Week 1
Lesson 1
The Thesis Statement 
Students will learn the importance of the thesis statement as the driving force of their essay and how to write a clear and concise thesis statement. 
Lesson 2
Structuring a Multi-Paragraph Essay 
Students will learn the major components of a multi-paragraph essay (introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion) and how each paragraph should be structured--including logical transitions to allow for a smooth flow from one paragraph to the next. 
Lesson 3
Embedding Textual Evidence 
Students will learn how to properly cite textual evidence with regard to both paraphrasing and integrating quotations. Students will learn how to smoothly integrate quotations into to the structure of their sentences in a way that maintains the flow of the writing. 
Lesson 4
Explanations and Elaborations
Students will learn how to extend beyond a summary of the text or a mere restatement of the quotations and provide in depth analysis through thoughtful explanations and elaborations on the significance of their stated point. 
Lesson 5
MLA Formatting 
In the last session of this five-week course, students will learn the guidelines of MLA formatting (the preferred style format for most English classes). This includes parenthetical citations of both paraphrases and embedded quotations, creating works cited pages, and correct formatting of the final document.