Writing Strategies & Character Analysis Questions for “What of This Goldfish…?”

Slide 1

Use RACES to organize a short response or a body paragraph

 R – reword the question and make it a statement (Topic sentence…What is your favorite class? My favorite class is…)

A – answer the question (I think…, I believe…, This is because…)

C – cite evidence (In the text…,The text states…, The text describes…, For example…, According to the passage… )

E – explain why your evidence answers the question (This proves…, this shows…,This is because…, This illustrates… )

S – sum it all up (closing, restate topic sentence)

Slide 2

Use HIT 2 Reasons to brainstorm for an essay

Paragraph 1
H - hook
I - background, introductory information
T – thesis – your stand plus your reasons (briefly mentioned)
Paragraph 2
Reason 1 - explain with examples and details
Paragraph 3
Reason 2 - explain with examples and details
Paragraph 4
Conclusion - restate thesis and main points without repetition
- end with thought provoking statement or a
"Seal the Deal" comment

There are no specific requirements for # of paragraphs. MUST have an introduction, a body, and a closing.

Slide 3

Introductory paragraph

H - Start with a HOOK

I - Introduce the topic – what is it about, who is the author of the main reading selection used, what is the title, what is the genre, etc.

T - Lead up to the thesis – do not start with the thesis

Slide 4

Hook the reader

Use something creative to catch the reader’s attention. Be distinctive, but don’t get out of hand!

Possible Hooks

  1. Begin with a simile or a metaphor.
  2. Begin with a question.
  3. Begin with a definition.
  4. Begin with a quotation.
  5. Begin with a comparison to a well-known person or celebrity.
  6. Begin with placing yourself in the future.
  7. Begin with a dilemma.
  8. Begin with a scene.
  9. Begin with the best advice you have ever received.
  10. Begin with an anecdote.

Slide 5

Introducing the topic in the 1st paragraph

Be vague – in general

Get specific and use explanations in the body

Lead up to the thesis

Introduce the topic – don’t start supporting

DO NOT EXPLAIN YOUR OPINION IN THE 1ST

Slide 6

Thesis Statement:

YOUR OPINION ON THE TOPIC

AT THE END OF THE 1ST PARAGRAPH

ANSWERS THE WRITING PROMPT

CAN INTRODUCE YOUR REASONS FOR THE OPINION BUT DO NOT EXPLAIN UNTIL THE BODY

Other helpful tips:

Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.
How to Generate a Thesis Statement for an argumentative paper

Almost all assignments, no matter how complicated, can be reduced to a single question. Your first step, then, is to distill the assignment into a specific question. For example, if your assignment is, “Write a report to the local school board explaining the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class,” turn the request into a question like, “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” After you’ve chosen the question your essay will answer, compose one or two complete sentences answering that question.

Example:

Q: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?”

A: “The potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class are . . .”

OR

A: “Using computers in a fourth-grade class promises to improve . . .”

The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.

Components of a thesis

Reason or Opinion on the subject plus two reasons (or more if needed)

Example: Environmentalist should be supported in their efforts to thwart global warming because of the devastating impact on economies, and global warming will cause more storms and other weather extremes.

Slide 7

The body paragraphs: USE RACES

The topic you have chosen must now be explained, described, or argued.

Start with a topic sentence, follow with supporting sentences and examples (STAY ON TOPIC)

Use transitions

If you can ask “how” or “why” with any sentence in your body – you are able to elaborate your points with details and support

It’s okay to provide a counterargument (rebuttal), but DON’T GET OFF TOPIC.

Slide 8

The closing/conclusion:

The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic.

All the conclusion needs is three or four strong sentences which do not need to follow any set formula. Simply review the main points (being careful not to restate them exactly) or briefly describe your feelings about the topic. Even an anecdote can end your essay in a useful way.

Slide 9

Choose from one of the following. You will write a character analysis essay with a minimum of 4 paragraphs to respond.

Describe a dynamic character in EtgarKeret’s “What of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?”

In EtgarKeret’s short story, “What of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?”, why do feel Sergei is lonely?

What do the character’s actions reveal about their personality?

How does the character’s cultural background influence his actions, thoughts, and motivations?