9th Honors English

Composition Definitions
and Concepts
Mr. McKelvey
2014-2015
American Preparatory
Academy

Proper APA Heading: What should it

look like?
Proper Class Heading

Student Full Name

Teachers Name
Class Name or Period
Due Date
Assignment
(skip line)

1)Numbers should remain within the margin

2)Work should line up with the margin

3)Keep work neat and free of unnecessary marks or extra text

My Job and Your Job

English Language Arts

My Job

My Job is to accomplish the following

objectives:
Be Prepared
Be Knowledgeable of My Subject
Matter
Be Equitable In My Treatment of
Students
Be Consistent with Policies and
Procedures
Be Positive and Promote Personal

Your Job
Your job is to fulfill the following
expectations:

Be
Be
Be
Be

On Time
Prepared
Willing To Work
Willing To Achieve Greatness

How To Properly
Synthesize A Paragraph
APA William McKelvey
2014-2015

Proper Paragraph Format

Organization Basic Paragraph Format
Paragraphs are the building blocks of a paper. A paragraph
discusses one idea in detail and aids the development of an
overall topic for the essay. Paragraph lengths will vary
depending on the purpose of the paragraph.
PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH
The basic paragraph consists of four parts: a topic sentence,
supporting details, paraphrase the supporting details by
explaining in your own words, and a concluding sentence. This
basic paragraph format will help you to write and organize a
paragraph and make each paragraph lead to the next.

Proper Paragraph Format

TOPIC SENTENCE
The main idea of each paragraph is stated in a topic sentence that shows how the idea relates to the
thesis
or overall focus of the paper. Generally, the topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph. All
subsequent points made in the paragraphs should support the topic sentence.
SUPPORTING DETAILS
Supporting details elaborate upon and prove the topic sentence. Supporting details should be drawn from
a variety of sources and based on research, experiences, etc. plus the writers own analysis. Using a
combination of different supports is the most common and effective way to strengthen a paragraph. The
following are common ways to provide supporting details:
1) Expert Opinion
2)Facts and Statistics
3)Personal Experience
4)Others Experiences
5)Research Studies
6)Brief Stories
7)Journal Entries
8)Personal Analysis
9)Interviews
10)Metaphors

Proper Paragraph Format

CONCLUDING SENTENCE
Each paragraph should end with a final statement that ties together the ideas
brought up in the paragraph and emphasizes the main idea one last time. If the
assignment is longer, it should transition to the ideas of the next paragraph.
EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires eating a
nutritious diet and getting regular exercise. A nutritious diet
includes eating a variety of foods from each of the four food
groups: meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and grains. Regular
exercise is also an essential part of keeping a healthy lifestyle.
Most experts recommend exercising at least thirty minutes a day,
six days a week. These two aspects, eating a healthy diet and
exercising on a regular basis, will maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Formula For Proper Paragraph

Format

Topic Sentence
Supporting Detail #1
Paraphrase: Explain In Your Own Words
Supporting Detail #2
Paraphrase: Explain In Your Own Words
Supporting Detail #3
Paraphrase: Explain In Your Own Words
Concluding Remarks

Practice With Analogies

Examples Of Analogies
____: is to_____:: just as___ :is to______
1)hot: cold :: tall : _________
2) worker: factory ::
student:___________
3) cold: winter :: hot : _____________

Practice With Analogies: Synonyms

For Claim
Complete each word relationship
with a vocabulary word.
Deny: Refuse::

: Make Clear

Give Proof:

:: Examine: Investigate

Contend:achieve::
: persuade
Move forward:
::end: conclude

Practice With Synonyms For

Claim
Complete each sentence using a vocabulary word:
1)My views were after the Mayan Apocalypse
didnt occur.
2)She was a student based on her constant
studying and reading.
3)The author the conspiracy with little evidence.
4)The dominant speaker
his partys views at the
House of Representatives meeting last week.

Five Paragraph Essay Formula:

Student Cornell Notes
While evaluating this portion of the
slideshow, you will need to take
effective notes that may be utilized
throughout the entirety of the school
year

INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Hook
Hook
Thesis
Thesis
Map
Map
BODY
BODY PARAGRAPH
PARAGRAPH 1
1
Topic
Topic Sentence
Sentence
Evidence
Evidence
Commentary
Commentary
Evidence
Evidence
Commentary
Commentary
Evidence
Evidence
Commentary
Commentary
Transition
Transition

Five-Paragraph Essay

CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
Map
Map
Thesis
Thesis
Hook
Hook

Five-Paragraph Essay

Thesis Statements
Who, Where, Vivid Verb, that,
Theme.

