WHAT IS A BROTHER ESSAY
7th Grade English
WHAT IS A BROTHER?
Keeping in mind the difference between the
figurative and literal meaning, do a quick-write
of the literal definition of brother. Look up in the
dictionary to get started.
 Dictionary Definition of “Brother:”
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KEY CHARACTERISTICS THAT COME TO YOUR
MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF A BROTHER/ SISTER:
(Take these characteristics from what you have
written in your free write about what a brother is.)
 _________________________
 _________________________
 _________________________
 _________________________
 _________________________
 _________________________
FIGURATIVE VS. LITERAL
Figurative means:
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
 Figurative example
A brother….
 Literal means:
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
 Literal example
 A brother…
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
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TANGERINE CONNECTION
“You take care of yourself, brother. I’ll see you in the
groves.”
“Yeah. Bye.” I hung up. But I heard that word
“brother” echoing long afterward. I looked up at
the ceiling, and I heard Erik pacing back and
forth, back and forth, in the cage that he had
made for himself.
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Why do Tino’s words mean so much to Paul?
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
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What events and characteristics make a
brother?
In what ways can a person be a brother to
someone without being a relative?
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
Thesis : tells the reader what to expect from the
rest of the paper.
The thesis:
 directly answers the question asked of you. A
thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject
 must offer a way to understand the topic.
 makes a claim that others might dispute.
 is usually a single sentence somewhere in your
first paragraph that presents your argument to
the reader.
SAMPLE ESSAY- INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
Some people think you have to be family to
call someone a brother. Others believe that you
can have a brother that is not actually related to
you. I personally have best friends that I consider
“sisters.” Over time, I have developed these close
sisterhoods through trust, respect and
acceptance.
Can you find the thesis sentence?
CREATING A THESIS (TOPIC SENTENCE)

A thesis must sum-up what your essay will cover
in the following paragraphs. The thesis is your
main idea!
Main points made in sample paragraph:
 Trust
 Respect
 Acceptance
THESIS FILL-IN-THE-BLANK
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A friend is revealed as a brother through loyalty,
kindness, and honesty.
A ________________ can be seen as a ____________
if they possess these traits _________________,
________________, _________________.
The qualities of ___________, ____________, and
________________ are essential in making any
_____________ become more like a _____________.
**You can use re-wording for the anchor sentence
in your last paragraph as well.***
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BODY/ SUPPORTING PARAGRAPHS
What should my body paragraphs have?
1. Statement based on the thesis
 2. Example
 3. Explanation that shows how evidence supports
the thesis
 4. Example
 5. Explanation that shows how evidence supports
the thesis

BODY PARAGRAPHS OF SAMPLE ESSAY
It’s important to have trust in a friendship.
For example, when my “sisters” are over, I don’t
have to worry that they will get into my personal
belongings or that they will cause damage to my
property. I also trust them with my secrets. I
know that I can confide in them and they will
keep my problems private. Finally, I know my
“sisters” will always be on my side. On the rare
occasion that someone is angry with me, I know
my “sisters” will stand up for me and take my
side.
WHAT GOES IN MY CONCLUSION?
Close the Mood by writing REAL
 1. Restatement of thesis using strong words by
stating what was proved in body paragraphs
 2. Evaluation of what thesis proved, bringing the
reader to a higher level of understanding
regarding the topic
 3. Analogy or figure of speech that brings your
essay to a powerful conclusion by
 4. Leaving the audience convinced you’ve proven
your thesis
CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH OF SAMPLE ESSAY
Just like Paul found in his “brotherhood”
with Tino, I have found that trust, respect and
acceptance can forge friendships into sisterhood.
While I respect the sacredness of family, I have
also found that my friends are essential in my
life. There are times that I need my figurative
sisters’ support more than my literal sister’s
support. My figurative sisters get me through
some of the toughest times, and I am thankful
that I have them.
WRITING PROMPT

The novel Tangerine by Edward Bloor focuses on
the topic of “brotherhood”. Think carefully about
how friendship creates a connection very
similar to family. Write a five paragraph essay
explaining what three traits a friend must have
to be like family. Be sure to use examples from
Tangerine to support your ideas.
5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY RUBRIC- RATE THE
FOLLOWING FROM 1 (LOW) TO 5(HIGH).
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Ideas___Planning is evident
___Thesis is clearly stated
___There are three supporting ideas for the thesis
___Each supporting idea has personal evidence
Organization___The order is logical
___ Divided into 5 paragraphs.
___Voice/Word Choice- Voice is strong, Vocabulary is
vivid.
___Sentence Fluency- Sentence structure is varied and
flows well
___Conventions- spelling is correct, paragraphs are
indented, punctuation is correct
___Presentation- Final Draft is written neatly in pen or
typed
Score: ___/50x2+ = ___ %