Essential Question

What do our possessions

reveal about us?
1. Do you know which fork is for your salad and which one is for
dessert? Then you have some refinement.

2. His neck is short, his shoulders slope greatly, and his body is
thick-set and wanting in suppleness.

3. She had an exquisite manner and unfailing consideration; she

had a winning friendliness for all with whom she came in
contact.

4. She praised the gallantry of the women who had given their
lives for their country.

5. She looked resplendent in her green evening gown.

6. People bowed in homage to the king as he passed by. 

Why These Words?
“Things are not always what they appear to be”
 The Necklace

“The Necklace” is a short story by Guy de Maupassant, published in

1884. The main characters are Mathilde Loisel and her husband. They are
not wealthy, but Mathilde longs to be a part of high society. When she
and her husband are invited to an upper-class party, she declares she
cannot go because she has nothing to wear to the event. However, they
barely manage to afford a dress. Mathilde also borrows a diamond
necklace from a wealthy friend, Madame Jeanne Forestier. Mathilde
enjoys the party and dances until early in the morning, but when they
return home they find that the necklace is missing. The couple borrow
money to replace the necklace, but this casts them into deep debt and
poverty.
How is that related to our essential
question?
 Analyze the tone
Paragraphs 1-2
Annotate:

Question:

Conclude:
Argumentative
Essay
What is the purpose of an argumentative essay?
 Tip #1: Pick a side, any side

• know what side you’re arguing for and stick to the side until the very end.

• Sometimes the most straightforward statements of “I think. . .” or “I believe. . .”

are a great way to start thinking about what side of the argument you’re on.

• Here are some questions: Should schools push back their start time? Should
healthy lunch meals be served to every student?
Tip # 2: But Why?

Remember, your argument is only as strong as your reasons. The sentence

that has the chosen argument and three reasons to support the argument is
what we call a thesis statement.
 Let’s Practice!
1. What is your opinion of what Mathilde did?

2. Were her actions justified?

3. Don’t we all wish for more money and a higher

social status?

1. Pick a side.
Money or a Decent life?
2. Convince me.
Mention three reasons.
 Choose an interesting
title. Catch the reader’s
attention.

Write your
thesis
statement

Mention
the reasons
that will be
discussed
fully later
on