Christmas
Break Prove Essay
Mr. Dawursk
Prove
Topic: “Why a holiday break is a good / bad
idea.”
Choose your position and then prove your case. Write a prove statement to be used as your
thesis and then develop the outline structure below. From the outline, create an original, thought
provoking essay discussing and proving your statement using logical arguments,
personal examples and common sense.
The diagram below is called the “keyhole” method of writing. It shows how the introductory paragraph draws
the reader into the essay by being more general; but it becomes more specific
toward the end when it presents the thesis or “prove statement.’ Following the thesis, the writer adds a
sentence which will state the plan he/she will use to prove the thesis. These are your main points or “cases.”
The body of the
essay should include at least one complete paragraph for each main point or
“case” supporting your thesis. Each
paragraph should state the reason first (topic sentence for the paragraph)
followed by an explanation or reasoning for your statement and an example
supporting your case. Each case should
have its own paragraph.
The conclusion
paragraph goes the opposite direction of the first paragraph. It begins with a restatement of the thesis or
proof statement and ends with a poignant story or clincher comment. When you restate the thesis, do not just restate the
previous thesis, instead, say the same thing but more strongly and
confidently. Reformat the sentence, add
a clause or elaborate a section of it.
Next, restate how you have proved your opinion. Keep the restatement to one sentence if
possible. Finally, bring the essay to a
close by adding a clincher or kicker.
This is a story, comment or analogy which gives the reader one last emotional or
rational appeal to accept your opinion.
Outline Format:
Prove
statement: “
I.
Introductory Paragraph
A. Intro sentence(s) used to get the attention of the reader and spark an
interest to read further.
B. State your “prove statement”.
C. Present your plan on how you will “prove” the statement. State your case.
II. First Case / Evidence
A. Give several sentences explaining in detail your
reasoning or rational.
B. Give at least one example.
III. Second Case / Evidence
A. Give several sentences explaining in detail your
reasoning or rational.
B. Give at least one example
IV. Third Case / Evidence
A. Give several sentences explaining in detail your
reasoning or rational.
B. Give at least one example
V. Conclusion Paragraph
A. Restate your “prove statement.”
B. Restate in one or two sentences the cases you have used to prove your
statement.
C. End the paragraph with a concluding phrase, comment or remark. This is also called the clincher or “kicker.”
Glen
Dawursk, Jr.