An Essay is like a Journey
Introduction: Your introduction is like a signpost at the beginning of a trail. It tells readers where you are going to take them and what they will see along the way.
As you think about your introduction, ask yourself:
· What is my main idea or thesis?
· Who are my readers?
· Why is my idea important here and now?
Body: The body of the essay moves the reader along toward the destination or goal. It might have one paragraph, but usually it has several. Each paragraph is related to one of the points you want to show the readers along the way. Some points may take more than one paragraph to develop completely. There should be connections and transitions between the points you show the reader.
As you think about the body of your paper, ask yourself:
· What points do I want to make to help my readers understand my idea?
· What examples can I use to help the reader understand each point?
· What evidence do I have that each point is true?
· How can I keep the reader interested in following my ideas?
Conclusion: The conclusion is the end of the journey. It looks back on the points you have shown the reader, and reinforces, but does not necessarily repeat, the main idea. It also should create a feeling of ending, a farewell to the reader.
As you think about your conclusion, ask yourself:
· How has the reader’s mind been changed by following my points and examples?
· If we continued this journey, where would we go next?
· If the reader ignores the points you have made, what might happen?
5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY
Introductory Paragraph
· The opening paragraph sets the tone: It not only introduces the topic, but where you are going with it (the thesis). If you do a good job in the opening, you will draw your reader into your “experience.” Put effort up front, and you will reap rewards.
· Write in the active voice: It is much more powerful. Make your points as if they are truth, not opinion. Do not use the following: I, Me, You, I believe, I think, I will explain, I will tell/show you.
· Varying sentence structure: Review to avoid the same dull pattern of always starting with the subject of the sentence.
· Brainstorm to find the best supporting ideas: The best supporting ideas are the ones about which you have some knowledge. If you do not know about them, you cannot do a good job writing about them. Don’t weaken the essay with ineffective argument.
Supporting Paragraphs
· Write a transition to establish the sub-topic: Each paragraph has to flow, one to the next.
· Write the topic sentence: The transition can be included in the topic sentence.
· Supporting ideas, examples, details must be specific to the sub-topic: the tendency in supporting paragraphs is to put in just about anything – AVOID THIS! The work you have made with details and examples will help keep you focused.
· Vary sentence structure: Avoid repetitious pronouns and lists. Avoid beginning sentences the same way (subject + verb + direct object).
Conclusion Paragraph
· Restate the introductory thesis with originality: Do not simply copy the first paragraph!
· Summarize your argument, including your three subtopics (in separate sentences), with some degree of authority: you should leave your reader with no doubt as to your position or logical conclusion.
· Be powerful as this is the last thought you are leaving with the reader.
Writing an A+ Thesis Statement and Outline
An A+ thesis statement should:
1) Answer the essay question provided,
2) include a Guiding Topic, and
3) include the THREE points answering your question and supporting your Guiding Topic - you will then support those three points in the body of your paper.
Thesis Formula:
______, ______, ______.
Guiding Topic + Bing (Main Point 1), Bang(Main Point 2), Boom(Main Point 3)
***Bold = Guiding Topic; Italics = 3 Main Points (Bing, Bang, Boom)
***ESSAY QUESTION: What is your opinion of your generation?
***ESSAY ANSWER/THESIS STATEMENT:
My generation is ______, as seen by 3 supporting points.
THESIS #1 - Miss Logsdon’s example of an A+ thesis statement:
My generation could change the world if we value family, respect human dignity, and grow in faith.
Guiding Topic Bing Bang Boom
TOPIC SENTENCES FOR BODY PARAGRAPHS:
Include a Transition and the Guiding Topic before each Main Point
Think 1 – 2 - 3
BING!
BANG!
BOOM!
1. BING! Initially, in order to change the world, my generation should remember to value family.
2. BANG! To change the world, my generation additionally needs an increased respect for human dignity.
3. BOOM! Most importantly, my generation must grow in faith in order to change the world.
Now it’s your turn. Put your name on the blank line below and then write a thesis statement for your 5 paragraph essay including three points which you will later support in the body of your paper. Think 1 – 2 – 3 –BING! BANG! BOOM!
