In Grade 10 English, we are learning how to write. For two weeks, we have been examining how we create an argument in our writing. This unit takes the elements of writing an academic essay and breaks it up into 12 separate lessons. Students learn how to:
- Identify, recognize and use the conventions of different writing types
- Create a thesis in response to a prompt
- Create a thesis without a prompt
- Structure an essay. Developing quality topic sentences for each supporting point
- Identify quality evidence and embed this evidence into their arguments
- Analyze the evidence
- Use linking phrases, transitions and features to connect the ideas within a paragraph to the thesis statement
- Write an introduction
- Write a conclusion
- Examine their use of language and its formality
- Consider their individual writing style
- Edit
The whole workshop takes about three weeks. We are now two weeks into the process and the work that I have seen has been excellent. They are really embracing the task and developing their writing skills. Keep encouraging them.