Here's a graphic organizer set up to help you complete your explanatory essay about how people choose to use their time. You can adapt it according to your needs as you work through your essay.
Graphic Organizer for Explanatory Essay
U4 L13 & 14: Time is All We Really Have: How to Be More Productive
Step 3: Consider How People Choose to Use Their Time
- Reason 1: Spending time with family and friends
- Reason 2: Engaging in personal hobbies and interests
- Reason 3: Focusing on work and career responsibilities
Step 4: Explanatory Elements from Blanchard's Article
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Purpose: To illustrate how time management can enhance productivity and personal satisfaction.
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Audience: Adults and young adults seeking to improve their productivity and time management skills.
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Coherent: The article logically connects various strategies for efficient time management with practical examples.
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Formatting: Clear headings, bullet points, and quotes are used effectively to communicate key ideas.
Step 5: Draft Your Outline
Thesis Statement Brainstorming:
People choose to use their time for things that are important or matter to them.
Example Working Thesis:
People choose to use their time for visiting with friends and family, participating in activities that bring them joy and growth, and working to provide for their loved ones.
Example Final Thesis:
People prioritize their time by balancing social connections with loved ones, engaging in enriching activities for personal growth and happiness, and dedicating effort towards supporting their families through work and other responsibilities.
Essay Prompt Restatement
Restate the Prompt:
This essay will explore how individuals make choices about using their time effectively.
Reasons Overview
- Reason 1: Spending time with family and friends
- Reason 2: Engaging in personal hobbies and interests
- Reason 3: Focusing on work and career responsibilities
Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement:
People prioritize their time by balancing social connections with loved ones, engaging in enriching activities for personal growth and happiness, and dedicating effort towards supporting their families through work and other responsibilities.
Outline Structure
Reason 1: Spending time with family and friends (Topic Sentence)
Many people prioritize spending quality time with family and friends because these relationships contribute significantly to their happiness.
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(TEXT) Evidence A: According to Blanchard, “Building strong relationships is key to mental wellness and happiness” (Blanchard).
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Reasoning: This emphasizes that interpersonal connections enrich people's lives, providing emotional support and joy.
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(TEXT) Evidence B: As Blanchard states, “Time spent with loved ones is never wasted” (Blanchard).
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Reasoning: This reinforces the idea that time invested in relationships pays off in increased fulfillment.
Reason 2: Engaging in personal hobbies and interests (Topic Sentence)
Another important way that people choose to use their time is by engaging in hobbies that foster passion and creativity.
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(TEXT) Evidence A: According to Blanchard, “Pursuing activities that inspire you can create a sense of purpose” (Blanchard).
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Reasoning: This points to how personal interests motivate individuals, helping to refine their identities and skills.
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(TEXT) Evidence B: Blanchard also mentions, “Those who allocate time for leisure often report higher satisfaction levels” (Blanchard).
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Reasoning: This highlights the profound impact of leisure on overall well-being and happiness.
Reason 3: Focusing on work and career responsibilities (Topic Sentence)
Individuals also allocate a significant portion of their time to work and career responsibilities, which is essential for financial stability.
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(TEXT) Evidence A: Blanchard highlights that “Balancing work with other life aspects is crucial” (Blanchard).
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Reasoning: This stresses the importance of time management to ensure that work does not overshadow personal life.
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(TEXT) Evidence B: “Time dedicated to career growth leads to personal fulfillment” (Blanchard).
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Reasoning: This illustrates how professional development can provide a sense of accomplishment and security.
Closing Sentence
Ultimately, understanding how people allocate their time helps illuminate the values that drive their choices and shapes their lives.
Step 6: Final Draft Essay Box
Text Evidence Stems:
- According to “Time is All We Really Have” or Blanchard, ________.
- As “Time is All We Really Have” or Blanchard stated…
- Some of your own thoughts combined with “text evidence” (Blanchard).
Step 7: Final Writing Check
- [ ] I wrote at least 3 - 5 paragraphs (400-500 words).
- [ ] I included a thesis statement that addresses the prompt.
- [ ] Each of my topic sentences addresses a point from my thesis.
- [ ] I used at least 4 pieces of evidence from Blanchard’s Time is All We Really Have: How to Be More Productive.
- [ ] I wrapped up my ideas in the conclusion and left my reader thinking.
- [ ] I used the ratiocination process to help me make revisions.
- [ ] I formatted my essay following MLA guidelines and cited my source.
- [ ] I double checked my essay against the rubric.
You can use this outline to help structure and flesh out your final essay. Good luck!
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