Ben Franklin Project:  Writing the Essay

 

 

1.  The introduction is the most important section.  You have to make your readers want to read on.  Your introduction should include the following:

v     Capture your reader’s attention (Attention Getting Sentence).

v     Appeal to your readers (Get your reader to continue reading).

v     State your thesis.

v     Link the thesis to Benjamin Franklin.

 

 

For example: 

“Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.”  This is Benjamin Franklin’s definition of industry, a virtue which he regarded highly.  These words could easily apply to the internet, a great time saver in today’s world.  Benjamin Franklin devoted much of his life to simplifying ordinary tasks and would be pleased by the innovations of our technological age.

 

 

 

2.  The body is the central portion of the essay.  This is where you will support your thesis with facts, examples, and evidence from your research.

 

The body paragraphs must include your research about Ben Franklin’s accomplishments.  Be sure to link his accomplishments to your thesis statement.

 

The last body paragraph is where you should compare Franklin’s accomplishments to today’s world.  Don’t forget to look at the assignment sheet to see exactly what you are supposed to compare.

 

Note for Project #5—When discussing food preparation, you will refer to Ben Franklin’s time (Colonial America), not necessarily to Ben Franklin.

 

 

 

 

3.  The conclusion of your essay should tie your ideas together so that your readers are left with one central impression.

v     Restate thesis.

v     Mention Ben Franklin’s accomplishments.

v     Relate his accomplishments to contemporary times.

v     Briefly describe Ben Franklin’s place in American history.

 

 

 

 

Introductory Paragraph

 

 

 

Attention Getting Sentence(s)

 

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Appeal to your readers.  Why should they read on?

 

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State your thesis.

 

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Link the thesis to Ben Franklin.

 

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