Central Idea
What is a central idea or theme of a text?
The central idea or theme of a text is the deeper meaning or “big idea” of that text.
Topic + Author's opinion
Talks about humanity, society or the world
What is a claim?
An opinion about the essay topic
How many different texts to you need to use for evidence to get a 3+ on your argumentative essay?
3
fast, effective, gets a lot of work done
What is personification?
Talking about a nonhuman object as if it is a person
Which is a better central idea and why?
A: "The central idea of the poem is that war can cause impacts that are irreversible, even the end of humanity."
A: "The central idea of the poem is that war is bad."
A is better because it explains why oppression is bad in more specific detail.
What do you need to include in a claim to get a good score on the argumentative essay?
Your opinion
Details of why you support your opinion
An opposing idea
What is citing evidence?
Giving credit for where you got evidence
Flithy
dirty, inappropriate
What is figurative language?
Opposite of literal, creative language used to create an emotional effect
What is wrong with this central idea?
"The central idea of the story is war."
The central idea doesn't tell us the author's opinion about the topic or share a truth about society, humanity or the world.
Which claim is better and why?
A. I think veganism is not a nutritionally complete diet.
B. People should not be vegan because is not a nutritionally complete diet.
B, because it does not use "I think"
What two things do you need to do to cite evidence correctly
Say the text you used (Text 1)
Put other people's words in quotes "like this"
Idealism
nice but not realistic plans or opinions
What is a metaphor?
Comparing two things that are not the same
Authors often use _____________ to convey a central idea.
a. tone
b. simile
c. symbolism
d. all types of figurative language
D. Authors can use many different types of figurative language to send a message.
Which claim is better and why?
A. Veganism is considered better for animals, but humans need meat to be healthy.
B. Vegans do not get all the nutrients they need from their diet.
A, because it also addresses an opposing idea.
What is wrong with the way this student cited the evidence?
According to the text, "students are more disconnected than ever.
Did not say the text number, did not end the quote.
Enlighten
Teach, give people new information
What is a simile?
Comparing two things that are not the same using "like" or "as"
Is the a valid central idea for the short story "There Will Come Soft Rains"? Why or why not?
"The central idea of "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury is that humanity's obssesion with technology will not save us from destruction."
Yes, this is a valid central idea because...
it shares a big idea about society, humanity or the world.
it shares the author's opinion about the topic of technology.
In the story, the family dies even though they have a robot house to protect them.
What can we add to this claim to make it better?
People should be vegan.
Opposing idea
Supporting details
Does this evidence strongly support this claim? Why or why not?
Claim: People should not wear protective equipment while playing sports, as it causes more injuries.
Evidence: According to text 2, "Protective gear serves a vital function in minimizing the risk of injury by offering necessary support and protection."
No, because the evidence says protective equipment helps protect people.
Skeptical
Doubtful, you don't believe someone
What type of figurative language is this?
"The car angrily zoomed down the street."
Personification