting Paragraphs you should go beyond the 3 paragraphs by

now each paragraph should have:

- a topic sentence- supporting sentences and- a concluding sentence

a paragraph should be coherent, unified and well developed

Purposes of TOPIC SENTENCESPurposes of TOPIC SENTENCES

to state the main points of a paragraph to give the reader a sense of direction

(indicate what information will follow) to summarize the paragraph's main point

Supporting SentencesSupporting Sentences must relate to the topic sentence should contain specific, concrete details and examples

rather than vague or generalized statements To develop a paragraph:

- add examples/ illustrations/ data- tell a story that illustrates the point you're making- compare and contrast- use analogies (e.g., "X is similar to Y because")- state facts- give definitions

Writing ConclusionsWriting Conclusions stress the importance of the thesis statement give the essay a sense of completeness, and leave a final impression on the reader

Suggestions (1)Suggestions (1) Answer the question "So What?“: show your readers why this paper was important

and that it was meaningful and useful Synthesize, don't summarize: don't simply repeat things that were in your

paper; show them how the points you made and the support and examples you used were not random, but fit together

Suggestions (2)Suggestions (2) Redirect your readers: give your reader something to think about,

perhaps a way to use your paper in the "real" world

Challenge the reader: helping them to redirect the

information in the paper and perhaps apply it to their own lives

Suggestions (3)Suggestions (3) Looking to the future: emphasize the importance of your paper or redirect

the readers' thought process Posing questions: help your readers gain a new perspective on the

topic, which they may not have held before reading your conclusion

it may also bring your main ideas together to create a new meaning