Definitions
The sentence that explains what your essay is about.
Thesis sentence
What goes in the introduction paragraph of your essay
a hook and a thesis
True or False: You can write one big paragraph as an essay.
False, an essay should have an introduction, a conclusion, and At Least one body paragraph
Look at the prompt
Words that help you connect one sentence or paragraph to the next
Transition words
What goes in the conclusion of your essay?
rephrase thesis, summarize main points.
Bonus points if you give advice or make a suggestion (connect with your reader again)
You can only use one example of textual evidence in each paragraph
False. You can use more than one example. Just make sure you explain the relevance of all evidence and pay attention to length (STAAR has a word limit)
What is the purpose of an expository or informational essay?
to inform or explain the prompt
The sentences that tells you what your PARAGRAPH is about.
Topic sentences
Each body paragraph should have what in it?
1. Transitions (connect one idea to the next)
2. Relevant examples (pay attention to your topic or thesis sentence)- these examples may include textual evidence depending on the type of essay
3. EXPLAIN how examples connect back to your topic.
True or False. You can use the same organization and strategies that you have learned for the expository essay with other essays?
(I can also be used in expository essays that ask you to explain something about yourself)
What can you use to replace lower level vocabulary with higher level vocabulary?
Dictionary or thesaurus
What are the names of the first and last paragraphs of your essay ?
Introduction and conclusion paragraph
Where can you talk directly to the reader in an informational/expository essay on the STAAR test?
In the introduction and conclusion. Otherwise, use words like "one" and "people" or "a person"
True or false: Every paragraph in your essay should connect to your topic/prompt/thesis?
True. That is what the essay is about. The sole purpose for writing is to explain/persuade your prompt. (Unless of course, you are writing for fun)
What is the purpose of a persuasive essay?
to persuade
What is the name of the paragraph or paragraphs that come between the introduction and conclusion?
Body paragraphs
What do you need to do after you have finished writing your entire essay?
Revise and edit it!
True or false: You have to have 4 paragraphs in every essay?
false: Some essays your teacher may require more than four paragraphs (traditional essay) (literary analysis)
Some essays can be less than 4.
We practice with 4 on STAAR essays because traditionally, those essays have gotten the best score.
Who is your audience when writing for STAAR?
Professionals. They are looking for the best academic papers. If you put slang or use bad grammar it would be similar to walking into an interview and saying "What's up" or answering with "I'm chillin" when the interviewer asks how you are doing. Always put your best foot forward in your essay. Use the dictionary or thesaurus to find more academic words.