Name:

Essay Topic: Whole Class Performance Task: Journeys of Transformation

INTRODUCTION
Attention grabber/Hook (Try to avoid asking a question!) (1 sentence):
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Supporting sentences (These 2-3 sentences should elaborate/explain your hook):
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Thesis statement (Remember, thesis statements are ONE sentence and should show a clear idea/position):
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BODY PARAGRAPH #1
Topic sentence/Assertion (This shows what your paragraph is going to be about!):
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Evidence/Commentary (It does not matter what order your evidence and commentary are in, just remember that
for every piece of evidence you should have 2-3 sentences of commentary):
a) ____________________________________________________________________________________
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b) ____________________________________________________________________________________
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c) ____________________________________________________________________________________
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d) ____________________________________________________________________________________
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Summary sentence (This sentence wraps up your paragraph, should reflect back to the assertion or overall thesis
of the paper):
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CONCLUSION
Lead-in sentence:
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Re-state thesis (In different words!):
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Challenge sentence (If appropriate challenge your reader to do something about the issue and help make an
effort to find a solution to the problem):
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 Essay Writing Checklist

While you are writing your essay keep in mind these important elements.

o Have you done proper planning with a “T chart”?

o Have you chosen a side to the argument?

o Have you written a clear thesis statement?

o Thesis statement is ONE sentence

o Thesis has a clear position/side of the argument

o Have you determined the order your body paragraphs?

o Is it the most logical order?

o Does each body paragraph start with a clear assertion statement?

o Remember assertions are argumentative, not informative statements

o They should be a little more specific and relate to the thesis statement

o Does each body paragraph contain at least two pieces of evidence?

o Evidence could include personal experience, quote, statistic, historical reference, etc.

o Does each body paragraph contain at least two sentences of commentary for each piece of evidence?

o Commentary should show HOW the evidence you used is relative to your argument

o Commentary should NOT restate your evidence in different words

o Did you include at least one counterclaim?

o Phrases you could use include:

 Critics argue ______________, although _________________.

 Others may say ______________, but the evidence says __________.

 While others say___________, they fail to address ______________.

 It may be true that ___________, however _______________.

 It is easy to think that ____________, but the facts suggest ________.

o A summary sentence should wrap up the paragraph, don’t hint at what will come next just finish

this paragraph

o Could refer to either the assertion of the paragraph or overall thesis

o Are your sentences varied in length? Not all are simple, not all are complex

o Have you checked spelling and grammar throughout?