BOOK OF WRITING h0RR0R Jamie Luo
Table of Contents Introduction 3 About the Author 4 Dedication 5 Punctuation 6 Capitalization 7 Parts of Speech 8-15 Phrases and Clauses 16-17 Sentences 18-20 Paragraphs 21-13 Essays 24-25 Conclusion 26
Introduction
The book section of writing was a way of writing that was designed to help me understand the distinct types of grammar or writing involved in literature. I wrote this book in several weeks with a new section every week or so in which I would have to think of a specific idea for that section. Some portions were focused on films while others were concentrated on legends and myths. Although a few parts were hard to write for my subject, I think that this overall helped me understand more about writing and the different styles there are. Writing a book is definitely a difficult endeavor that requires above par effort and captivating ideas, but as a writer, I only had a few topics that I felt passionate about. Horror is one of them as I have always liked this genre for its ability to concoct a storyline in which people’s fears and nonsensical imaginations are combined. Horror can be psychologically or surface level terrifying depending on the direction of the creator and presents the audience with situations near impossible. However, this can be interesting because people can vicariously introspect themselves as the character or try to solve the mystery behind the event. Thus, using the subject of horror, I could write about my own fears, entertaining movies in horror, or urban legends. I believe that I decided on this particular theme because it could be used to explore my own fears in the creative process and divulge other forms of horror. Chapbook
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About the Author
vI, the author of this horror book, am a young teen who attends Bravo Medical Magnet High School and relishes trying to predict the behaviors of others. In my free time, I interest myself with a variety of hobbies such as drawing, listening to true crime, and baking and as a person, I favor listening to others rather than being the one speaking. As a person, I want to help others through giving advice when necessary that benefits them and develop relationships in which I would be able to place on a high pedestal. I have many many goals that are important to me and hopefully will be completed such as traveling around the world to sightsee and savor their cultural delicacies. I believe that the feeling of achieving this adventurous goal would be similar to jumping to a different universe. From the imaginative reality of books and films, I have learned key concepts that influenced my writing and overall, my life. In both these mediums, pacing and rhythm is a primary idea that synchronizes the tone with the story and a silkily pace grasps the audience’s attention without dragging on or moving too quickly. In my writing, I try my best to set a pace that is comfortable yet intriguing and similar to films, the structure of my writing is directed towards the best experience possible by me unless I didn’t put in effort. When watching movies or reading a piece of literature, I have always favored the method in which the writer or director reveals important plot points that considerably turns the story. When I write, I want to reveal certain ideas in an entertaining format. Somehow, social media has aided in my writing because from the media, I am able to add to my vocabulary which is useful for formal writing. Even as I write, I am insecure of my word choices or setting the wrong tone and I think that reading literature on different subjects has helped me realize that everyone has their own unique style of writing. All in all, all these forms world telling has forged my method of writing.
