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How to Write an Essay. Guide to Organize a Proper Essay. What is an Essay?. It is a piece of writing which is often written from an author's personal point of view. A basic essay consists of three main parts: INTRODUCTION BODY PARAGRAPHS CONCLUSION. The Introduction.
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How to Write an Essay Guide to Organize a Proper Essay
What is an Essay? • It is a piece of writing which is often written from an author's personal point of view. • A basic essay consists of three main parts: • INTRODUCTION • BODY PARAGRAPHS • CONCLUSION
The Introduction • The introduction guides the reader into your paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic. • Introduce your essay by having a HOOK!! This is merely a catchy first sentence that will grab the reader’s attention • Make sure to introduce your topic. Provide a brief synopsis of what your topic is and also remember to include your reference works. • It must include a thesis statement, which is the guide to the entire essay. • Remember to have a concluding sentence in your introduction.
The Thesis Statement • A thesis statement is simply an argument that you are going to prove. • It is the roadmap for your essay and explains to the reader exactly what you will discuss in your paper. • The thesis statement is usually the LAST SENTENCE in your INTRODUCTORY paragraph. • A basic thesis statement contains the topic and the 3 main points to support the topic. • For example, prove that Uncle Axel is one of the most important characters in the novel The Chrysalids. Thesis statement: In the novel The Chrysalids Uncle Axel is one of the most important characters as David`s best friend, protector and confident.
BODY PARAGRAPH(S) • In a basic 5 paragraph essay, there are 3 body paragraphs that all follow the same structure; but, discuss and prove different points. • Each body paragraph should discuss one of the points in your thesis. • You are trying to convince the reader that your point is right. • Each body paragraph needs a topic sentence, point, and proof. • Be sure to use transition phrases to connect your ideas. • Write a closing sentence.
WRITING A PARAGRAPH A full and complete paragraph consists of a MINIMUM of 8-10 sentences and follows a specific format: TOPIC SENTENCE (1st Sentence) The topic sentence reflects which thesis statement point you will be discussing in the body paragraph. You must PROVE your POINT by providing PROOFS (examples) to support your topic sentence. They go into greater details. You must COMMENT on each PROOF to further your analysis. Therefore…POINT (topic sentence) PROOF & COMMENT (x3) CONCLUDING SENTENCE (last sentence) Each paragraph should end with a final statement that brings together the ideas brought up in the paragraph and emphasizes the main point one last time.
BODY PARAGRAPH EXAMPLE • Body Sentences: There are several reasons why Uncle Axel is an important character in the novel, he is the protagonist’s best friend, protector and confidant. As David’s best friend, he is the only non-deviant that David trusts enough to share his secret of telepathy with. Uncle Axel protects David and the other Chrysalids from people in the community of Waknuk who would like to send them to the Fringes. He does this by keeping David’s secret and by killing Alan, who threatened the safety of the Chrysalids. Finally, Uncle Axel gives David advice when he is in trouble and needs the help of an adult. He is trustworthy and loyal, always watching out for David’s best interest. Clearly, Uncle Axel is important to the novel as he is the for the main character David.
The Conclusion • The conclusion brings together ALL of the main points of the essay. • It refers back to and RESTATES the THESIS. • The conclusion leaves the reader with a final thought and a sense of closure by resolving any ideas brought up in the essay. #1 RULE IN ANY CONCLUSION YOU CANNOT INTRODUCE ANYTHING NEW!
Formal Writing Rules Do not use the first or second person (I, my, we, us). Do not use contractions (can’t, won’t, doesn’t). Avoid saying “The essay will discuss...” or “In my opinion...” Avoid using “a lot”. If you do use it, take care not to repeat it often. Avoid redundancy and repetition. Be specific. Do not use words such as “things” or “many examples”. Do not be vague. Always type and double space. Use size 12 pt font, Times New Roman, and standard 1” margins EDIT, EDIT, EDIT! Save your rough work. When writing about literature, always write in the present tense. I.e. “The Chrysalids is a book about the future” not “The Chrysalids was a book about the future”. Essays should be submitted with one staple in the top left hand corner. Do not put them in folders.
