Just In Case . . .

Just in case you weren't in class next week, this is the Part 1 of your English Final. It is worth 100 points. Please read it carefully. Don't forget: to do BOTH essays, to type it, to hand it in ON TIME, to have research, to have the proper structure of an essay, etc.


English Final: Part 1
Two Essays (big surprise, right?)

Assignment: 2 three-paragraph essays

Each of your essays needs to follow these guidelines:
-Be typed and double-spaced in 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
-Have an outline for your essay (topic, thesis, reason/example, opposing view, refutation, call to action)
-Have a complete introduction, body paragraph (only one), and conclusion for each essay. MAKE SURE you follow the proper structure of an essay.
-If you have a thesis as your first sentence, I will take off 10 points.
-You should have TWO commentaries for every example.
-The back of this paper reviews the structure of an essay.
-Include at least one piece of research in your essay and cite where you got it
-Use proper grammar, punctuation, etc.
-Use respectful, essay-writing language (i.e. DON’T use “stupid,” “dumb,” etc.)
-Include a title for your essays

Your two essays are due at the beginning of class on the day of your scheduled final:
A1: Friday 22 A3: Wednesday 27 A4: Wednesday 27
B5: Tuesday 26 B6: Tuesday 26 B8: Thursday 28

Rubric for Essays:
Outline (does not need to be double-spaced) /5
Introduction /5
Body Paragraph /10
Conclusion /5
Format (typed, double-spaced, 12 pt) /5
Structure of an Essay, title /10
GUM (grammar, usage, mechanics) /5
Research /5
Total: /50
Comments:



This part of your final is worth 100 points.

Extra credit may be earned if you turn your essay in early (at least 2 days before your scheduled final), I grade it and give it back to you, and you revise it for a final draft.

Part 2 of your final will be in class during your scheduled time. Part 2 will include:
knowing the structure of an essay, grammar, punctuation, etc. If you know the structure of an essay and have been paying attention in class, you probably won’t have to study.
FYI: There will be a test the last day of classes, Friday 29th, worth at least 20 points. If you do not come, you will receive a zero for this assignment.

YOU SHOULD ALREADY KNOW THIS, BUT HERE IS A REVIEW FOR THE STRUCTURE OF AN ESSAY:

Structure of a Persuasive Essay –

INTRODUCTION: (hook the reader)
1. State/identify topic (I want to find out in the first line what I'll be reading about.)
2. Give background information (Why is this topic important?)
3. Hint at structure (Hint at what you’ll be talking about in the rest of the essay.)
4. Thesis (take a stand)

BODY PARAGRAPH(S): (In a full essay, you usually have at least 3 body paragraphs. This is the meat, the substance of your essay)
1. Topic sentence (Every other sentence in the body paragraph should relate to your topic sentence.)
2. Concrete detail/Example (this is your first point)
3. Commentary/Explanation of example (you explain your example, these are your thoughts)
4. Opposing view (address the other side)
“Some people think/believe . . .” (a good way to start out)
5. Refutation (prove them wrong, or at least point out why the other side is weak. You present the opposing view in order to refute it.)
“However/but/even though/contrary to this . . .”
6. Transition/Concluding Sentence (make your essay flow from one paragraph to the next)

CONCLUSION: (this is the last thing the reader will read, so make it count)
1. Key points in brief/summarize (review your main points)
2. Restate thesis (don't copy it exactly, say it a little differently)
3. Call to action (now what? what do you want the reader to do after they read your essay?)

**Next year, when you write a 5-paragraph essay, ONLY ONE paragraph will have the opposing view and refutation.