Dedication I dedicate this book to those enjoy listening to urban legends and at the same tim, are interested in learning about writing. 5
? question mark: ends a question (interrogative sentence) ! exclamation mark: emphasizes words, points, or ideas (ends an exclamatory sentences)
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apostrophe: contractions, possession, or quote mark: when quoting something inside a quote ”
Punctuation
quotation marks: anything coming from something else … ellipses: something is unsaid (ex: no answer/skipping words, condensing)
[ ] brackets: what has been added, manipulates quotes ( ) parentheses: parenthetical information (unnecessary for the flow of sentences/ideas but could be helpful/useful) / back slash: used for a decision (ex: and/or) example: Peemak is a Thai comedy and horror film based on the legend of a man and his dead wife example: As the woman stretched her hand between the wooden floor boards, the husband while watching from a gap expressed a bewildered look example: The five people sat in the boat in terror the old boat was moving towards a deceased body. example: The man returned to his home with his friends from the war during 1950-1956. example: The wife and husband decided to go in a maze with a series of scares: example: The woman had died during childbirth alone with no one to help; that was the rumor spreading around the village example: Who is the real ghost in this ghost, the husband’s friend or wife? example: The people started screaming as her neck extended all the way to the ceiling! example: He’s gradually becoming worried and conspiring on who the real ghost is example: In the original folklore, people who tried to warn Pee Mak about the spirit “mysteriously died.” example: In the legend, the powerful ghost who was locked in a jar was thrown in the river until… example: He did [not] believe that his wife was deceased and threatening the village. example: The exorcist was able to lock Nae Mak (the angry and sorrowful ghost) in a jar as her husband desperately seeked help example: The legend states that Nae Mak grabbed a comb out of the floor/picked up a lime that fell under the porch through the wooden boards 6
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period: ends a sentence & for abbreviation (ex: 1 space after) , comma: when the words/phrases/clauses in front and behind can switch places – EM dash: replace a comma, parentheses (guide the eyes of your reader to something important)
“
EN dash: to hyphenate something : colon: indicates whatever comes after is related to the word came before (lists, answers, definitions) ; semi colon: (not versatile, argumentative writing) connecting independent clauses
Capitalization
Used to begin a sentence. Capitalize the first word of a sentence. Capitalize names and other proper nouns Don’t capitalize after a colon. Capitalize the first word of a quote. Capitalize days, months, and holidays, but not seasons Capitalize most words in titles Capitalize cities, countries, nationalities, and languages. capitalize time periods and events. example: At the end of the movie, Pee Mak and Nae Mak remain together as they live a simple life with their child. example: The friends who tried to warn Pee Mak experienced some paranormal events example: The ghost of Nae Mak is a vengeful spirit that threatens any villager who tries to expose her example: The man left the war with his friends: a wagon helped. example: The man screamed, “Don’t come any closer! Stay away from me!” example: The Pee Mak horror movie was released in March and earned 33 million in box office example: Nae Mak’s story is a well-known horror legend for its sense of eeriness that builds up. example: The legend originates from Thailand and relates the story to their traditions and customs. example: The movie was set in the Rattanakosin Dynasty during the Vietnamese Siamese War
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capitalized). EX: Wall Street, New York, Patrick Bateman · Compound Nouns: consist of words used together to form a single noun EX: gentleman, desktop, chalkboard · Concrete Nouns: refer to material things, to people, or to places EX: axe, cigar, knife · Abstract Nouns: name ideas, qualities, concepts, emotions, or attitudes EX: sociopath, obsession, perfection Functions (How nouns are used): · Subject (comes
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verb) Patrick
Bateman
Types of Nouns: · Common Nouns: name a class of people, places, things, or ideas. EX: apartment, office, restaurant · Proper Nouns: give the name or title of a particular person, place, thing, or idea (must
· Direct
· Indirect
Parts of Speech Nouns be before the Bateman maintains a lifestyle with a steady diet and a meticulous exercise routine Object (comes after the verb and answers what or whom) asks Bryce if he thinks that his business card is nice Object (answers to who or to whom) Bateman explains to his coworkers a fact about Ed Gein
Pronouns take the place of nouns that have been established.
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Parts of Speech Pronouns
Relative: Nominative Objective Possessive who whom whose That that of that those/ this Interrogative: who, which, what, whatever, whoever Reflexive: (personal pronouns plus the suffix –self or –selves) Used only: when the action verb is directed toward the subject of the construction: He views himself as superior to others. She provided herself with a pint of ice cream to intensify a point: The man himself worked at an investment firm The woman thought, “I can ask him myself” Demonstrative: this, these that, those Indefinite: all, another, anybody, anyone, anything, both, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, everywhere, few, many, much, neither, nobody, none, no one, nothing, one, other, several, somebody, someone, such.
Personal: Nominative (subjects) Objective (objects) I/we me/us you/you you/you He, she, it, one/they him, her, it, one/them Possessive: My, mine our, ours Your, yours your, yours His, her, hers, its, one ’ s their, theirs
· The buried body was never found.
transitive verbs (verbs followed by a direct object) intransitive verbs (verbs that do not take direct objects)
· This murderer is wealthy enough to spend money on expensive dinners
Participle: word ending in “ing” or “ed” used as an adjective
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Verbals: (VERB FORMS NOT USED AS VERBS)
Gerund: word ending in “ing” used as a noun.
