Working with an experienced writing instructor, students will learn how to write three types of essays --  expository, persuasive, and literary analysis.

Using mentor texts as well as teacher modeling, I will show students how to write effective essays, including the hook, bridge, thesis statement, topic sentences, body paragraphs, embedded quotes, and conclusion.

The syllabus is as follows:

Weeks 1 and 2:  Expository -- Expository writing is a life skill. The purpose of an expository essay is to explain or define a subject based on facts.  We will explore the difference between facts and opinion; the structure of this type of essay; as well as the writing process. Students will write an expository essay in response to a given prompt.
Weeks 3 and 4: Persuasive -- This type of writing intends to convince readers to believe in an idea or opinion and to an action.  In this class, students will learn how to conduct and cite research for their essay, and will be introduced to counterarguments and calls to action. Students will be allowed to choose their own topic, but it must be school appropriate and receive my approval before writing. Students will also learn how to avoid plagiarism and how to create Works Cited page.
Weeks 5 and 6: Literary Analysis -- Students will read and annotate a short story and then write a literary analysis based on a given prompt.  They will use the writing skills they have developed so far, plus learn how to quote text evidence from the story to support their thesis statement.
Like all of my classes, these sessions are highly interactive as I allow time for all students to provide input as I model the different styles of writing and to share their work with their peers.