Workshop Essay Choices

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WORKSHOP ESSAY CHOICES:

Choose an essay topic from the choices in this packet to write your monthly Workshop Essay. By April, you must have chosen an essay topic from each category.

To create your THESIS STATEMENT, simply restate or answer (briefly) the task being asked of you. EXAMPLE- There is a quote by Albert Einstein that describes Josh from No Promises in the Wind by Irene Hunt.

Persuasive Essay- Persuasive writing uses logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, as well as using examples and quotes.

Find a QUOTE that can be applied to the main character in the book. How does the quote relate to that character? CONVINCE me that this quote describes certain character traits of the main character. Use specific details and examples.

Identify a BETTER, more fitting title for the book you read. CONVINCE me that your title fits the plot of the book better than its original title. Use specific examples, quotes by the characters and specific situations the characters find themselves in to prove your opinion.

Example Thesis Statement: ______

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3. Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why? Why not? BE SPECIFIC!!! Use details from the book to support your reasons for recommending the book or not.

For a 4 paragraph essay (September – December), please identify TWO REASONS for either recommending or not recommending the book.
For a 5 paragraph essay (January – April), please identify THREE REASONS for either recommending or not recommending the book.

Cause and Effect Essay- Cause and Effect essays are concerned with why things happen (causes) and what happens as a result (effects). Cause and effect is a common method of organizing and discussing ideas.

1. Identify one major *CONFLICT in the book. What are the causes (reasons) of this conflict? Describe the effects from the causes that create the conflict.

For a Four Paragraph Essay, identify the Conflict in the Thesis Statement and Topic Sentences. Use Body Paragraph One to write about the causes of the Conflict. Use Body Paragraph Two to describe the effects of the causes.
For a Five Paragraph Essay, discuss the Conflict in Body Paragraph One. Use Body Paragraph Two to write about the causes of the Conflict, and Body Paragraph Three to describe the effects of the causes.

*Conflict- In the plot, conflict occurs when the protagonist is opposed by some person or

force. Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Society & Man vs. Self

Compare and Contrast Essay- A Compare/Contrast essay shows similarities and differences between two or more items, books, characters or ideas.

Compare and Contrast two main characters from your book. In one body paragraph, show the similarities between the two characters and add examples from the book. In the other body paragraph, identify the differences between the two characters and add examples from the book.
If you are writing a FIVE (5) paragraph essay (January-April), use the third body paragraph to identify which character you enjoyed the most out of the two. Be sure to include specific examples and details from the book to support your choice.

Example Thesis Statement: ______

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If you have read two or more books in a series, compare and contrast these books. Identify the likenesses and differences between characters, plot, conflict and/or theme.
If you are writing a FIVE (5) paragraph essay (January-April), use the third body paragraph to identify which book you enjoyed the most out of the two. Be sure to include specific examples and details from the book to support your choice.

Descriptive Essay- The purpose of a Descriptive Essay is to paint pictures with words. By using sensory details and precise words, you are able to effectively create a vivid image, establish a mood or express emotion.

1.What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance the story? Be sure to describe the setting, both time and place, using descriptive language. How was the setting important to the story? Explain.
Example Thesis Statement: ______
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2. Describe the part of the book you found to be the most exciting or exhilarating. Identify TWO solid reasons (for a 4 paragraph essay) or THREE solid reasons (for a 5 paragraph essay) why you enjoyed this part the best. Use descriptive language to enhance your opinions. Add examples, details and quotes to support the reasons you identified for choosing the most exciting part of the book.
Reaction Essay- A reaction essay is meant to describe your personal first response or reaction to a piece of writing, a video or another piece of media or event. Reaction essays are meant to give your reaction and why you feel that way.

Who was your favorite character? Why? Use specific details and examples from the book to PROVE your opinion. For example, if you say Sam was your favorite character because he was funny, clever and kind, you will need to show examples of these characteristics. BE SPECIFIC!!

Example Thesis Statement: ______

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2. Who was your least favorite character? Why? Again, you must use SPECIFIC EXAMPLES and DETAILS from the book to prove your opinion.

3. Did you have a favorite part of the book? What was it? Why was it your favorite part from the book? Explain with detailed examples and reasons as to why you chose that part as your favorite.

For a Four Paragraph Essay (September-December), use Body Paragraph One to explain your first reason as to why the part was your favorite. Do not write a summary of the part. Instead, by using details and examples to support your reason, you are also explaining what happened in your favorite part. Do the same with Body Paragraph Two, but this time you are going to explain your second reason why the part you chose was your favorite.
For a Five Paragraph Essay (January-April), please identify three different reasons why the part you chose was your favorite. Use Body Paragraph One to explain your first reason, Body Paragraph Two to explain your second reason, and Body Paragraph Three to explain your final reason. Do not write a summary of the part. Instead, by using details and examples to support your reason, you are also explaining what happened in your favorite part.

4. What lessons did you learn from reading your book? What happened in the story to make you learn these lessons?

Example Thesis Statement: ______

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Identify TWO lessons learned if you are writing a 4 Paragraph Essay. Identify THREE lessons learned if you are writing a 5 Paragraph Essay. For both, explain one lesson per Body Paragraph.

Reaction Essay Questions Continued…………………………………………….

5. Were you surprised by the ending of the book? How were you surprised? Why were you surprised? Explain with details and examples from the ending to support your opinion.

Example Thesis Statement: ______

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Write the title of the book you read for each month. Identify the type of essay you choose for each month. Mark which question you are answering.

SEPTEMBER:

Book Title-______