Active: The man wearing a raincoat kills the drunk man with an axe (man is the subject)
Verbs show the time, action, and state of being of a subject.
Types: There are at least eleven (11) types of verbs: auxiliary verbs (helping verbs)
Tense: verbs indicate time via tenses: simple past past past perfect past progressive simple present present present perfect present progressive present perfect progressive future future perfect
Voice: Voice is the form of the verb that indicates how it relates or interacts with the action. The English language has two voices: ACTIVE and PASSIVE.
· The bloodied body was lying on the newspaper covered ground.
Infinitive: verb preceded by the word “to” (to go, to jump) used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs
· Bateman speaks about his findings on the various music albums
Passive: The axe has brought murder to the drunk man (man are the subject but treated as the object)
linking verbs (verbs that do not describe action, but connect the subject of a sentence to other parts of the sentence usually the predicate) lexical verbs (main verbs) dynamic verbs (indicate action) stative verbs (describe a condition) infinitive verbs (indicate tense) nonfinitive verbs (infinitives or participles) regular verbs (weak verbs) irregular verbs (strong verbs)
Parts of Speech Verbs
Parts of Speech Adjectives & Adverbs Demonstrative: this human blood Common: a brooding expression Proper: an American psycho charmingly, backwards, palewise “Hard” becomes “Hardily” “Ragged” becomes “Raggedly” “Murderous” becomes “Murderously” Adjectives Adjectives modify, describe, limit, and identify nouns and pronouns. · Kinds: Demonstrative, Common, Proper Adverbs Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs Endings · Conversions · Types: Manner, Frequency, Degree, Place, Time Example Types: (Create one example each related to your subject) Manner – Patrick Bateman quietly peeled the mask off his face as he stared in the mirror Time – The man slowly drank his wine while his colleagues conversed. Place Mr. Lee was willingly here earlier today working with students. Degree This cold blooded serial killer was extremely thorough in the cleaning of his crime scene Frequency Mr Bateman constantly exhibits annoyance towards the materialistic and superficial associates 11
Correlative: Either/or; neither/nor; not only/but also; both/and; whether/or; as/so
Prepositions
Prepositions link nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other parts of the sentence. Prepositions are NEVER followed by verbs There are one-word prepositions and complex prepositions These are some common oneword prepositions: aboard, about, above, according to, across, across from, after, against, along, alongside, alongside of, along with, amid, among, apart from, around, as, as far as, aside from, at, away from, back of, because of, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond, but (except), by, by means of, concerning, despite, down, down from, except, except excluding for, for, from, from among, from between, from under, in, in addition to, in behalf of, including, in front of, in place of, in regard to, inside, inside of, in spite of, instead of, into, like, near, near to, notwithstanding, of, off, on, on account of, on behalf of, onto, on top of, opposite, out, out of, outside, outside of, over, over to, owing to, past, prior to, to, toward, under, underneath, until, unto, up, upon, up to, versus, with, within, without 12
Conjunctions
Coordinating (FANBOYS): for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Parts of Speech Conjunctions & Prepositions
Subordinate: after, though as, as if, as long as, as thought, because, before, if, in order that, provided that, since, so, so that, that, though, till, unless, when, where, whereas, while Relative pronouns: who (refers to people), which (refers to nonliving object or animals), that (may refer to animals or nonliving objects)
Parts of Speech
Interjections 13
Interjections are the final part of speech A – Ahh, ahoy, aha, ahem, alas, arrggh, aw B – Blah, brrr, bingo, bravo, bam, bazinga, bleh, boo, boo-yah, bah humbug C – Cheers, congrats, catching, cripes, crud D – Damn, darn, darnit, dang, drat, duh, dear E – Eureka, eek, eh, er, encore, eww F Fie, fiddlesticks G Gak, gee, gee whiz, geez, gadzooks, golly, good grief, goodness, goodness gracious, gosh, gesundheit H – Hey, hmm, hooray, huh, hello, ha, ha ha, holy cow, hallelujah, holy smokes, humph, hurray, hot dog, huh? K Ka ching O oh, oh oh, oh dear, oh my, oh my God, oh well, ouch, ow, oww, oops, oy, ooh la la P Phooey, presto, please, pshaw, pow, phew, pooh R Rats S – shoo, shh, shoop-shoop T – Tut-tut, thanks U – Uh-huh, uh-oh, ugh, um, umm V – Viva, voila W – Whammo, wham, whew, whoa, wow, whoops Y – Yay, yeah, yikes, yippee, yes, yuck, yum, yo, yahoo, yummy Z Zap, zzz
