Grade: 4 Subject: ELA Unit: Essay Structure Lesson: 5 of 6 SAT: ExpressionOfIdeas ACT: English

Writing Application

Learn

In this lesson, you will apply everything you have learned about essay structure by writing a complete essay. Writing Application is where you put all the pieces together: introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

The Writing Process

Good writers follow a process to create their best work:

  1. Prewriting - Brainstorm ideas and plan your essay
  2. Drafting - Write your first version without worrying about perfection
  3. Revising - Improve your ideas, organization, and word choice
  4. Editing - Fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
  5. Publishing - Share your final, polished essay

Planning Your Essay

Before you write, create an outline:

  • Introduction: Hook + Background + Thesis Statement
  • Body Paragraph 1: First main point + Supporting details
  • Body Paragraph 2: Second main point + Supporting details
  • Body Paragraph 3: Third main point + Supporting details
  • Conclusion: Restate thesis + Summarize + Final thought

Revision Checklist

When revising, ask yourself:

  • Does my introduction grab the reader's attention?
  • Is my thesis statement clear and specific?
  • Does each body paragraph have one main idea?
  • Did I include enough supporting details?
  • Do I use transition words to connect ideas?
  • Does my conclusion wrap up my essay effectively?

Examples

Let's see how to apply the writing process to create a complete essay.

Essay Prompt: "Should students have homework on weekends?"

Step 1: Prewriting (Outline)

  • Thesis: Students should not have homework on weekends because they need time to rest, spend time with family, and pursue hobbies.
  • Point 1: Rest and relaxation
  • Point 2: Family time
  • Point 3: Hobbies and activities

Step 2: Drafting

Introduction: Imagine finally reaching Friday afternoon, excited for two days of freedom, only to find out you have hours of homework waiting. Many students experience this disappointment every week. Students should not have homework on weekends because they need time to rest, spend time with family, and pursue hobbies.

Body Paragraph 1: First, students need weekends to rest and recharge. During the school week, students wake up early, attend classes, and often have after-school activities. Their brains work hard all week learning new information. Without a break, students can become tired and stressed, which actually makes it harder to learn. Weekends without homework give students the rest they need to return to school ready to learn.

Body Paragraph 2: Second, weekends are valuable time for family activities. Many parents work during the week and only have weekends to spend quality time with their children. Families might go to the park, visit grandparents, or simply cook meals together. When students have piles of homework, they miss these important moments that help families stay close and create memories.

Body Paragraph 3: Finally, students need time to pursue their own interests and hobbies. Some students love playing sports, creating art, or learning musical instruments. These activities teach important skills like teamwork, creativity, and dedication. If weekends are filled with homework, students cannot develop these talents that make them well-rounded individuals.

Conclusion: In conclusion, weekend homework takes away from students' much-needed rest, family time, and personal interests. While practice is important, students work hard all week and deserve two days to recharge. Schools should consider limiting weekend homework so students can return to class refreshed and ready to learn.

Step 3: Revising

After writing the draft, the writer might:

  • Add a stronger hook to the introduction
  • Include a specific example in body paragraph 2
  • Add more transition words between paragraphs

Practice

Now it is your turn to write a complete essay.

Choose a Prompt:

  • Should students wear school uniforms?
  • What is the best season of the year?
  • Should pets be allowed in classrooms?

Your Writing Steps:

  1. Create an outline with your thesis and three main points
  2. Write a complete draft with introduction, three body paragraphs, and conclusion
  3. Use the revision checklist to improve your essay
  4. Edit for spelling and grammar

Check Your Understanding

Answer these 10 questions to test what you have learned about writing application.

Question 1: What are the five steps of the writing process?

Show Answer

Answer: Prewriting, Drafting, Revising, Editing, and Publishing.

Question 2: What is the purpose of prewriting?

Show Answer

Answer: To brainstorm ideas and plan your essay before you start writing. This includes creating an outline.

Question 3: What is the difference between revising and editing?

Show Answer

Answer: Revising focuses on improving ideas, organization, and word choice. Editing focuses on fixing grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Question 4: What three things should an introduction include?

Show Answer

Answer: A hook (to grab attention), background information, and a thesis statement.

Question 5: How many body paragraphs does a typical essay have?

Show Answer

Answer: A typical essay has three body paragraphs, each focusing on one main point that supports the thesis.

Question 6: In the example essay, what was the thesis statement?

Show Answer

Answer: "Students should not have homework on weekends because they need time to rest, spend time with family, and pursue hobbies."

Question 7: Why is it important to follow the writing process?

Show Answer

Answer: Following the writing process helps you organize your thoughts, create a better first draft, and improve your work through revision and editing. It leads to stronger, clearer writing.

Question 8: What question from the revision checklist relates to body paragraphs?

Show Answer

Answer: "Does each body paragraph have one main idea?" and "Did I include enough supporting details?"

Question 9: What should the conclusion do?

Show Answer

Answer: The conclusion should restate the thesis in different words, summarize the main points, and end with a final thought or call to action.

Question 10: Why should you not worry about perfection during the drafting stage?

Show Answer

Answer: Drafting is about getting your ideas on paper. You will have time to improve and fix mistakes during the revising and editing stages. Worrying about perfection can slow you down and cause writer's block.

Next Steps

  • Review any concepts that felt challenging
  • Move on to the next lesson when ready
  • Return to practice problems periodically for review