Thesis
Where is the thesis located in the essay?
The last sentence of the introduction.
What are the three parts of the introduction in order?
Hook, bridge/context, thesis
Where are topic sentences located in essays?
The first sentence of each body paragraph.
What is a quote called that doesn't include an introduction?
drop quote
The thesis statement formula.
topic + argument + supporting reasons
What are the three ways to avoid starting the introduction/hook?
1. Question
2. Cliche
3. Announcing Intent
How does a topic sentence differ from a thesis statement?
A topic sentence is a subclaim that helps prove the thesis statement. The TS controls the idea of the paragraph, whereas the thesis controls the main idea of the entire essay.
What is the correct citation for a quote found in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury on page 27?
(Bradbury 27)
Write a strong thesis statement for the following prompt: Is homework an effective tool for learning in high school? Use at least 2 reasons.
Answers will vary. A correct response will include a topic, argument, and supporting reasons.
Write a one-sentence bridge for this introduction on "The Masque of the Red Death."
Oftentimes, the wealthy have the idea that money, power, and high walls can insulate them from life's common tragedies. But against the single, absolute decree of death, all barricades will eventually fall.
[Bridge goes here.]
In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," the architecture, the seven chambers, and the figure of the Red Death are powerful symbols that demonstrate death is an inevitable force that mocks human attempts at evasion and confinement.
Answers will vary. Response should be a one sentence summary, explaining how Prospero used his wealth and power to try to escape the Red Death.
Example: In "The Masque of the Red Death" Prospero held to this idea, believing that building a wall and throwing an extravagant party would protect him and his wealthy friends from the fatal disease destroying the country.
What are the three supporting reasons in this thesis that will turn into the three topic sentences?
Despite the role of fate in their tragedy, the deaths of Romeo and Juliet are primarily the result of self-destructive choices, evidenced by their reckless pursuit of a secret marriage, the impulsive violence committed by Romeo, and the Friar's misguided and overly complex plans.
1. reckless pursuit of a secret marriage
2. the impulsive violence committed by Romeo
3. the Friar's misguided and overly complex plans
What are the three parts of an anlysis?
1. Explain
2. Interpret
3. Connect
Write a thesis statement about "A Lady in a Machine Shop" arguing how her character traits all lead to success.
In "A Lady in a Machine Shop" Knight achieved success because she was hardworking, intelligent, and determined.
Write a hook for the story of an hour, focusing on the time period (late 19th century) and how many women felt constrained in their marriages.
Answers will vary. The hook should be general and not go straight into plot summary. It should also avoid questions, cliches, and announcing intent.
Example: In the late 19th century, a woman's identity was almost entirely subsumed by her marriage. Her social standing, financial security, and even her daily routine were dictated by her husband. For such a woman, the news of his death was not just a tragedy, but a revolutionary opportunity.
Write a topic sentence based on one of the three reasons mentioned in the following thesis about Fahrenheit 451.
Even though the government burns books, Ray Bradbury argues that the main reason the future is so empty is that the citizens chose to stop thinking critically, proven by (1) their devotion to the parlor walls, (2) the schools training students to memorize facts instead of analyze them, and (3) Guy Montag's early and easy acceptance of his job as a fireman.
Answers will vary. All topic sentences should use one of the three reasons to argue that the future is empty because citizens chose to stop thinking critically.
(1) The citizens' mindless devotion to the parlor walls shows they prefer passive distraction over deep, critical thinking.
(2) By forcing students to memorize facts instead of analyze information, the schools actively limit the next generation's ability to think critically.
(3) The fact that Guy Montag thoughtlessly accepted his role as a book-burner confirms that the system runs on the conformity rather than critical thinking.
Write a final sentence to this analysis, connecting it all to the idea that the ebony clock shows that death is inevitable.
The hourly chimes of the ebony clock force the revelers to pause their pleasure and confront the passage of time, acting as an objective reminder that their lives are finite. Symbolically, the clock represents mortality and the predetermined limit of human existence.
Answers will vary.
Example: The revelers pausing at the chime of the ebony clock demonstrates that no amount of wealth can prevent the absolute, scheduled arrival of death.