Transitions of Logic
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Addition Comparison Contrast Time Purpose a further and and then then also too next another other nor Milder Stronger further furthermore moreover in addition additionally besides again equally important first, second finally, last just as ... so too a similar another... like similarly comparable in the same way likewise but yet and yet still otherwise or though but another rather however still nevertheless on the other hand on the contrary even so notwithstanding for all that in contrast alternatively at the same time though this may be otherwise instead nonetheless conversely then now soon afterward later shortly earlier frecently irst, second, third next before after today tomorrow meanwhile at length presently at last finally immediately thereafter at that time subsequently eventually currently in the meantime in the past in the future to do this so that to this end with this object for this purpose for that reason because of this in order to
Place Result Example Summary
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Transitions of Logic & Emphasis there here beyond nearby next to at that point opposite to adjacent to on the other side in the front in the back Milder Stronger so and so then hence therefore accordingly consequently thus thereupon as a result in consequence that is specifically in particular for one thing for example for instance an instance of this this can be seen in in sum generally after all by the way in general incidentally naturally I hope at least it seems in brief I suppose in short on the whole as I said in other words to be sure in fact indeed clearly of course anyway remarkably I think assuredly definitely without doubt for all that on the whole in any event importantly certainly
Verb Phrase: A group of words consisting of verbs working together and that function as a verb
Gerund Phrase verb ending in ing that functions as a noun.
Verbal Phrases: A group of words that begin with a verbal and ends with a noun
Appositive Phrase: A group of words that include all the words that modify an appositive and function as an adjective
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Infinitive Phrase verb preceded by the word “to” (to read, to study, to write) that function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs
Both the grandparents worked together to keep the inn in business.
– groups of words that function as a part of speech
Noun Phrase: A group of words consisting of nouns or pronouns and their modifiers that function as a noun.
Cleaning the hot spring, the brunette boy was pulled to the bottom by a mysterious hand. The boys sat in the heated hot spring as they discussed their paranormal experiences.
Participial Phrase word ending in ing (present participle) or ed (past participle) that functions as an adjective
IT MUST BE SURROUNDED BY COMMAS.
Prepositional Phrase: A group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun, and functions as an adjective or an adverb
Phrases
Phrases
The ghost steadily floated above the blonde boy
Qie Xiaogin, a quiet introvert, visits his grandparents’ old inn with a few acquaintances
The 3 friends made the decision to exorcise Qie Xiaogin’s grandparents
The 3 boys knew they should be brave even in the circumstances of fighting a spirit.
The girl who drove the motorcycle finally arrived at the inn.
Clauses groups of words with BOTH a subject and a verb that function as parts of speech. There are TWO kinds: Independent and Dependent (called “Subordinate”)
Nonessential Clauses: Clauses that are NOT necessary to the meaning of the sentence.
CAN stand alone as a complete sentence, known as a simple sentence pattern. The phone rang in the middle of the night while everyone was sleeping DEPENDENT (SUBORDINATE) CANNOT stand alone as a complete sentence and MUST begin with a SUBORDINATE CONJUNCTION There are seven (7) kinds:
Elliptical Clauses: Adverb clauses in which part of the clause is omitted
Where Qie Xiaogin was raised was the old rusted inn. The aged hostelry that the guys lived in was preceded by an attempted suicide.
