Planning the Writing Task

		Planning the Writing Task List as many similarities as you can that connect the lives and music of Shug Avery to either Bessie Smith or Billie Holiday: Title: Your title should be a word, phrase, or short sentence taken from they lyrics of your chosen lady blues singer. Introduction: Your introduction should have three sentences: Invitation: The opening sentence invites the reader into your essay. Motivator (aka transition): This sentence is the bridge between the invitation and the thesis statement. It can name your topic Thesis statement: The main idea that you are going to prove and develop in the essay Developmental Paragraphs: In a comparison/contrast essay, each developmental paragraph should focus on a particular facet of the subjects (early life, career in music, obstacles overcome, musical style, etc.). Discuss both subjects in each paragraph. Do NOT devote an entire paragraph to Shug Avery, and then the next to Bessie Smith. Integrate both subjects into each paragraph, unifying each paragraph with a particular theme. Have transitions within each paragraph to lead the reader clearly from one subject to the next. Organize each paragraph according to a similar plan, such as: General statement, example, example, example, closing statement that transits into the next paragraph. TIP: Keep your reader in mind as you develop your ideas. Keep asking yourself this question: What does my reader expect to read in my next sentence? Conclusion: Restate your purpose in one or two sentences.