character essay

CHARACTER ESSAYFun fact: Essay means “to try” in French.

Peer Editing Groups:

P1 count off by 8P3 count off by 7P4 count off by 8

Group Check-off: Does your introduction have:• A hook• Author, title, type of work• Context: broad and specific• An awesome thesis that the

author can prove, and that answers the question “so what”

• An academic toneIs it in the 3rd person??

In Your Groups:1) What does an essay “look” like;

what parts does an essay have. Draw a picture if you would like.

2) What does a paragraph within an essay (a body paragraph) need? List its components.

Body Paragraph Components: Group

Brainstorm

TISAS (TISAISAS)Look to your thesis and break it down into the parts you need to defend. Each “part” should get at least one paragraph. TISAS handout for one body paragraphEach paragraph has 5 main components:

1) Topic Sentence2) Introduction of Evidence3) Supporting Evidence (Quote, relevant

example)4) Analysis of Evidence (Commentary)5) Summary

Topic Sentence:Introduces the idea of the paragraph and is derived from the thesis:

EX: One would think that because Melba was immersed in such hateful, crude, attitudes, she would not demonstrate compassion for others. However, she does.

Introduction of Evidence #1

Move from generalities of topic sentence to specifics

EX: There are several instances in the book where Melba shows kindness towards not only her friends and family, but also those who make her life miserable. Early in the book, Melba feels bad because integration affects her family in a negative way.

Supporting Evidence:Quote that has TLC (Tag, Lead, Citation)

Tag=who is speaking the words/to whom are they speaking

Lead=context of the quote (when, where, how)

Citation=author/page number “Quote”(Beals 23).

Supporting Evidence:EX: As soon as she is chosen to attend

Central High School, instead of worry about the danger she is in, Melba is concerned about how her family is handling the extra stress. That night, she lies in bed and contemplates, “It is costing my family a lot of agony and energy, and I haven’t even attended a day yet” (Beals 29).

Analysis of Evidence:Explain how your quotation proves the point you brought up in your topic sentence. Remember: My quote means/This quote means=Ms. Wendel’s tears.

EX: It is remarkable that on the eve of the first day of integration, the scariest day of her life thus far, Melba thinks only of her family. It takes great compassion to think outside of herself, especially when her life is in danger.

REPEAT:Introduction of more (relevant) evidenceSupporting evidenceAnalysis

Summary:Wrap up the ideas of this paragraph in relation to the topic sentence.

EX: Melba’s ability to place herself in others’ shoes is inspiring. In all of these instances, Melba has underlying compassion and understanding for the people around her regardless of the way they treat her.

ON TO THE NEXT

Put It All Together:One would think that because Melba was immersed in such hateful, crude, attitudes, she would not demonstrate compassion for others. However, she does. There are several instances in the book where Melba shows kindness towards not only her friends and family, but also those who make her life miserable. Early in the book, Melba feels bad because integration affects her family in a negative way. As soon as she is chosen to attend Central High School, instead of worry about the danger she is in, Melba is concerned about how her family is handling the extra stress. That night, she lies in bed and contemplates, “It is costing my family a lot of agony and energy, and I haven’t even attended a day yet” (Beals 29). It is remarkable that on the eve of the first day of integration, the scariest day of her life thus far, Melba thinks only of her family. It takes great compassion to think outside of herself, especially when her life is in danger. Melba’s ability to place herself in others’ shoes is inspiring. In all of these instances, Melba has underlying compassion and understanding for the people around her regardless of the way they treat her.

For This Essay You Should Have At Least:

1) An introduction2) Two full body paragraphs—each

needs at least two examples of supported evidence

3) A conclusion