Relative Clauses: Dependent clause that begins with a relative pronoun.
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The inn, which was located in China, seemed to contain vengeful ghosts
Noun Clause: Used as the noun in a sentence and may function as a subject, a predicate noun, a direct object, an object of a preposition, an indirect object, or an appositive
INDEPENDENT
Clauses
The grandma is the one who designed the plan to scare the three boys The grandpa was laying where the boys could see from the door frame.
When appearing, the boys timidly point their fingers at the ceiling. The boy that was afraid of blood fainted from a leaking puncture in his finger
After all three boys experienced the supposed paranormal events, their fears grew twice as long as it did before
Essential Clauses: Clauses necessary to the meaning of the sentence.
Adjective Clause: Used to modify a noun in an independent clause. Some adjective clauses begin with an introductory word: Some adjective clauses begin with relative pronouns: Adverb Clause: Used to modify verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in an independent clause, introduced by a subordinate conjunction and used to indicate time, place, cause, purpose, result, condition, and/or concession. Modifying verbs: Modifying adjectives:
Imperative – a sentence that makes a command (ends with a period mark) Don’t eat the children, clown
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Declarative a sentence that makes a statement (ends with a period mark)
Sentence – a set of words that contains a subject and a predicate and conveys a statement, command, question, or an exclamation.
Sentence Types
Exclamatory a sentence that expresses great emotion, passion, excitement (ends with an exclamation mark)
Sentence Parts
The clown just bit the arm off that young child!
The clown eats children and haunts their minds
The hairy spiders crawled up into the open mouth of the sleeping man Predicate – what the subject does The hairy spiders crawled up into the open mouth of the sleeping man.
Interrogative – a sentence that asks a question (ends with a question mark) Why does the clown spook only children and not adults?
Subject what/who the sentence is about
Sentences
Sentences (cont.)
Simple Sentence: A sentence that is just one independent clause. The sink gushes out with red blood right in front of the girl
Sentence Patterns
Asyndeton: A sentence that leaves out conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses for a rhetorical purpose. The creature of It exhibits vileness, wickedness, evilness
The spirit called It consumes numerous children, but he can only leave hibernation every 27 years.
Complex Sentence: A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause When the Losers Club was created, it is discovered that every member has experienced frightening manifestations.
Parallel Structure: A sentence using the same pattern of two or more verbs or ideas that match in tense or structure to show that they are of equal importance and to help the reader comprehend what is being written - this sentence requires symmetry. It uses his powers to terrify young teens, to give vivid visions, and to avoid adults.
Anaphora: A sentence that features the purposeful repetition of a word, words, or a phrase at the beginning of several successive clauses in order to place emphasis and draw attention
Complex Compound Sentence: A sentence with multiple independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Loose Sentence: A sentence that contains an independent clause plus a subordinate construction (either a clause or phrase) with your main point at the beginning. It usually takes the shape of a clown, even though it has powers to shapeshift into what It desires
While It has a creepy countenance, It lures kids through the art of manipulation, yet the older kids do not fall for his tricks
Periodic Sentence: A sentence in which the independent clause is given at the end of the sentence in order to create interest or generate suspense with the main point coming at the end.
Even though it has powers to shapeshift into what It desires, It usually takes the shape of a clown,
Balanced Sentence: A sentence where phrases or clauses at the beginning and the end parallel each other by virtue of their likeness of structure, meaning, or length - this sentence requires symmetry.
The bullies harms the kids and the kids stone the bullies.
The boys are scared by their nightmares and yet, this allows for them to perceive themselves better by their nightmares.
Chiasmus: A sentence that includes a repetition of ideas (words, phrases, or clauses) in inverted (reversed) order this sentence requires symmetry
Epistrophe: A sentence featuring several phrases or clauses ending with the same word or words.
