Brainstorming our essay
Idea 1 (Point or Argument that
supports contention for Topic
Sentence)
Idea 1 (Point or Argument that
supports contention for Topic
Sentence)
What is the essay question/topic I have chosen?
What are the key words? (Find synonyms in the dictionary)
What is the question asking (put the question in my own words)?
What is my main opinion/contention that I will argue?
Idea 3 (Point or Argument that
supports contention for Topic
Sentence)
Idea 4 (Point or Argument that
supports contention for Topic
Sentence)
Unpacking Ideas
Question:
Contention:
Idea/Point/Argument 1
Examples from stories
Quote
Idea/Point/Argument 2
Examples from stories
Quote
Idea/Point/Argument 3
Examples from stories
Quote
Idea/Point/Argument 4
Examples from stories
Quote
Let’s look at constructing our essay:
First follow these steps:
What is the topic saying?
Clarify topic. Use key words from topic.
Do I agree with it? agree, disagree, to an extent, to a large extent, partly, in some ways,
What is going to be my contention(opinion)? That…
Sample introductory sentence beginnings:
First
Sentences
(choose
one)
Clarify –
choose
one & add
2 of your
own!
Jhumpha Lahiri’s anthology, ‘Interpreter of Maladies,’ illustrates ...
explores …
centres around …
is set in ... and ...
boldly examines…
presents…
highlights how…
depicts ….
shows ....
demonstrates ...
The text shows us that ________ and _________ are important because
The importance of ___________________ and _____________ is clearly evident because
For ____________ and _____________ this means that …
While it is true that the text focuses on __________ and _________ it does not, however, …
Position
(choose one)
At some time most individuals have to face _________ and in the anthology we see this is evident through the …
Not only do individuals have to confront ____________ but the text shows us the importance of ________________ and
how this can serve to ____________
Clearly, Lahiri reminds us that …
(First reason for my position: ) ←(Don’t use first person or express this way! This is for
Helping you to brainstorm.)
Firstly... (Use linking words – these are rather basic but can be used effectively nonetheless)
Body
Paragraphs
Begin with
topic
sentences
that respond
to key ideas
in topic –
key words
important
(Topic Sentences followed 3 e’s: example, explanation, evidence from the text)
(Second reason for my position:)
In addition...
(Third reason for my position)
Furthermore ....
(Or looking at alternative view) (sometime your position is not
Clear yes/no answer)
However... While...
(Fourth reason for my position)
Moreover ...
(Finish each paragraph with a link to topic)
You will not have time to brainstorm in detail in the SAC OR EXAM but Don’t
forget to do dictionary work: look for synonyms and clues for deeper
and more accurate meaning of key words in the topic.
DO BRAINSTORM BRIEFLY - YOUR CONTENTION & 4 MAIN
TOPIC SENTENCES FOR BODY PARAGRAPHS THAT
INCLUDE KEY WORDS RELATED TO TOPIC.
Remember for a really good essay, it is hard to give a formula but this
is a way to start if you get stuck!!!