Formal Writing

The Beginning: What is a thesis

statement?A thesis statement focuses on the main idea of an essay or a speech in one sentence.

The Beginning: Where is the thesis

statement?The thesis statement is located in the introductory paragraph and it is explained with supporting evidence throughout the body of the essay or speech.

Example:Which of the following would be an example of a thesis statement?

a. “I am going to tell you all about poetry.”

b. “There are lots of things you can learn about the Periodic Table of Elements.”

c. “Much can be said about converting percents, fractions, and decimals.”

d. “The three branches of government that have its own powers and responsibilities are legislative, executive, and judicial.

Correct Answer:

d. “The three branches of government that have its own powers and responsibilities are legislative, executive, and judicial.”

The Beginning: What is the

Introductory Paragraph’s purpose?

A well written introductory paragraph GRABS the reader’s

attention.

The Beginning:Introductory Paragraph

Includes: Hook

Thesis statement

The Beginning:Introductory Paragraph

Does not include:Concluding statement

The Beginning:How to use

Attention GettersOne way to grab the reader’s attention:

State an interesting or startling fact(Note: This adds curiosity to the introduction!)

The Beginning:How to use

Attention GettersAnother way to grab the reader’s attention:

Begin your essay or speech by asking a question.(Note: This gets your audience thinking about your topic!)

The Middle:What are

Transitions?Select words that are used to provide coherence to supporting sentences and paragraphs.

Transitional expressions allow the sentences to flow smoothly and connect to each other. (Think of a musical instrument being played harmoniously!)

The Middle:Examples of

Transition words

Transition words to use

First of all Because

Secondly However

Finally Meanwhile

Therefore As a result

In addition to For example

The Middle:Where are

transitions found?Transition sentences are usually

found at the first sentence of the paragraph.

The Middle:Examples of

Transitional expressions “Another example is…” (give a personal connection!)

“Although this appears to be the case…” (provide a different perspective!)

The Middle:What does this

element do?Body paragraph

Includes supporting details

The End:What does this

element do?Concluding paragraph

Usually restates the thesis statement in some form

The End:What does this

element do?Concluding paragraph

Lets the readers know that the composition is complete.

The End:Answer the question

“So what?”Concluding paragraph

Pose a new question Connect to a bigger picture Evoke a visual image Suggest results or a call of action

Example:Which of the following would be an example of a concluding statement?

a. “Because it is easy to see that littering is bad for the ozone layer and needs to be stopped, I urge you to consider your actions before making the problems at hand worse.”

b. “I wonder how technology will affect us ten years from now.”

c. “Now you know how this world is full of community service opportunities.”

d. “Depression, drinking, and death are three issues that Edgar Allan Poe dealt with throughout his lifetime.

Correct Answer:

a. “Because it is easy to see that littering is bad for the ozone layer and needs to be stopped, I urge you to consider your actions before making the problems at hand worse.”

How to write a Persuasive Speech

#1 Choose a problem/an issue

to discuss

State your position

What is the problem/issue? Are you FOR it? Are you AGAINST it?

#2 Identify your audience

Speak specifically to the group of people you want to persuade

Who is the speech addressing? How much do they already know about the issue? How much more do you need to inform them on

the topic?

#3 Support your position

Brainstorm facts and examples

What information can be proven? What real world example have they

experienced, heard, or seen about the issue?

#4 Provide a solution or suggest an action

Give specific examples

How many options can you provide to convince your audience?

How does your solution or action benefit your audience?

Persuasive Speech Guidelines

Important information to include:

Answer here:

Issue

Audience

Supporting facts & examples

Solution

PossiblePersuasive Speech

Sentence Format(Fill in the blank)

I want ____________ because ____________________. (claim) (reasoning)

I understand ________________________; however, (parents’ objection)

______________________. If not, ________________. (counter argument) (your responsibility)