An essay is organized like a triple-decker cheeseburger with three main sections - an introduction as the top bun, three body paragraphs as the three layers of meat and cheese, and a conclusion as the bottom bun. The introduction presents the thesis statement and three subtopics. Each body paragraph addresses one subtopic with a topic sentence, details, and concluding sentence. The conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the body paragraphs with a final thought.

1. How is an Essay
Like a
Triple-Decker
Cheeseburger?

2. LEQ:
How do writers
organize and
develop an
essay?

3. “The Product”
Introdu
ction
Supporting
Paragraphs
Concluding
Paragraph

4. “The Prep”
First Paragraph=
Introduction
“Set up”- give basic explanation,
description, or argument
Thesis statement (last sentence)
describes (1) the topic and (2)
the three subtopics
Subtopics become topic
sentences for three body
paragraphs

5. “The Ins”
Supporting Paragraphs=
Body
Topic sentence
Transitions
Specific examples, details,
reasons, facts, etc. using MLA
documentation
Elaboration
Concluding sentence

6. “The Outs”
NEVER use the following in
an essay:
“I” or “You”
“I’m going to write/talk about…”
“My essay (this essay) is about…”
“Stuff” or “Things”
“The topic of my/this essay is…”

7. “The Wrap up”
The CONCLUSION
Restate the thesis (first sentence)
Summarize the body paragraphs
Add a “clincher” statement

8. “The Presentation”
Appearance is important!
Spelling
Grammar
Punctuation
Complete Sentences