11th Unit 2

Explanatory Quote Essay

Pre-writing:
Before you start writing, remember to:
1. Carefully READ the quote.

2. UNDERLINE any important information/directions.

3. BRAINSTORM by putting the quote in your own words and thinking about one or more experiences you
can write about.

I. Opening Paragraph:
1. Rewrite the quote. After the quote, write:
...is a valuable quote to me for numerous reasons.
...is an important quote to follow.
...is worth following.
...is a valuable saying because it imparts great wisdom.
...is important because it has great meaning.
...is a meaningful quote.

II. 2nd Paragraph:

1. Next restate the quote in your own words. Write: This quote means...

2. Add another sentence that elaborates your interpretation. Start with: In other words, ...

3. End with: When I think about this quote, it reminds me of a time in my life when I ...

III. Conclusion Paragraph:

In this paragraph, it is critically important that you relate your experience back to the quote.
1. Open your closing paragraph by restating the meaning of the quote and speaker. For example, you can say:
(Dr. Kings / Nelson Mandelas) quote means that
It contains an important moral, and

2. Explain how the quote RELATES to your example or situation and CLEARLY STATE WHAT YOU LEARNED!
For example, you can write:
I learned this valuable lesson when I
Looking back on my experience, I now realize that.
My experience taught me

3. Briefly explain how your experience will impact your future. For example, you can write:
Looking ahead, I will
In the future, I will
Going forward
After reading this quote, I will

4. BE SURE TO USE WORDS FROM THE ACTUAL QUOTE IN YOUR CLOSING SENTENCE!
 WRITING AN ESSAY
Useful words and phrases
Certain words are used to link ideas and to signpost the reader the direction your line
of reasoning is about to take, such as adding more emphasis, or introducing an
alternative point of view. Below is a selection of words used to link ideas, depending
on the direction of your argument.

Adding more to a point already made

besides; above all; as well (as);
not only...but also; in the same way; indeed;
in fact; really; in reality; regarding

Writing in lists
first(ly); second(ly); third(ly);
another; in addition; finally;
to begin with; in the second place;
moreover; additionally; also;
next; and to conclude; lastly; finally

Putting the same idea in a different way

in other words; rather; or; better; in that case;
with this in mind; to look at this another way

Returning to emphasize your earlier viewpoint

however; nonetheless; despite ; notwithstanding ; in spite of
while may be true; nonetheless;
although; though; after all; at the same time; on the other hand

Showing the results of something

therefore; accordingly; as a result
the result is; the consequence is;
it is evident that;
because of this; thus; for this reason;
in other words; otherwise; in that case

Summing up or concluding
therefore; so; my conclusion is; in short;
in conclusion; to conclude; altogether; overall

Your teacher of English,

Graa Coelho