English I Honors: AQC Method of Annotation, Essay Writing and Thesis Statement (Mrs. Caceres)
A weak thesis statement
- doesn't take a stand and shows both sides of the story - might simply show an observation of the topic instead of inciting a conversation about it - is very general and expresses too many ideas
A strong thesis statement
- takes a stand on one side of the topic - justifies a discussion (inciting a controversy that will keep the reader interested) - expresses a main idea and is specific
- descriptive essays - process essays - comparison essays - cause/effect essays - problem/solution essays
5 of the most common types of expository essay
Argumentative essay
A type of essay that presents arguments about both sides of an issue. It attempts to determine if the thesis statement is true or not by examining facts and evidence
Comparative essay
An essay that usually needs the author to compare subjects that have some relation in terms of similarities and differences
Informative essay
Educates your reader on a topic. Can have one of several functions including: to define a term, compare and contrast something, analyze data, or provide a how to. However they do not present an opinion or try to persuade the reader
One of the most serious problems in today's inner-city public schools is overcrowded classrooms.
Example of a topic sentence
Is cereal soup? ; Is Starbucks worth the money or is it overrated?
Example of argumentative essay
Xbox vs PlayStation
Example of comparative essay
Newspaper articles
Example of expository essay
Essay about animals, a person, events etc
Example of informative essay
On the other hand, likewise, for instance
Example of transition words
- Star any passages that are very important: events, decisions, or cause and effect relationships - Underline any sentences that made you think or appealed to you and describe your thinking - Circle/highlight words that are unfamiliar - Place a question mark by areas that you were confused about or did not fully understand - Bracket any sentences that exemplify the author's style, word choice, or where the author includes graphic elements. Jot down your thoughts about the language
Examples on how to annotate
They are both used to focus their ideas and express the main point of their writing
How are topic sentences and thesis statements used?
1
How many main ideas do unified paragraphs discuss?
It can lead you to deeper analysis, the acquit ion of more vocabulary, and even improved writing skills
If done thoughtfully, how can the AQC method help?
Topic sentence
Is usually one of the first sentences in the paragraph and introduces the main, general idea of the essay
Thesis statement
Is usually the concluding sentence in the introductory paragraph and states the main points being discussed in the essay
Expository essay
Requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear concise manner. Means to present an idea or relevant discussion that helps explain or analyze information
Narrative
Tells a story about real events or experiences about someone or something
It is a strategy to help you engage with the text and understand it more deeply. While you are reading, use these strategies to mark the text and include your thoughts and questions. Geared for efficiency. Annotation guarantees you will learn to read on the second and third levels of inference and abstraction.
What are annotations?
a distinct section of a piece of writing, usually dealing with a single theme and indicated by a new line, indentation, or numbering. Usually contains 5-8 sentences.
What are paragraphs?
Details, such as an image, dialogue, or description that reveals characterization, the description of a particular setting and how it makes you feel etc.
What are some things you might takes notes on while annotating?
A thesis statement contains the main idea of the paper or essay whereas a topic sentence contains the main idea of a paragraph. Both should be specific, focused and clear. They are not questions or predictions, rather foreshadowing statements in a way to give the reader a glimpse into the essay.
What are the similarities and differences between thesis statements and topic sentences?
Annotate, Question, Conclude
What does AQC stand for?
Signal/transition words. Used for many scenarios including organization, opposing or adding ideas, exceptions. Etc.
What does a writer use to move from one paragraph to the next?
It is the most important sentence in an essay and contains 3 major parts. It is the "skeleton" essay which takes a stand or declares what your paper is going to be about.
What is a thesis statement?
A sentence that contains both the topic of the sentence and the controlling idea
What is a topic sentence ?
When the author has an opinion on a particular topic and wants to convince the reader to accept the opinion. It is also used to create discussion on topics such as when the author is agreeing or disagreeing with another person
What is an argumentative essay used for?
Compare and contrast essay
What is another name for a comparative essay?
Overcrowded classrooms
What is the controlling idea in the following topic sentence? One of the most serious problems in the today's inner-city public schools is overcrowded classroom.
To use established storytelling techniques like theme, conflict, and irony in a uniquely personal way
What is the goal of a narrative essay?
To make the reader feel connected to the story, no matter the topic
What is the responsibility of the write of a narrative essay?
Someone who thinks differently. We are trying to convince someone who DOES NOT think like we do?
What is the target audience of argumentative essay?
That each sentence in the paragraph has a purpose and is not simply dropped into the paragraph. Each sentence must be related to the paragraph's topic sentence.
What is the unity of a paragraph?
Controlling idea
Will limit the topic to something very specific. It makes a specific comment about the subject and tells the reader what the paragraph will say about the main topic.
