4.3 Writer's Workshop - Spoken Word Poem and Critical Thinking Essay

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learning target

Writer's Workshop 1: Opening

Let's add an opening paragraph.

The opening introductory paragraph is where you introduce the topic and state your position (point of view) on it. Firstly, it should “grab” your reader’s attention and make him or her want to read on - a hook. This could be:

  • an interesting fact
  • a personal story
  • a question

Secondly, it needs to state your position or oponion about poetry changing the world, using a thesis statement. This is usually a short statement that at summarizes the main point or claim of an essay; in this case, it is statement of your point of view - your short answer to the question, Can poetry change the world? The thesis tells what the entire essay is about. The thesis is at the end of the opening paragraph; basically, this paragraph is an upside down paragraph from what you are used to, with the topic of the entire essay at the end.

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Here is an Example:
Did you ever wonder who made those designer jeans and fancy running shoes you’re wearing? If you found out it was a child working for pennies a day in a smelly, crowded factory, rather than going to school, would you still buy those clothes? I doubt it very much. Child labour is a serious problem in some parts of the world; by shopping carefully so we don’t support businesses that employ child workers, we can make a difference.

As you can see, the opening of a this essay first catches your interest and introduces an important issue. Then, it includes the author’s position on the issue in a thesis sentence. Evidence to support that position will come in the body paragraphs.

What goes before your thesis statement?

In an essay, the opening paragraph is really like an upside-down paragraph. It can be a very short paragraph. Here are three possible openers based on a critical question about time spent gaming - a question, a quotation, and a statistic or fact. Which do you think is the most catchy?

Open your saved document and draft an opening paragraph at the beginning of your composition.

  • Begin it with one of the three strategies below.
  • Followed the opener with a  thesis that clearly states your opinion about whether or not poetry can change the world.

Question:

Start with a question. Follow it with a thesis that clearly states the issue or topic and your opinion.

Do you think tweens and teens should be allowed to play video and computer games as much as they want? Based on extensive research, there are many reasons why time alloted to gaming should be restricted.

Quotation:

Start with a quotation, often from an expert. Follow it with a thesis that clearly states the issue or topic and your opinion.

Dr. Douglas Gentile, Director of the Media Research Lab at Iowa State University reports, “Almost one out of every ten youth gamers shows enough symptoms of damage to their school, family, and psychological functioning to merit serious concern.” Based on extensive research, there are many reasons why time alloted to gaming should be restricted.

Statistic or Fact:

Start with a statistic or fact. Follow it with a thesis that clearly states the issue or topic and your opinion.

According to ikeepsafe.org, kids aged 8 to 18 spend on average 44.5 hours per week in front of screens, and nearly 23% of youth report that they feel “addicted to video games”. Based on extensive research, there are many reasons why time alloted to gaming should be restricted.