Page Contents
Prewriting Tools
Writing an Introduction
Proofreading Checklist
Prewriting: Outline Template
Essential Question: _____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
PARAGRAPH 1
I. Transition Topic Sentence #1: _________________________________________________________
A. Reason #1: _______________________________________________________________
1. Example #1: _________________________________________________________
2. Example #2: _________________________________________________________
B. Reason #2: _______________________________________________________________
1. Example #1: _________________________________________________________
2. Example #2: _________________________________________________________
C. Reason #3: _______________________________________________________________
1. Example #1: _________________________________________________________
2. Example #2: _________________________________________________________
PARAGRAPH 2
II. Transition Topic Sentence #2: _________________________________________________________
A. Reason #1: _______________________________________________________________
1. Example #1: _________________________________________________________
2. Example #2: _________________________________________________________
B. Reason #2: _______________________________________________________________
1. Example #1: _________________________________________________________
2. Example #2: _________________________________________________________
C. Reason #3: _______________________________________________________________
1. Example #1: _________________________________________________________
2. Example #2: _________________________________________________________
PARAGRAPH 3
III. Transition Topic Sentence #1: _________________________________________________________
A. Reason #1: _______________________________________________________________
1. Example #1: _________________________________________________________
2. Example #2: _________________________________________________________
B. Reason #2: _______________________________________________________________
1. Example #1: _________________________________________________________
2. Example #2: _________________________________________________________
C. Reason #3: _______________________________________________________________
1. Example #1: _________________________________________________________
2. Example #2: _________________________________________________________
Thesis Statement: _____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
...or click below to download the outline or flowchart template documents.
| outline_template_colored.doc | |
| File Size: | 29 kb |
| File Type: | doc |
| flow_chart_colored.doc | |
| File Size: | 37 kb |
| File Type: | doc |
Writing an Introduction
A strong introduction should grab the reader’s attention, incite her/his interest and make the reader curious/care about what is to come. In addition, it should provide the reader with a preview of the structure of the information in the essay (let the reader know what she/he can expect to encounter and when she/he will come across it in the writing).
Step 1: Broad Statement
Begin with a broad statement about the world, people, life, etc. (This statement may be a statement about your specific theme, topic, or work. However, it should be worded in a way that connects your paper to a “larger” issue or topic). You may NOT use 1st or 2nd person pronouns (I, me, we, us, our, you, your, etc.), and you may NOT use a question!
Step 2: Works
Introduce the works you are discussing. Author, Title, dates, any other information (Remember to keep this sentence in line with your opening sentence. This is not a technical sentence. Needs transition)
Step 3: Topic
General introduction of your subtopics/focus of your paper
Step 4: Thesis
Your thesis statement is a statement, NOT a question!
Example
1. Essential question: In Of Mice and Men, who sacrifices himself?
Answer: George
Essential question #2: How does George sacrifice himself?
Answer: Friendship
Employment
Dream
Thesis: George sacrifices himself by giving up employment, forgoing
friendships and killing his dream.
Paragraph:
In life people sacrifice themselves for those they care about. John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men depicts the sacrifice of one of the main characters, George. George, a migrant farm worker, has the burden of caring for his mentally retarded friend, Lennie. Caring for Lennie leads George from one farm to the next. Because he is forced to move about, George is unable to form relationships. Ultimately, Lennie’s disability causes the twosome to lose their dream of a farm of their own. Through out their relationship, George sacrifices himself by giving up employment, forgoing friendships and killing his dreams.
...or click below to download the writing an introduction document.
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Proofreading Checklist
Author’s Name: ___________________________________________
Peer’s Name: ___________________________________________
Proofreading Checklist
Directions:
Step 1: Author: Read your paper. Record your thesis statement and transition topic sentences. Check and double check the following common errors included on the checklist. Make all necessary corrections and initial each blank under Author. Finally, record the areas in which you will work while editing and revising your paper.
Step 2: Peer: Read your peer’s paper. Check the thesis statement and transition topic
sentences recorded below. Check for mistakes, make corrections and initial under Peer. Finally, record the areas in which the author will need to work while editing and revising his/her paper.
Thesis Statement: ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Transition Topic Sentence 1: _________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Transition Topic Sentence 2: _________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Transition Topic Sentence 3: __________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Author Peer
1. The author uses present verb tense _____ _____
2. The author effectively uses transitions _____ _____
3. The author uses complete sentences _____ _____
No run-ons (uses , and); no fragments
4. The author uses correct punctuation _____ _____
Commas, periods, question marks
5. The author uses correct spelling _____ _____
6. The author uses pronouns correctly _____ _____
7. The author uses proper subject-verb agreement _____ _____
8. The author uses at least three (3) quotes _____ _____
9. The author effectively integrates quotes into argument _____ _____
10. The author uses transition topic sentences (that relate _____ _____
to the thesis
11. The author uses specific pieces of evidence to support _____ _____
all arguments
12. The paragraphs are organized in the most effective and _____ _____
logical order
Author: I need to work on the following areas as I continue to edit and revise my paper:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Peer: The author needs to work on the following areas as he/she continues to edit
and revise his/her paper:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
| proofreading_checklist.doc | |
| File Size: | 30 kb |
| File Type: | doc |