DISCURSIVE ESSAY: Seamless Transitioning

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Phoebe Holmes
5 years ago
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1 1 DIRECTIONS: Before beginning today s lesson, start with a timed, 10- minute brainstorms for the following two (discursive) essay prompts. Most countries should be ashamed, not proud, of their history. Discuss. Ashamed: Proud: How true is it that the most pleasurable things in life are bad for you? BAD For You: NOT Bad for You:

2 2 Most countries should be ashamed, not proud, of their history. Discuss. INTRO THESIS: For some, history is a source of pride in one s country, but for others, it can bear the mark of shame. BODY TOPIC SENTENCES THAT SEAMLESSLY TRANSITION FROM PRO to CON: ACTIVITY #1: Circle the themes that seem to govern each topic sentence, letting the reader know the parameters of the paragraph s argument. B1: A source of pride for the United States lies in the political freedoms that the Constitution affords its citizens. B2: While U.S. citizens enjoy the freedoms of a democratic society, other social groups across the globe suffer from the shameful limits that culture sometimes extends. B3: In addition to social limits, history has left a shameful mark through the use of oppressive political systems. B4: Despite the limits governments have imposed upon their people, the spirit of the people can often be a source of pride amid the gloom.

3 3 How true is it that the most pleasurable things in life are bad for you? INTRO THESIS: Depending on where these interests lie, the choices we make when it comes to pleasure can have either positive or negative effects on our social as well as our political well- being. ACTIVITY #2: Using your newfound awareness of how themes guide the logical progression and seamless transition of ideas to flow, order the topic sentences below to indicate which paragraph would likely come first after the thesis, which would most naturally appear after that, etc. Before beginning this idea, consider the content and theme mentioned in the topic sentences just as you did in Activity #1. SEE NEXT PAGE FOR ACTIVITY à

4 4 BODY NUMBER THE MIXED UP TOPIC SENTENCES SO THEY SEAMLESSLY TRANSITION: Not only will our social affections for one another lead us into trouble at times, our allegiance politically can also place us in harm s way. Just as the joys of technology tend to unite society, so do the joys of literature, which is perhaps the most timeless entertainment activity that citizens have enjoyed for centuries. Though technology s popularity and access are on the rise, this pleasurable tool can easily harm the citizens who use it. Unfortunately however, the most basic pleasures in life can just as easily harm us, particularly when it comes to love. While technology can lead to disaster if misused, this leisurely device can also unite society socially and culturally if used appropriately. In addition to this, another situation where our leisurely political interests have caused quarrel was when one nationalist took his personal affections to the extreme.

5 5 KEY ACTIVITY #1: B1: A source of pride for the United States lies in the political freedoms that the Constitution affords its citizens. B2: While U.S. citizens enjoy the freedoms of a democratic society, other social groups across the globe suffer from the shameful limits that culture sometimes extends. B3: In addition to social limits, history has left a shameful mark through the use of oppressive political systems. B4: Despite the limits governments have imposed upon their people, the spirit of the people can often be a source of pride amid the gloom.

6 6 KEY ACTIVITY #2: B1 Though technology s popularity and access are on the rise, this pleasurable tool can easily harm the citizens who use it. B2 While technology can lead to disaster if misused, this leisurely device can also unite society socially and culturally if used appropriately. B3 Just as the joys of technology tend to unite society, so do the joys of literature, which is perhaps the most timeless entertainment activity that citizens have enjoyed for centuries. B4 Unfortunately however, the most basic pleasures in life can just as easily harm us, particularly when it comes to love. B5 Not only will our social affections for one another lead us into trouble at times, our allegiance politically can also place us in harm s way. B6 In addition to this, another situation where our leisurely political interests have caused quarrel was when one nationalist took his personal affections to the extreme.

The Basic 5-Paragraph Essay Format

The Basic 5-Paragraph Essay Format Following this format will help organize your essay and make it easy for the reader to follow your thoughts. Logical & Effective Paragraph 1 Introduction Hook Tie-in