Class notes on thesis, outlining, and writing introductions

812 outline for reading response­

How does the title relate to the text?

The title “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh” is significant because it emphasizes the importance of the role of a drummer boy during battle in the Civil War.

(this is a good thesis because it is concise – to the point, you can elaborate on it…)

Body paragraph #1

Joby, the protagonist, is a fourteen year old drummer boy who is uncertain and scared about his role.

Ex. “I got only a drum, two sticks to beat it, and no shield” (50).  

Body paragraph #2

Through the general, Joby begins to realize the role of drummer boy is important because he sets the pace.

Ex.

“You are the heart of the army…” (53)

 “Joby was his right hand and his left. He gave the orders, but Joby set the pace” (53).

Body paragraph #3

Joby also realizes that he should have pride in being a drummer

Ex. “I was the drummer boy at the battle of Owl Creek…” (53)

807

Introduction:

·         1^st sentence – draw the reader in; perhaps use “us” and “our”

·         Strong, specific details

·         State title and author

·         State or imply main idea/thesis of essay at the end of your intro

·         Could be 2-3 sentences or even more than 1 paragraph

·         Word choice is important

·         Relate the story to yourself in a meaningful, authentic way (don’t just make up an anecdote that doesn’t really connect to your thesis)

·         Start with a relevant quotation from the text

·         Start with an anecdote (ex. A true story of something that happened to you or someone you know)

·         Start with a universal theme/statement

·         Think about what the main issue/topic is and write a universal statement that is relevant

 812

Thesis: should be 1-2 sentences, specific but not too detailed; state what overall essay is about
-shouldn't be simple fact; should "sprout ideas"
-include opinion/interpretation

Organizing/planning:
- each paragraph should include topic sentence, quotation, and elaboration
- each paragraph should support thesis
- go back to revise thesis as necessary
- try planning the body paragraphs first then going back to write thesis

Introduction

-          Begin with an anecdote that is relevant

-          Begin with a relevant quotation

-          Maybe begin with a question? If you can do it well

-          A strong, personal thought or feeling or opinion or belief that relates to the thesis

-          Create a scenario that relates

-          Thought-provoking statement or idea

-          Universal theme/statement

-          At the end of your intro, state your thesis – a 1-2 sentence statement of your opinion/interpretation

-          Provide necessary background such as title and author and perhaps character, plot

811

a. How did Joby’s feelings change throughout the story and why?

-         Outline:

     In the beginning of the story he doubted himself and didn’t believe he was important to the army; however, he later learns the importance of being a drummer boy.

Body paragraph 1:

o   Joby thought he wasn’t important in the war

o   Ex. “Me, thought the boy, I got only a drum, two sticks to beat it, and no shield” (50).

Body #2:

o   Joby’s feelings started to change after he met the General; he began to understand the importance of his role.

o   Ex. “So there you are, that’s it. Will you do that, boy? Do you know…”(53) or 2^nd paragraph p. 53

Body #3:

o   In the end, Joby realized that his role as drummer boy is important.

o   Ex. “He turned his drum so it faced up toward the sky” (54)

b. How did the general affect Joby’s life?

c. Joby’s drum is an important symbol in the text because…

d. Joby lacks confidence in the beginning but later gains confidence through the help of the General.