• Step one: Go to the Stuarts Draft homepage, then to my teacher
page. Click on the tab “Work Day”
• Step two: Practice writing a 5-Paragraph Essay on the prompt on the
other side of this sheet of paper.
– Open the “5-Paragraph Essay” Powerpoint
– Use this Powerpoint to fill out a virtual “hand” to practice writing
another 5 Paragraph Essay
– Look through the tips on writing grabbers, thesis statements, topic
sentences, and zingers.
– Then in a word document, type the paper you would write on this
topic. Use the hand you created to guide you. Print this when you
finish.
• Step three: Go back to the “Work Day” page on my teacher site.
Click on the links for grammar review practice for the Writing SOL
multiple choice test.
The 5-Paragraph Essay Format
The Paragraphs:
INTRO: Indent and start with a grabber (3 sentences) to interest your reader and end with your
answer to the question in the format of a 3-point thesis.
Point 1 Paragraph : This paragraph is focused on proving point 1 of your thesis statement. Start by
indenting. Use a transition word. Your first sentence is a “topic sentence” that should be modeled
after the wording of your thesis. Finish by adding 3 specific and detailed examples that prove it this
point.
Point 2 Paragraph : This paragraph is focused on proving point 2 of your thesis statement. Start by
indenting and use a transition word. Your first sentence is a “topic sentence” that should be modeled
after the wording of your thesis. Finish by adding 3 specific and detailed examples that prove it this
point.
Point 3 Paragraph : This paragraph is focused on proving point 3 of your thesis statement. Start by
indenting and use a transition word. Your first sentence is a “topic sentence” that should be modeled
after the wording of your thesis. Finish by adding 3 specific and detailed examples that prove it this
point.
CONCLUSION: Indent, begin your conclusion with a transition word, and then restate your thesis
statement in different words. Then add a little more – a zinger – that ends your essay with something
interesting. Zingers should be no less than 3 sentences.
Make sure to use a detailed thesis and a restated thesis
• Thesis: Celebrities do not make good role models
because they do not stay married, they are
changed by money, and they worry too much
about their weight.
• NOT: Celebrities do not make good role models
because they are not good examples, they are bad
people, and they are not cool.
And use words from the question to start
your thesis!
Good Grabbers for Essays
A grabber is just an interesting way to start your introductory paragraph
 A command to the reader –
 Just walk through the grocery store isle and you can see how celebrities are famous for negative
qualities.
 A question –
 When you were a child did you look up to a celebrity?
 A quotation –
 “I want to be just like Britney Spears,” I remember saying when I was four years old.
 An action –
 Finding out about the accomplishments of celebrities is easy, but what is more easy is finding out
their faults.
 A sound effect –
 BAM! Britney Spears hits a car window with her umbrella. BAM! George Clooney punches a camera
man and it is all on the news.
 A theme statement –
 Celebrities are celebrated for being dumb.
 A thought –
 As I was growing up, I looked up to Miley Cyrus. I thought…
Sample Transition Words
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Similarly
As compared to
Simultaneously
As stated above
Consequently
As a final point
Likewise
Because of
Afterwards
First of all
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
In addition
Concurrently
On one hand
On the other hand
Thus
As a result
Owing to
Thanks to
Topic Sentence – from the thesis
• Each paragraph should have a first sentence that is an off shoot of the thesis.
• Thesis is: I would like the older generations to know that my generation is a
high achieving generation because we take more advanced classes, more
young people are attending college, and my generation is focused on more
than just getting through school.
• Point paragraph 1 starts:
– First of all, I would like the older generations to see that my generation
is high achieving because we push ourselves in school to take advanced
classes.
• Point paragraph 2 starts:
– Secondly, the older generations should come to understand that more
people from my generation are going to college to achieve higher goals.
• Point paragraph 3 starts:
– Furthermore, the older generations needs to know that my generation
is focused on more than just getting through school.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Zinger tips…
Restate the main points raised in the paper. What you are doing here is to repeat for
your readers those patterns of development first articulated in the thesis statement; in
effect, you are now tying the package together.
Close with a quotation. This can be a very effective means for closing out an essay. It
adds style and grace to the writing. The best quotes, again, come out of popular culture
or wisdom. The quote(s) should be directly related to the subject matter. Using quotes
definitely gives your audience the impression that you are in control of the material.
Close with an anecdote. Once more, we are dealing with readability. Audiences love
good stories, those that have a core, a sensibility. The writer who can close a
composition with a brief story is certainly going to leave a memorable impression on the
readers.
Restate the main point and end with a thought-provoking question. Anytime you can
focus the audience on the main point of your writing, then leave them with something to
mull over once they have finished the reading, then you have succeeded.
End with a prediction or recommendation based upon the subject matter. Remember
that the prediction reflects what might or will take place if the assertion in your thesis is
not followed through or acted upon. This engages the audience into actions which is
always a positive effect. In the same vein, giving the audience a recommendation or
series of recommendations is effective in that you are providing them with a list of
actions they can take. This moves the audience from passive readers to active doers.
Your Paper Topic
Prompt # 210
According to the old saying, “Money can’t
buy happiness.” Tell whether you agree or
disagree and give reasons to support your
opinion.
** Note: How your prompt looks on the paper handed out to you is how the prompt
will look on the day of the actual test. Take a look at the writing checklist they provide
for you to help you plan, revise, edit, and review your paper.
“The Hand”
“The Thumb” = Intro
Grabber:
3-point thesis statement:
Can money
buy
happiness?
“The Hand”
“First Finger ” = First point
Topic sentence with transition word:
3-details to prove point:
“The Hand”
“Second Finger ” = Second point
Topic sentence with transition word:
3-details to prove point:
“The Hand”
“Third Finger ” = Third point
Topic sentence with transition word:
3-details to prove point:
“The Hand”
“Pinky” = Conclusion
Restated Thesis with Transition Word:
Zinger:
Can mon
buy
happines
Write the Paper!!
• Use the slides you just filled out to help you
and guide you.
• If you do not get a chance to finish – save your
powerpoint and word document to my drop
box.
• Click “Save as” and save as your name in the
“Dillon” dropbox, which is in “My computer” –
“P:Public Drive” – “Dropbox” -“Dillon”
dropbox