W,W,VV,t,T

Maps
Pronoun, Vivid Verb, List,
Tie-in

P, VV, L, T

Hooks
Hooks can come in the
form of: personal
experiences,
observations, jokes,
statistics, quotations, or
questions.

Topic Sentences
Last Name, Vivid Verb, Map
Item, Why

LN, VV, MI,

W

Evidence
Evidence can come in two
forms:

Quotations or
Paraphrases

Commentary
Commentary explains (or
comments on) how the
evidence proves the topic
sentence and/or the thesis.
Use transition words often
in your commentary
sentences.

Thesis statements
Judge for yourself: Thumbs up=good thesis; thumbs
down=bad thesis.
The book, The Great Hornspoon, is both similar to
and different that the movie.
President Kennedy meant many things when he said,
Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what
you can do for your country.
Many People think uniforms should be mandatory.

Map Sentence
Map Sentence:
The sentence before the thesis, explains
what reasons support your thesis.

Intro Paragraph should contain:

Hook
Map
Thesis

Map statement practice

An Island getaway is the perfect way to unwind after a
busy school year.
List three reasons why this is true:
1.The sounds of waves allows for meditation.
2.Laying on the beach is rejuvenating for the body/
3.Change of scenery invigorates the senses.
.Now, turn these reasons into a sentence/attach it to the
thesis:--use transitional phrases/words to aid in this exercise.
.An island getaway is the perfect way to unwind after a busy
school year in that the sound of the waves allows for
meditation, laying on the beach is rejuvenating for the body,
and a change of scenery invigorates the senses.

Map Statement practice

Create a MAP sentence for each of these
thesis statements:
Students should consider the brain-worthy
benefits of leisure reading.
It is scientifically proven that sleep is
beneficial for the growth of the brain.
School lunch should be healthy and
nutritious.

Map Statement practice

Students should consider the brainworthy benefits of leisure reading.

Three Reasons:
1.
2.
3.

Thesis & Map together:

Topic Sentences
v
Write 1-2
sentences
about this
picture

Topic Sentences
Write 1-2 sentences
About this picture:

Topic Sentences

Finally, Write
1-2
sentences
about this
picture

Topic Sentences
Now, read your last 3-6
sentences; write a
sentence that unifies
these sentences.

Evidence
Like a lawyer in a jury trial, a writer
must convince her audience of the
validity of her argument by using
evidence effectively.
As a writer, you must also use
evidence to persuade your readers to
accept your claims, by leading your
reader through your reasoning.

Incorporating Evidence
-Offer evidence that agrees with your stance up
to a point, then add to it with ideas of your own.
-Present evidence that contradicts your stance,
and then argue against (refute) that evidence
and therefore strengthen your position.
-Use sources against each other, as if they were
experts on a panel discussing your proposition.
-Use quotations to support your assertion, not
merely to state or restate your claim.

Evidence
Weak or strong: thumbs up or thumbs down:
Today, we are too self-centered. Most families
no longer sit down to eat together, preferring
instead to eat on the go while rushing to the
next appointment (Gleick 148). Everything is
about what we want.
This is a weak example of evidence because the
evidence is not related to the claim. What does
the claim about self-centeredness have to do
with families eating together? The writer doesn't
explain the connection.

Evidence
Stronger use of evidence:
Today, Americans are too self-centered. Even our
families don't matter as much anymore as they once
did. Other people and activities take precedence. In
fact, the evidence shows that most American
families no longer eat together, preferring instead to
eat on the go while rushing to the next appointment
(Gleick 148). Sit-down meals are a time to share and
connect with others; however, that connection has
become less valued, as families begin to prize
individual activities over shared time, promoting
self-centeredness over group identity.

Evidence
Ex 1:
Today, we are too self-centered. "We are consumers-on-the-run . . .
the very notion of the family meal as a sit-down occasion is
vanishing. Adults and children alike eat . . . on the way to their next
activity" (Gleick 148). Everything is about what we want.
Ex 2:
Today, Americans are too self-centered. Even our families don't
matter as much any more as they once did. Other people and
activities take precedence, as James Gleick says in his book, Faster.
"We are consumers-on-the-run . . . the very notion of the family meal
as a sit-down occasion is vanishing. Adults and children alike eat . . .
on the way to their next activity" (148). Sit-down meals are a time to
share and connect with others; however, that connection has become
less valued, as families begin to prize individual activities over
shared time, promoting self-centeredness over group identity

Evidence
Citing Your Sources
Evidence appears in essays in the form of quotations and
paraphrasing. Both forms of evidence must be cited in your text.
Citing evidence means distinguishing other writers' information
from your own ideas and giving credit to your sources. There are
plenty of general ways to do citations. Note both the lead-in
phrases and the punctuation (except the brackets) in the following
examples:
Quoting: According to Source X, "[direct quotation]" ([date or page
#]).
Paraphrasing: Although Source Z argues that [his/her point in your
own words], a better way to view the issue is [your own point]
([citation]).
Summarizing: In her book, Source P's main points are Q, R, and S
[citation].

