Note-taking Day 1:
Directions: Remember to label a new section in your comp books - "Notes on Thesis Statements and Support." Using all the links above as your titles, create headings for each in your comp book and take notes while reading through the material. You may feel free to click on other links on the Purdue OWL site, but try to focus on just the links I've provided.
Also, think about the conflict that the characters in our odyssey readings are involved in; conflict is the topic on which this essay focuses.
Links from the Purdue OWL:
On creating a thesis: Creating a Thesis
This site uses the terms 'explanatory' and 'expository;' both terms mean 'informative.'
On starting the writing process: Invention: Starting the Writing Process
Help to focus your notes here by using summaries of the paragraphs and making sure you record the bulleted information.
On creating an exploratory essay (very similar to the work we are doing and calling 'informative.'): Exploratory Essays
On organizing an exploratory essay: Organizing an Exploratory Essay
I have provided links that are entitled 'Exploratory Essay' not to confuse you, but to show you how when writing an informative essay, we are exploring the topic at hand. It will help you to periodically review the essay assignment handout as you are reading these notes, so you can see how this information can help you get started.
Note-taking Day 2:
Directions: Create a new entry in your table of contents - "Introduction and Conclusion Paragraph Notes." Leave 2 whole pages blank so you have room for the notes now and later. Follow the links below to take notes on helpful hints and techniques in building the introduction and conclusion paragraphs for your informative essay. Remember, the introduction is made up of the following 4 parts:
Attention Getter (Audience Hook)
Context and Background
Thesis
Roadmap
The conclusion paragraph is really just a mirror image of the introduction - you review and revisit your main points, affirm your thesis, and you conclude by a finishing thought on your attention getter. The conclusion, then, goes in this order:
Review your main points (Roadmap)
Affirm your thesis
Briefly review the context and background
Finish by using some concluding comments on your attention getter
Take notes on the following links:
Purdue OWL Resource for Intro and Conclusion Paragraphs
Information from the Smithlin's English "Writer's Packet" on Intro and Conclusion
General Organization of the Exploratory (Informative) Essay
Introductions from the Purdue OWL
Informative Essay Deadlines:
Final Draft:
Rough Draft: