In-Class Exercises: Lesson Plans and Handouts
Click on the exercise to download the document. All files are Word documents unless otherwise noted.
Elements of the Academic Essay
Thesis and Motive
- Motive
- Asking an Analytical Question
- Is the Thesis Arguable?
- Exercises for Thesis, Motive, and Introductions
Evidence and Analysis
- Choosing and Using Evidence
- Considering Counterarguments
- Evidence and Analysis
- How to Write a Summary of the Lens Concept (Powerpoint presentation)
Structure
- Line of Argument
- Paragraphing
- Paragraphs (Powerpoint presentation)
- A Structure Based on Successive Claims Rather Than Examples (pdf)
- Constructing Effective Body Paragraphs
- Sample Analysis of a Body Paragraph
Sources
- Source Functions Across the Disciplines
- Integrating Quotations
- Exercises for Writing with Sources
- Citation Exercise
- Is This a Scholarly Journal Article?
Style
- Loser Sentences
- Weak Sentences (Powerpoint presentation)
Research Writing
Introductions and Conclusions
- Writing Successful Introductory Paragraphs
- Sample Analysis of an Introductory Paragraph
- Writing Effective Conclusions
- Sample Analysis of a Conclusion Paragraph
- Openers
- Openers and Introductions
- Conclusions