Evidence
Bottom line, avoid accidental plagiarism, and
give credit where credit is due.
Review:
Evidence should:
-agree with your stance
-be argued against to strengthen your claim.
-be used as sources that argue against each
other.
-support your assertion and be completely
relevant

Evidence Practice
Using the article highlight, underline, or circle
the usage of evidence.
Questions:
How is evidence used effectively in this article?
What is the same about the evidence usage
within the article?
How would you better use evidence if you
were to re-write the article?

Using Evidence Practice

Quoting: According to Source X,
"[direct quotation]" ([date or page #]).
[your commentary]
Paraphrasing: Although Source Z
argues that [his/her point in your own
words], a better way to view the issue
is [your own point] ([citation]).
Summarizing: In her book, Source P's
main points are Q, R, and S [citation].

Using Evidence Practice

Lets try together.
Quote:
Kindness is the language which the deaf can
hear and the blind can see.
Mark Twain
Now, write a topic sentence that addresses the
subject of the quote.
Now, explain the quotes meaning and usage.

Using Evidence/commentary
Topic Sentence:

Quote:

Commentary:

Using Evidence/commentary
Your turntry this one on your own:
Quote: Great minds discuss ideas; average minds
discuss events; small minds discuss people.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Topic sentence about this subject:
Commentary:
Now, put the components into their correct
positions (Topic sentence; quote with a
transitional phrase; commentary)

Using Evidence/Commentary Group

Work
1. Read the quote, figure out what claim
about life it it making in your group.
2. Write a paragraph using the quote
effectively.
3. Write paragraph on a piece of paper that
has both of your names on it. Be sure that
you are using the quote and claim effectively.
4.Work together to complete the assignment.
.5. This will be collected at the end of the
period

Concluding Paragraphs
--concluding paragraphs restate the
information in the introductory paragraph,
but use different words to do so.
Concluding paragraphs should also restate
(in different words of course) the map or
thesis statement.
So, lets try this together:

Concluding Paragraphs
Turn this intro paragraph into a concluding paragraph.
What is self respect? Having self respect is a huge deal for
me and others. If you dont have self respect, how are
others supposed to respect you? Disrespect is putting
yourself down, not dressing appropriately. Lacking self
respect might looks like not being yourself, but being what
others what you to be. Self respect is one aspect we can all
have. If you respect yourself, others will respect you as
well.
Highlight the main ideas in the paragraph, write them down.
Reword the main ideas.
Create a paragraph based on the main ideas you have
reworded.

Concluding Paragraphs
You try:
Introductory Paragraph:
Self respect is something everyone should have
because it reflects the way that others view you. The
reason it is important is because later in the future,
people will judge you based on the way you treat
yourself and others. The benefits of self respect are
confidence in yourself, not having to worry about
what others think, and a happy life.
Identify main ideas:
Reword main ideas:
Create a paragraph:

Concluding paragraphs
You try; Intro paragraph:
Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, could spend one million
dollars per day, every day, seven days a week and would not
run out of money until he was 311 years old! Most would
agree that he has reached a point of financial security. In fact,
it would be almost impossible to figure out how one could
spend one million dollars per day. For most Americans, finding
an occupation that is satisfying, earning enough money to live
comfortably, and figuring out a realistic blend between work
and leisure are three essential factors in beginning ones
career.
Main ideas:
Reword:
Rewrite

What Are Vivid Verbs?

(Pre Vocabulary Practices-Schematic Knowledge) In
your own words, please define the following terms:
1) claim
2) accuse
3)deem
4)defend
5)expound
6)hypothesize
7)pronounce

Vivid Verbs
1) claim: claim transitive verb \klm\
to say that (something) is true when some people may say it
is not true
to say that you have (something)
to say that (something) belongs to you or that you deserve
(something)
Full Definition of CLAIM
a) to ask for especially as a right <claimed the inheritance>
b) to call for : require <this matter claims our attention>

Vivid Verbs
claim (noun) : a statement saying that something
happened a certain way or will happen a certain way : a
statement saying that something is true when some
people may say it is not true
an official request for something (such as money) that is
owed to you or that you believe is owed to you
a right to have something
Full Definition of CLAIM
1) a demand for something due or believed to be due
<an insurance claim>
2)a : a right to something; specifically : a title to a debt,
privilege, or other thing in the possession of another
2