Pennywise spends his time as a terrifying clown, terrorizing kids as a clown, dying in the form of a clown 19
Polysyndeton: A sentence that uses multiple conjunctions in close proximity to each other between words, phrases, or clauses for a rhetorical purpose. The Losers Club demonstrates stubbornness and bravery and fearlessness.
Compound Sentence: A sentence with multiple independent clauses, but no dependent clauses - connected by FANBOYS (coordinating conjunctions) or a semicolon (;).
The kids met through It and It caused the kids to have met.
Sentence Errors
The Losers split apart during their fight with Pennywise they regroup and one of the members impales Pennywise [WRONG]
Double Negative – combining two or more negative words in a sentence in a way that is supposed to produce a positive force
The Losers split apart during their fight with Pennywise, but they regrooup and one of the members impales Pennywise. [RIGHT]
Run
One of the boys
Because his brother, Georgie, disappeared, Bill explored the sewers where he believed Georgie was [RIGHT]
Misplaced/Dangling
At the river, the boys threw stones at the bullies that were gray [WRONG] At the river, the boys threw stones that were gray at the bullies[RIGHT]
Modifiers modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that add description; a misplaced modifier describes the wrong part of a sentence and a dangling modifier is missing the part it’s supposed to modify
On/Rambling/Fused Sentence a sentence construction error where two or more independent clauses are connected incorrectly without punctuation
Comma Splice a sentence construction error where two or more independent clauses are connected incorrectly using comma Pennywise was attacked by the Losers Club, he separated them during that interaction. [WRONG]
Fragment – incomplete sentence pieces that are not connected to or do not form an independent clause
The Losers Club learned that it would not do them any good to be scared of It. [RIGHT]
Because his brother, Georgie, disappeared [WRONG]
Pennywise was attacked by the Losers Club He separated them during that interaction [RIGHT]
The Losers Club learned that it wouldn‘t do them no good to be scared of It. [WRONG]
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Sentences (cont.)
Paragraphs
Ex All horror movies are good for a person ’ s mental concerns
Ex. Is watching horror movies beneficial for a person ’ s health?
Document Based (cites a specific source, author, and position on a topic)
Ex Oaklee divulges his claim by analyzing the many aspects, such as the stimuli presented by horror movies and the experience’s relation to coping mechanisms (preview of evidence)
Opinion (personal position on a topic)
Ex. In Scream Therapy: The Mental Health Benefits of Horror Movies, Kurt Oaklee states that horror movies create a repetitive cycle of tension, which aids in releasing stress for some people.
Ex. Horror movies can cause a relief in mental health for young people.
Ex As the ghost crawls through the TV in an abnormal manner, people jump out of their seats in fear and sigh in relief after the scene
Theory (a statement that can be tested and potentially proven often answers a research question)
Ex. Oaklee analyzes the psychology behind enjoying horror movies in order to present the pertinent benefits to watching thrilling horror movies. (purpose of thesis)
Ex. This information on the association between horror movies and management of stress in real life may improve the lives of many people. (establishing the importance or significance of thesis)
Thesis Statements (the purpose of a piece of writing usually one sentence in length, but can be longer depending on the purpose must be something that is arguable)
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Query Based (Question that brings the reader to the topic avoid second person POV “ you”)
Clarification/Expansion of Thesis (could extend the thesis, preview the evidence supporting the thesis, give the purpose of thesis, establish the importance or significance of examining the intricacies of the thesis this could be several sentences long)
Ex. Horror films can bring the devil into the homes of those who consume them.
Ex. Horror is the best genre for films and books.
Assertion (claim a subject + a “ so what” about the subject)
Introductory Paragraphs (Introductions)
Horror movies have been a prominent genre with new movies coming out every Halloween and therefore, this genre has had a unique effect on people. The more people are terrified in a safe environment, the more horror movies they want to watch, but there is a reason behind the popularity of these frightening films.
Paragraphs a group of sentences that together convey a shared purpose structured around the same topic.
