Lesson One - Essay Writing

Introduction

Lesson One - Essay Writing (Literary Exploration)
Duration - 1 block (1 x 80 min + homework)

"Words are but things, and a small drop of ink, falling like dew, upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think." - Lord Byron

Unit One is heavy on notes. Do not panic - the remainder of the course is not like this!! This unit is designed as a review and presentation of the bulk of the theory (notes) that you will need for this course. Please print off the notes and rubric and store them in a separate binder for easy reference as you move through ELA 30-2.

You will not be able to escape the task of writing essays during your high school career. As well, you are required to write one on your ELA 30-2 Diploma Exam. It is essential, therefore, that you understand the basics of the five-paragraph essay. 

Several times throughout this course, you will be expected to write a well-supported, carefully constructed essay. You likely have written essays before, but this lesson will serve as a review for that particular process.

Resources

NOTES
The Five Paragraph Essay
Editing

TEMPLATE
Literary Exploration Outline

EXAMPLES
samples of students' literary explorations

RUBRIC
Literary Exploration

Websites
five paragraph essay 
writing strategies (OWL) 
writing skills

VIDEO

Lesson

Read and study the notes on The Five Paragraph Essay.
Read and study the notes on Editing. 

Study the Literary Exploration Rubric, so you are aware of the various categories in which your writing will be assessed.

Essay Writing Websites
Explore the essay writing websites to be aware of the kind of online writing help that is available to you.

Take the time to check out all of the links under ELA Websites found under the INFO tab.  You will also find a dictionary and thesaurus - which you should always use when you write.  In fact, when you write Part A of your ELA 30-2 Diploma Exam, you are allowed to use a dictionary and thesaurus.

Assignment

(15 marks)

Open a new Word document. Label it E302U1L1surname 
In this document, answer the questions based on the five paragraph essay notes, editing, and rubric, as outlined below.

Submit this assignment using the Dropbox Folder for U1L1 essay writing

1. What are the five paragraphs in the basic five-paragraph essay? (3)
2. Describe the three parts of the introductory paragraph. (3)
3. What is a thesis statement? (1)
4. What is the main purpose of the body paragraphs? (1)
5. What are the three things that a conclusion needs? (3)
6. What are the four categories in the rubric on which you will be evaluated when writing essays? (1)
7. When using the rubric to evaluate the category "thought and support", the "limited" category indicates that this particular element is lacking. What is it? (1)
8. What link will you find useful at the OWL writing strategies web site? (1)

Conclusion

You have reviewed various concepts and terms relating to essay writing. 
Store this information in your "NOTES" binder for quick referral as you progress through this course. Create a separate section for rubrics, and add the literary exploration rubric there.