Vivid Verbs
2)accuse: accuse verb \-kyz\ : to blame
(someone) for something wrong or illegal : to say
that someone is guilty of a fault or crime
accusedaccusing
Full Definition of ACCUSE
transitive verb
1) to charge with a fault or offense : blame
2) to charge with an offense judicially or by a
public process
intransitive verb
to bring an accusation

Vivid Verbs
3)deem: deem verb \dm\ : to think of (someone or something) in
a particular way
Full Definition of DEEM
transitive verb
to come to think or judge : consider <deemed it wise to go slow>
intransitive verb
to have an opinion : believe
Examples of DEEM
The principal will take whatever action she deems appropriate in
this case.
deem it fitting that we mark this solemn occasion with a day of
prayer and thanksgiving.

Vivid Verbs
4)defend:defend verb \di-fend\ : to fight in
order to keep (someone or something) safe :
to not allow a person or thing to hurt,
damage, or destroy (someone or something)
2) to fight or work hard in order to keep
(something, such as a right, interest, cause,
etc.) from being taken away
3)to speak or write in support of (someone
or something that is being challenged or
criticized)

Vivid Verbs
5) expound: expound verb \ik-spauu nd\ :
to explain or state (something) : to give
details about (something)
Full Definition of EXPOUND
transitive verb
1a : to set forth : state
b : to defend with argument
2) to explain by setting forth in careful and
often elaborate detail <expound a law>

Vivid Verbs
6) hypothesize:hypothesize verb \sz\ : to suggest (an idea or theory) : to
make or suggest (a hypothesis)
hypothesizedhypothesizing
Full Definition of HYPOTHESIZE
intransitive verb
to make a hypothesis
transitive verb
to adopt as a hypothesis

Vocabulary Terms
7) pronounce:pronounce verb \pr-nauu n(t)s\ : to make the sound of (a word or letter) with
your voice
to say or speak (a word) correctly
to say or announce (something) in an official or formal way
pronouncedpronouncing
Full Definition of PRONOUNCE
transitive verb
1) to declare officially or ceremoniously <the minister pronounced them husband and wife>
2) to declare authoritatively or as an opinion <doctors pronounced him fit to resume duties>
3)a: to employ the organs of speech to produce <pronounce these words>; especially : to
say correctly <I can't pronounce his name>
b : to represent in printed characters the spoken counterpart of (an orthographic
representation) <both dictionaries pronounce clique the same>

More Vivid Verbs

In your own words please define the following Vivid Verbs:
Infer: (

Reveal: (

Imply: (

Explore: (

Illustrate: (

Suggest:

Vivid Verb Definitions

infer
infr
verb
verb: infer;3rd person present: infers;past
tense: inferred;past participle: inferred;
gerund or present participle: inferring
1. deduce or conclude (information) from
evidence and reasoning rather than from
explicit statements.

Vivid Verb Definitions

reveal
rivl
verb
verb: reveal;3rd person present:
reveals;past tense: revealed;past
participle: revealed;gerund or
present participle: revealing
1. make (previously unknown or secret
information) known to others.

Vivid Verb Definitions

imply
impl
verb
verb: imply;3rd person present:
implies;past tense: implied;past
participle: implied;gerund or present
participle: implying
1. strongly suggest the truth or existence
of (something not expressly stated).

Vivid Verb Definitions

explore
iksplr
verb
verb: explore;3rd person present: explores;
past tense: explored;past participle:
explored;gerund or present participle:
exploring
1. travel in or through (an unfamiliar country or
area) in order to learn about or familiarize
oneself with it.

Vivid Verb Definitions

illustrate
[lstret]
Verb
1. to clarify or explain by use of
examples, analogy, etc.
2. to be an example or
demonstration of

Vivid Verb Definitions

suggest
[sdst)
1. to put forward (a plan, idea, etc.)
for consideration
2. to evoke (a person, thing, etc.) in
the mind of someone by the
association of ideas
3. to give an indirect or vague hint

Analogies: Synonyms for claim

practice
Justify:

:: allege:claim

Deny: Refuse::

: Make Clear

Give Proof:

:: Examine: Investigate

Examine: Investigate::
systematically

:: Explain

Synonyms practice
Complete each sentence by using a vocabulary word.
1. The theory was through several rigorous
experiments.
2. Lance Armstrong allegations of doping throughout
his athletic career.
3. The student her friends actions by standing up for
her.
4. The Legislator publicly smoking cigarettes.
5. In order to understand my Latin homework, I went to
have Mr. Goff some of the more complicated ideas.