Fact (empirically verifiable but often difficult to argue extensively about - better used as evidence to support a claim)
Belief (social, religious, or political in nature an opinion held by many to be a fact, though it is not necessarily factual often involves a judgement)
Ex. Horror movies are mostly scarier than romantic comedies.
Generalization (uses absolute or statistical pronouns: all, always, every, never, none, most, half avoid using this type of thesis statement unless citing the source of the data)
Hook (Lead / Opening Statement) can begin with the title Anecdotal (Brief story to set the mood and lead the reader into the topic)
Ex Horror movies can relieve stress and should be viewed to help with anxiety
Summarizing (condensing larger quotes or sections useful for closing the examination of the quote/evidence and transitioning to your analysis of the quote)
Concrete Examples (actual examples that do refer to a source useful for enhancing your analysis of the quote)
Instead, your body is in fight or flight mode, and nothing matters except the terrifying monster on the screen ” (Oaklee)
Ex. Additionally, multiple sources demonstrate that the impact of horror movies can be shown in those who view them. (Now every sentence in this paragraph must be related to the connection between fast food and health)
ORIGINAL QUOTE – The ruminating, anxious mind is no longer spinning out on the stressors of the world
Ex PARAPHRASE
Ex People might be more relaxed in day to day life if they watched horror movies
The ruminating, anxious mind is no longer spinning out on the stressors of the world. Instead, your body is in fight-or-flight mode, and nothing matters except the terrifying monster on the screen. ” (Oaklee).
Paraphrasing (rewording of a quote into other words of the same length without quotation marks, but still citing the source - useful for examining the quote and transitioning to your analysis of the quote)
Body Paragraphs (must have echoes of the thesis in each AND present evidence to support or expand on the thesis)
Examining the Evidence
The ruminating, anxious mind is no longer spinning out on the stressors of the world Instead, your body is in fight or flight mode, and nothing matters except the terrifying monster on the screen ” (Oaklee)
Presenting Evidence from Quotations (quotes should NEVER be used as individual sentences – quotes should be embedded within sentences)
Instead of worrying about real world issues, people are able to focus on the fictional problems within the universe of the movie (Oaklee)
ORIGINAL QUOTE
ORIGINAL QUOTE
Ex Clearly, knowledgeable academics concur on the subject of horror movies that its unsettling imagery and jumpscares are helpful towards those who want to face their fears 22
Paragraphs (cont.)
Ex. An article in the December 2020 Starburst Magazine demonstrates that horror movies can improve brain activity and release hormones.
Ex SUMMARY – Horror movies can be healthy Abstract Examples (hypothetical, “what if” examples that do not refer to a source – AVOID USING THEM AS EVIDENCE but useful for examining the quote)
Closing Sentences (must end the discussion of the topic within the paragraph with a transitional or culminating word –possibly an adverb – and should echo the thesis of the essay)
Topic Sentences (must specifically indicate the topic of the paragraph and focus on one subject and/or area of evidence or support could start with a “Transition of Logic” that connects to the previous paragraph to give context)
Ex. Oaklee expresses, “The ruminating, anxious mind is no longer spinning out on the stressors of the world. Instead, your body is in fight or flight mode, and nothing matters except the terrifying monster on the screen. ” (Oaklee).
Paragraphs (cont.)
Ex. If a growing population of people do not even attempt to watch any horror movies, then there would be more people who are stressed and easily afraid. Reestablishing the Significance of the Thesis (could be one or more sentences)
Closing Paragraphs (Conclusions – should not be mere summaries of the previous paragraphs of your essay)
Ex With feeling empowered at the end, horror movies may be the just the perfect fright needed to start the day
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Ex. If the abundant consumption of horror films were not enjoyable, then the market for horror films would probably be extinct or decreasing at an alarming rate.
