2. Essay – group of paragraphs on a single
subject
Similar to paragraph structure
Topic sentence > Introduction &Thesis
Evidence > Body paragraphs
Summary statement > Conclusion
Transitions
3. Introduction &Thesis
P1
Topic sentence
Evidence
Summary statement/transitions
P2
T
E
S /T
P3
T
E
S /T
Conclusion
4. Begins with opening
remarks and closes
with a thesis
statement
Thesis statement –
presents the main idea
of the paper
Broad, general remarks on subject.
More specific remarks
Thesis
5. The meat of your paper
Where you provide the most detail
3 is the magic number
Each body paragraph should have a topic
sentence
6. Begins with a
restatement/summariz
ation of thesis
Ends with general
closing remarks about
the subject
Thesis
Less specific remarks
General closing remarks
7. Consider the assignment/ situation
Answer the question asked
Consider your purpose – what do you want to
accomplish?
Always consider your essay’s audience
Not always the teacher
8. Makes a point about a topic
The benefits of owning a cell phone outweigh the
problems.
When people take good care of their bodies, they
feel better.
9. Is clearly worded and specific
Because of their friendly natures, active
personalities, and easy care, dogs make great pets
for families with young children.
The rules governing the Monopoly board game
are antiquated and should be changed.
10. After deciding on a topic, create a main idea
Prewrite
Identify points from prewriting that support
thesis
Draft your thesis
Arrange points (outline?)
Write the essay
Revise
Edit
Remember – this isn’t a linear process