Paraphrase Practice Paragraphs

• 1) Total up how many words the paraphrase has in common with the original quote

• 2) Does the paraphrase reflect the main idea/purpose of the original quote? If yes, give them a +. If not, make a suggestion.

• 3) Is there a synthesis of the author’s ideas and your neighbor’s original ideas? If yes, give them a +. If not, make a suggestion.

CIA #2 Essay Reflection

• Great job answering the prompt (“A the P”)• Avoid saying “she uses certain rhetorical

strategies”• Focus on (organize by) argument in these

prompts, use strategies as supplementing evidence

• Work on specificity of TS• Rhetorical strategy + purpose = great TS• Don’t just say “purpose”

Topic Sentence Practice

• Write the original TS of your first body paragraph• Rewrite your TS to include both focus of paragraph

(strategy or concept) AND how it relates back to a SPECIFIC purpose.

• Write the original TS of your second body paragraph• Rewrite your TS to include both focus of paragraph

(strategy or concept) AND how it relates back to a SPECIFIC purpose.

• Write the original TS of your third body paragraph• Rewrite your TS to include both focus of paragraph

(strategy or concept) AND how it relates back to a SPECIFIC purpose.

Open VS Closed Thesis

• Closed Thesis Statement• Statement of main idea of argument + previews

major points• Limits the number of points the writer will make• Reliable for short essay, but not the best way to

develop a more complex essay• Example: The Harry Potter series has become

legendary children’s books and enduring literary classics because of its three-dimensional characters, exciting plot, and complex themes.

Open VS Closed Thesis

• Open Thesis Statement• Does NOT list all the points intended to be

covered• Overall point (concept) guides without being

hindering• Good for Argument and Synthesis essays – more

mature• Example: The popularity of the Harry Potter

series demonstrates that simplicity trumps complexity when it comes to the taste of readers, both young and old.

Counterargument Thesis

• A statement in which counterargument usually qualified by “although” or “but” precedes writer’s opinion

• Immediately addressing a counterargument may make an argument seem stronger and more reasonable

• Example: Although the Harry Potter series may have some literary merit, its popularity has less to do with storytelling than with merchandising.

Practice

• Develop a thesis statement that could focus an argument in response to each of the following prompts. Use either an open, closed, or counterargument thesis.

Same-sex classrooms have gone in and out of favor in public education. Write an essay explaining why you would support or oppose same-sex classrooms for public schools in grades 10 through 12.

Practice

• Develop a thesis statement that could focus an argument in response to each of the following prompts. Use either an open, closed, or counterargument thesis.

Write an essay supporting, challenging, or qualifying English author E.M. Forster’s position in the following quotation: “I hate the idea of causes, and if I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country.”

Practice

• Develop a thesis statement that could focus an argument in response to each of the following prompts. Use either an open, closed, or counterargument thesis.

Today’s world is full of conflicts and controversies. Choose a local or global issue, and write an essay that considers multiple viewpoints and proposes a solution or compromise.

Practice

• Develop a thesis statement that could focus an argument in response to each of the following prompts. Use either an open, closed, or counterargument thesis.

Write an essay explaining why you agree or disagree with the following quotation: “Advertising degrades the people it appeals to; it deprives them of their will to choose.”

Practice

• Develop a thesis statement that could focus an argument in response to each of the following prompts. Use either an open, closed, or counterargument thesis.

Plagiarism is rampant in public high schools and colleges. In fact, some people argue that the definition of plagiarism has changed with the proliferation of the Internet. Write an essay explaining what you believe the appropriate response of a teacher should be to a student who turns in a plagiarized essay or exam.