English 9, Wed. March 30

Missing today's class means you missed an 80 minute lesson on how to turn the quote log into an introduction. You must call your homework buddy for explanations on the steps below.
Step 1: Divide your quotes into categories by highlighting all the quotes that are on the same topic. For example, you may have three quotes about John's relationship with his parents and three on John's enjoyment of the Pigman and three quotes on John's wayward behaviour so you'd colour them appropriately. Read the log slowly and you'll find categories will pop out.

Step 2. Name each colour. Give each category a phrase such as: Lorraine's lack of self confidence, Lorraine's inability to stand up for herself, Lorraine's need for approval etc.

Step 3. Write a topic sentence for each quote log category.

Example: Colour 1(John's parents)- John's wayward behaviour directly reflects his upbringing--he has never learned respect.
Colour 2 (blame) Until John can accept responsibility for his actions, he will never grow into a mature, loving adult.

Colour 3 (support) Due to the support of Mr. Pignati, John learns to love: he is no longer afraid to accept himself.

STEP 4: Turn the three sentences above into one sentence. This sentence becomes your THESIS

In the novel, The Pigman, by Paul Zindel, John, Bathroom Bomber, Conlan learns to repsect himself, despite several negative role models, with the help of a lonely, old man who offers John unconditional love.

STEP 5: Create a hook (a compelling statement, question, quote or definition) to begin your essay. EX. All children need love. Or The Webster's Dictionary defines love as .... Or a quote from the novel or from another source. (ask me for the handout on how to write effective hooks)

STEP 6: Turn your thesis into a much shorter sentence (leave out in the novel, by ...etc) that is more emotional.

HOMEWORK: Turn all the 6 sentences above into a typed, double spaced, formal introduction.
Hook, thesis, colour sentences 1, 2, 3, repeat thesis.

Hand in this introduction at the beginning of tomorrow's class.

Bring your quote log to class tomorrow as we'll be working in the lab on body paragraphs 1 and 2 tomorrow. Come to the classroom first.