***ESSAY QUESTION: What is your opinion of your generation?
***ESSAY ANSWER/THESIS STATEMENT:
My generation is ______, as seen by 3 supporting points.
THESIS #2 - ______’s example of an A+ thesis statement:
______
Guiding Topic (My Generation+Verb+Quality) (Preposition/Link)
______, ______, and ______
Bing Bang Boom
TOPIC SENTENCES FOR BODY PARAGRAPHS:
Include a Transition and the Guiding Topic before each Main Point
Think 1 – 2 - 3
BING!
BANG!
BOOM!
1. BING! ______+ ______
Transition and Guiding Topic Bing Statement (Main Point 1)
2. BANG! ______+ ______
Transition and Guiding Topic Bang Statement (Main Point 2)
3. BOOM! ______+ ______
Transition and Guiding Topic Boom Statement (Main Point 3)
When writing your outline, the 1st item of your thesis statement will be the 1st item you will support in the body of your paper! You must go in the same order as your thesis: Bing, Bang, Boom!
OUTLINE
I. INTRODUCTION
A. HOOK grabs the reader’s attention:
B. Tells the reader what the paper will be about – GUIDING TOPIC in General:
C. Includes the thesis statement (Write your thesis statement here. This should include your Guiding Topic AND 3 Main Points, aka Bing, Bang, Boom.) THESIS STATEMENT:
II. 1st BODY PARAGRAPH (This paragraph will support your 1st item (the BING!) listed in your thesis statement.)
A. TOPIC SENTENCE #1 from Above
(BING!):
B. 1ST PIECE OF EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR (BING!) TOPIC SENTENCE:
C. 2ND PIECE OF EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR (BING!) TOPIC SENTENCE:
D. EXPLANATION OF HOW THE EVIDENCE PROVES YOUR GUIDING TOPIC:
E. CITABLE QUOTE TO SUPPORT YOUR (BING!) TOPIC SENTENCE (can come anywhere in paragraph AFTER topic sentence!!!):
III. 2nd BODY PARAGRAPH (This paragraph will support your 2nd item (the BANG!) listed in your thesis statement.)
A. TOPIC SENTENCE #2 from Above
(BANG!):
B. 1ST PIECE OF EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR (BANG!) TOPIC SENTENCE:
C. 2ND PIECE OF EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR (BANG!) TOPIC SENTENCE:
D. EXPLANATION OF HOW THE EVIDENCE PROVES YOUR GUIDING TOPIC:
E. CITABLE QUOTE TO SUPPORT YOUR (BANG!) TOPIC SENTENCE (can come anywhere in paragraph AFTER topic sentence!!!):
IV. 3rd BODY PARAGRAPH (This paragraph will support your 3rd item (the BOOM!) listed in your thesis statement.)
A. TOPIC SENTENCE #3 from Above
(BOOM!):
B. 1ST PIECE OF EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR (BOOM!) TOPIC SENTENCE:
C. 2ND PIECE OF EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR (BOOM!) TOPIC SENTENCE:
D. EXPLANATION OF HOW THE EVIDENCE PROVES YOUR GUIDING TOPIC:
E. CITABLE QUOTE TO SUPPORT YOUR (BOOM!) TOPIC SENTENCE (can come anywhere in paragraph AFTER topic sentence!!!):
V. CONCLUSION
A. Transition and Revisit your GUIDING TOPIC:
B. Readdress your THREE MAIN POINTS with some ORIGINALITY and in SEPARATE SENTENCES:
C. WRAP IT UP! (FINALE) Call for Action or State the Significance of your topic. Powerful, original, conclusive Sentence:
NOW COMBINE ALL OF THESE SENTENCES INTO PARAGRAPH FORM, AND YOU WILL HAVE A COMPLETED 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY.