After carefully reading and annotating the two articles “A Hidden Hellscape” and “This City’s Opioid Deaths Have Plunged–Can Other Cities Learn from It?” consider the following question: Do you agree or disagree with Goodnough’s suggestion in her title, the suggestion that other cities could learn from Dayton? Specifically, what do you think Philadelphia could learn from Dayton, Ohio if anything?
Overview: introduce the essay’s topic
Summary: sum up the book, article, and/or news clip
Thesis: present the main idea and makes a strong argument
Body Paragraphs:
Topic sentence: make a strong argument to support the thesis
Reasons: further explain your topic sentence and argument
Context: explain what’s happening in the text so the evidence makes sense
Evidence: a quotation or paraphrase of an exact line from the text, with correct signal phrase and citation
Restate: repeat the evidence in your own words to make sure it’s clear
Connect: tie the evidence back to your argument
Ending sentence: tie it all back to the larger picture
Conclusion Paragraph:
Wrap up: restate the key arguments (thesis and topic sentences) of the essay
Concluding thought: final thoughts that dig deeper, show why it’s important
Grammar, Language, and Formatting:
Grammar: sentences should be free of fragments, run-ons, comma splices, and subject-verb agreement errors. Few other errors should be present.
Language: language should be strong and engaging and include strong vocabulary
Format: an essay should be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, no extra spaces between paragraphs, and include a correct heading and title on the first page.
Works Cited: a Works Cited page should be included at the end of your essay.