Statement(s) of Extension (extending the consequences of disregarding the implications of the thesis could be one or more sentences)
Consequences of Disregarding the Thesis (establishing the potential consequences of disregarding the implications of the thesis – CREATING A COUNTERARGUMENT – could be one or more sentences)
Ex Therefore, through the studies of various psychologists, horror movie cinephiles are using these films as a method to help their anxiety and other people could try as well
Final Sentence (closing statement that connects to the hook and finishes the essay (finish your argument) – the “Smoky the Bear”/”Drop the mic”/dot dot dot moment…)
Research - Research writing utilizes evidence and proof from books, magazines, or other sources to influence or teach the audience
Essays – An essay is a compilation of sentences that are written to manifest an idea or argument which strengthens the thesis, the main idea of the writing. Each paragraph adds to the main concept of the essay and therefore, an essay is a method to present various notions. Types
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Expository (Informative) This style of writing shows readers important research and information about a particular subject
Analytical/Critical Analytical or critical writing evaluates the text and therefore, breaks down the text into smaller portions to help express the reader’s opinions
Personal statements are pieces of writing by applicants aimed to entice colleges and provide information about the person themself and their achievements
Compare and Contrast Compare and contrast writing is used to demonstrate the similarities and differences between two topics and aims to connect these two subjects.
The cause and effect form of writing that displays the relationship between two subjects in which one causes a consequence for the other The purpose is to analyze how a situation originates or results from the event
Interpretive - Interpretive writing attempts to create an intellectual and emotional connection between the audience and the message of the resource.
Narrative (Tells a story) Narrative writing is defined by the characteristics of a story such as including conflict and well defined storylines. Narrative writing is used to construct a story that is either fictional or realistic.
Personal Statement/Anecdote
Essays
Persuasive (Argumentative) An argumentative essay uses research to create an opinion and the purpose is to build an essay that aims to influence people into believing those ideals
Evaluative - Evaluative writing judges the writing through a set of requirements and would be used to see if something fits the standards of the criteria.
Cause and Effect
Timed - Timed writing is writing an essay within a specific time limit and this displays someone ’ s raw ability and their ability to think under pressure.
Document Based Question (DBQ) - DBQs provides the sources for the basis of the writing and this helps integrate someone ’ s writing with the information given.
A synthesis includes different opinions and requires people to explore the relationship between the sources and the thesis.
Synthesis
Definition or Description - Descriptive writing uses sensory details and tries to form a picture in the reader’s mind
Process (How-to) - Process writing provides an explanation or tutorial on how to execute a specific task and is a method of breaking down a task into smaller parts.
Researching/Evaluating of Sources Sources for researching have to be credible which is why background checking the information and source is pertinent to trustworthy writing Double checking the information with other sources is also very helpful in the situation of specific topics and the source that is used should always be cited to give credit Work Cited Page –MLA Format - The MLA format cites sources in the order of author, title of source, title of container, other contributors, versions, number, publisher, publication date, and location. MLA citations are titled with Works Cited and authors are listed by last name, first name. If there are more than 3 authors, then “and others” is placed after the first 3. MLA is used for subjects such as humanities, historical literature, and culture.
APA Format - The APA format is titled with References and authors are listed by last name, first name, middle initial, but, there can be up to 20 authors listed only separated by commas. APA is used for subjects such as sciences.
Example: Jones, S G (2021, October 15) You're anxious you ' re afraid and I have just the solution The New York Times Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://wwwnytimescom/2021/10/15/opinion/halloween horror movieshtml
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Pre-writing/Prompt Analysis/Outlining - Personally, outlining the essay is writing down the main components of your argument and reviewing the prompt to make sure that every instruction is understood. Before writing, it is important to brainstorm ideas to see which make sense and relate with the context of the literature rather than every idea that just pops up. Another step in this process would be to separate that information into different paragraphs depending on the amount needed and to synthesize this information into a specific thesis statement.
Essays (cont.)
Example: Jones, Stephen Graham “You're Anxious You're Afraid and I Have Just the Solution” The New York Times, The New York Times, 15 Oct 2021, https://wwwnytimescom/2021/10/15/opinion/halloween-horror-movieshtml
Strategies/Planning Tips/Steps
Thankyoufor reading! The End