Instructions: Choose any poem from the reader that appeals to you (it may be useful to re-read some of the poems to make a decision). Then, begin writing – and revising – an arguable (i.e., contestable) thesis about your chosen poem. (We will spend some
Michelle_Michy
20171018005203beginning_essay_1____brainstorming_and_outlining.pptxBeginning Essay #1: Close Reading of a Poem
Brainstorming & Outlining
From the Prompt…
Write a paper with a strong thesis that offers a close reading of one of the poems you have read for this class. The paper should explain both what the poem is doing and how it is doing it. In order to do this, you will need to cite specific evidence from the poem (consider the formal features of poetry that we have discussed during class) and explain how those moments in the text support your argument.
Remember: a close reading involves examining how the language of the text creates particular effects; stay focused on the specific language of the poem. For every point you make, you ought to be able to refer back to a specific part of the text for support. Conversely, for every quotation you include, you must explain how it supports your argument.
Prewriting: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” – Benjamin Franklin
“Prewriting is everything that you do before beginning an actual draft of your paper. It includes annotating and questioning texts, taking notes and participating in class, and discussing the assignment with your instructor and/or classmates. It also includes… choosing a topic, developing an argument and a thesis, gathering support, and proposing an organizational strategy for your paper.”
(Source: Gardner, Reading and Writing about Literature (3rd ed.), p. 21)
Understanding Thesis Statements
An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.
(Source: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/)
Making an Argument: An Example
Example of an argumentative thesis statement:
High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness.
The paper that follows should: Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college.
Thesis Guidelines
Your thesis should be both clear and specific.
Your thesis should be relevant.
Your thesis should be debatable.
Your thesis should be original.
You should be able to state your thesis as a complete sentence.
Your thesis should be stated in strong, unambiguous language.
Your thesis should be appropriate to the assignment.
(Source: Gardner, Reading and Writing about Literature (3rd ed.), pp. 23-24)
Gathering Support for Your Thesis
The text itself is the most obvious source of support. It is not enough to say that a certain piece of literature says or means a certain thing. You will need to show this by summarizing, paraphrasing, or quoting the literature itself.
Other people’s ideas are a good source of support. Chances are you will find a lot of useful material for your paper if you pay attention to easily available sources of ideas from other readers. These include the notes and biographical information in your textbooks, research conducted online or in the library, lectures and discussions in class, and even informal conversations about the literature with your friends and classmates.
Your own thoughts are your most important source of support. Remember that although you may want to integrate ideas and information from a variety of sources, your paper is yours and as such should reflect your thinking. The most indispensable source of material for your paper is your own mind; your own thoughts and words should always carry the heaviest weight in any paper you write.
(Source: Gardner, Reading and Writing about Literature (3rd ed.), p. 26)
Outlining Suggestions
Can be informal and nonlinear (e.g., a cluster diagram)
Can be linear (numbered or bulleted list)
Should be a working document that can change as you write: A tool, not a trap
Helpful to organize your ideas before you begin—saves time
For Your Consideration: Introductions
How will you get the reader’s attention? How might you open your essay—with a story, a quotation, or a generalization?
Why (according to you) is this an important topic?
Where is the thesis of the paper?
How/where do you preview the organization of the paper?
Drafting the Essay’s Body
What are the major sections of the essay’s body? Make a list.
What kinds of textual evidence do you use to present and support your ideas?
What is the ratio between evidence and analysis?
Crafting Conclusions
The introduction and body have explained the thesis. What are some suggestions or implications about the topic for the conclusion?
What is the your final statement (takeaway message) about the significance of the topic? What, according to you, will be the consequence if people pay attention to the information presented in your paper (or fail to)?
Other Considerations
What are some areas of weakness you want to watch out for as you write and review your essay? For example, do you struggle with good transitions between paragraphs? Commas? Quotation marks? Verb tense shifts? Make a list (note form) of 2-3 things (more is OK) that you want to be sure to check when you are writing or proofreading.
