Topic In Chapter 6 of Just Mercy, Bryan
Stevenson discusses the death penalty for
children-people under the age of 18. Do you
believe that the government should have the
option to try anyone under 18 years of age as
an adult? Explain why or why not.
Reference to the reading for background/starting point
Sentence-main idea statement (opinion statement)
Explanation
Source-one quote
sandwiched (connect the source to your discussion) See Sandwiching Sources lesson)
In-text citation required = author, (title not necessary), page required
Works Cited doc is NOT required at the end of the paragraph
Additional explanation, example, etc as needed
Conclusion-restatement & comment/final thought
Exact order is variable.
Verb Tense Note:
When we discuss literary works in our essays (commenting on the work/writer’s ideas), we use the simple
present tense to speak of the work. Literary works are considered timeless. This is true for nonfiction as well.
Example – Bryan Stevenson discusses X in Just Mercy.
Exceptions to present tense
When we discuss historical events, we switch to the past tense.
Example-Herbert Richardson was executed.
Quotes should be copied exactly.