if you don't do the reading, you will not know what ideas to emphasize. If you don't annotate what you read, you will forget what you found important. Finding ideas mean re-reading what you already read, and writing about the ideas you find most interesting that are also relevant to the assignment.
The assignment is simple: is New York prepared? Why or why not? Consider giving three reasons.
*the thesis statement: 2-3 sentences.
The thesis is an argument. It means that someone else can disagree with it. The ideas in the thesis will repeat in the topic sentences in the paragraphs. The sole purpose of the paragraphs is to defend the thesis.
*unified paragraphs and quote sandwiches
A unified paragraph is one that is about one main idea. All the sentences relate back to that one main idea. One can find that main idea in the topic sentence. The paragraph is structured as a quote sandwich.
*structuring the thesis into paragraphs
The thesis will become split up into topic sentences. Those sentences will become the main ideas, or claims, for those supporting paragraphs.
*connecting ideas from paragraph to paragraph (flow)
Before you write a topic sentence, you might want to write a transition sentence. The transition sentence connects the main idea in one paragraph to another. The entire transition could hinge on one word. Consulting They Say I Say is a good idea here.
*the writing voice
Students shouldn't worry too much about the voice. You want to sound professional above all: this means you use vocabulary from the reading, but you define it in your own words. As a writer, your job is teach your subjects to your reader. Your reader needs to understand your writing and your ideas, but also learn about the ideas you've learned from the reading.
*the Writing Center
It's in B-200. What's more important to you? Feedback, your grade, and becoming a better writer, or something else? College is a long-term investment. Work is a short-term investment. Strike the right balance.
*introductions
Lead off with a story or an image. Do not lead off with a general, generic statement. Transition from the story or image into your thesis. Imagine how easy it will be to start off with cinematic details of Hurricane Sandy...
*grammar
Don't obsess over grammar. Read your work out loud before turning it in. Your reader should be able to make sense of your ideas and understand them.
*critical thinking v tangents
Making connections is a sign of sophistication and intelligence. Those aren't necessarily tangents. Show the steps of your thinking. Does it make sense to someone not in your head? Get someone else to read the paper - your friends or family. Do they get it? What parts are confusing? Revise.
*conclusions
Go big. Don't repeat your thesis. Be creative. Say why your ideas matter. Leave an impression. Make it personal.
*citations and bibliography
Correct citations matter. You must have a bibliography of sources at the end in MLA style. The attempt counts. Leaving it out will cost you. It doesn't have to be perfect for this essay.
*the science paragraph
This paragraph will have a topic sentence unlike the other paragraphs, which are there to support your thesis. In this paragraph, you will explain the science of climate change, and what you believe to be the most relevant aspects of climate change to New York City. Students will be awarded more points for more details and richer explanations.
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