Formal Writing
The Beginning:
What is a thesis
statement?
A thesis statement focuses on the
main idea of an essay or a speech
in one sentence.
The Beginning:
Where is the thesis
statement?
The thesis statement is located in
the introductory paragraph and it
is explained with supporting
evidence throughout the body of
the essay or speech.
Example:
Which of the following
would be an example of a
thesis statement?
a. “I am going to tell you all about poetry.”
b. “There are lots of things you can learn about the Periodic
Table of Elements.”
c. “Much can be said about converting percents, fractions, and
decimals.”
d. “The three branches of government that have its own powers
and responsibilities are legislative, executive, and judicial.
Correct Answer:
d. “The three branches of government
that have its own powers and
responsibilities are legislative, executive,
and judicial.”
The Beginning:
What is the
Introductory
Paragraph’s purpose?
A well written introductory
paragraph GRABS the reader’s
attention.
The Beginning:
Introductory Paragraph

Includes:
 Hook
Thesis statement
The Beginning:
Introductory Paragraph
Does not include:
Concluding statement
The Beginning:
How to use
Attention Getters
One way to grab the reader’s attention:
State an interesting or startling fact
(Note: This adds curiosity to the
introduction!)
The Beginning:
How to use
Attention Getters
Another way to grab the reader’s attention:
Begin your essay or speech by
asking a question.
(Note: This gets your audience thinking
about your topic!)
The Middle:
What are
Transitions?
Select words that are used to provide coherence to
supporting sentences and paragraphs.
Transitional expressions allow the sentences
to flow smoothly and connect to each other.
(Think of a musical instrument being played
harmoniously!)
The Middle:
Examples of
Transition words
Transition words to use
First of all
Because
Secondly
However
Finally
Meanwhile
Therefore
As a result
In addition to
For example
The Middle:
Where are
transitions found?
Transition sentences are usually
found at the first sentence of the
paragraph.
The Middle:
Examples of
Transitional expressions

“Another example is…”
(give a personal connection!)

“Although this appears to be the case…”
(provide a different perspective!)
The Middle:
What does this
element do?
Body paragraph

Includes supporting details
The End:
What does this
element do?
Concluding paragraph

Usually restates the thesis statement in some
form
The End:
What does this
element do?
Concluding paragraph

Lets the readers know that the composition is
complete.
The End:
Answer the question
“So what?”
Concluding paragraph




Pose a new question
Connect to a bigger picture
Evoke a visual image
Suggest results or a call of action
Example:
Which of the following
would be an example of a
concluding statement?
a. “Because it is easy to see that littering is bad for the ozone layer and
needs to be stopped, I urge you to consider your actions before making
the problems at hand worse.”
b. “I wonder how technology will affect us ten years from now.”
c. “Now you know how this world is full of community service
opportunities.”
d. “Depression, drinking, and death are three issues that Edgar Allan
Poe dealt with throughout his lifetime.
Correct Answer:
a. “Because it is easy to see that littering
is bad for the ozone layer and needs to
be stopped, I urge you to consider your
actions before making the problems at
hand worse.”
How to write a
Persuasive Speech
#1 Choose a problem/
an issue
to discuss
State your position



What is the problem/issue?
Are you FOR it?
Are you AGAINST it?
#2 Identify your
audience
Speak specifically to the group of people
you want to persuade



Who is the speech addressing?
How much do they already know about the
issue?
How much more do you need to inform them
on the topic?
#3 Support your
position
Brainstorm facts and examples


What information can be proven?
What real world example have they
experienced, heard, or seen about the issue?
#4 Provide a solution
or suggest an action
Give specific examples


How many options can you provide to
convince your audience?
How does your solution or action benefit your
audience?
Persuasive Speech
Guidelines
Important
information to
include:
Issue
Audience
Supporting facts &
examples
Solution
Answer here:
Possible
Persuasive Speech
Sentence Format
(Fill in the blank)
I want ____________ because ____________________.
(claim)
(reasoning)
I understand ________________________; however,
(parents’ objection)
______________________. If not, ________________.
(counter argument)
(your responsibility)