A Short Lesson on EssaysBY JOEY LEHRMAN

Lesson Agenda• Assignment overview• How an essay is graded• Structure of a paragraph• Proofreading

Write 3 paragraphs on 1 of the following topics:

•Security systems•E-commerce•Online learning•Robotics•Telecommuting•Online communities

•Credit cards and other commerce systems•Automated industrial processes•Point-of-sale systems•Weather prediction and reporting systems•Global positioning systems (GPS)•Embedded computers in appliances and equipment

Structure of the Essay First paragraph - a brief discussion on the history of this technology

Second paragraph - what this technology looks like today Third paragraph - a prediction on what this technology will look like in 25 years (be imaginative!)

Grading Rubric• Response to Prompt• Organization• Development and Details• Conventions of English• Word Choice

Grading Rubric• Response to Prompt• Organization• Development and Details• Conventions of English• Word Choice

Structure of the Essay First paragraph - a brief discussion on the history of this technology

Second paragraph - what this technology looks like today Third paragraph - a prediction on what this technology will look like in 25 years (be imaginative!)

ParagraphsIT’S NOT ABOUT THE LENGTH

A good paragraph…• Related ideas• Fully developed • Explain and support the ideas

Structure of ParagraphsIntroduce the main idea and then support/explain it.

I. Main idea

II. Supporting details

III. Supporting details

Credit cards weren’t used much until the 1950s and 1960s with the introduction of Visa. Originally called the BankAmericard, the card was the first to be accepted by more than just a few merchants around the country. By 1970, credit cards were in wide use around the world.

Structure of ParagraphsIntroduce the main idea and then support/explain it.

I. Main idea

II. Supporting details

III. Supporting details

Credit cards weren’t used much until the 1950s and 1960s with the introduction of Visa. Originally called the BankAmericard, the card was the first to be accepted by more than just a few merchants around the country. By 1970, credit cards were in wide use around the world.

ProofreadingMAKING A GOOD DRAFT… BETTER!

Proofreading Tips• Read out loud• Use “Review” features in Microsoft Word• Clearly show where paragraphs start and end!• Put away for 1-2 days and then read aloud again!

In review…• Stay on topic• Keep it brief• Support and explain your responses

Questions?HTTPS://OWL.ENGLISH.PURDUE.EDU/OWL/RESOURCE/606/01/

OR GOOGLE, “PURDUE OWL – PARAGRAPHS”