How to write an Essay

1. How to write an Essay

2. What is an essay? • A short composition that offers original arguments to a question and backs up the arguments with specific facts. • Essays given in class under timed conditions may be one to two pages long. • Essays given as take-home assignments may range from two to four pages long. • A one-paragraph answer is not an essay. Essays are made up of multiple paragraphs.

3. Parts of an Essay Introduction paragraph - presents thesis and supporting arguments only - contains no specific facts Body paragraphs - provide the details that support the thesis and arguments Conclusion - recaps thesis and supporting arguments

4. How to write an Introduction Paragraph B = Background sentence. Does not earn you a thesis point but it gets the writing started. It could be as simple as restating the question in statement format or you could make it factual by placing the topic of the historical question into the time and place where it occurred. A = Argument or Thesis. This is a very important sentence(s) because it states the position you will be defending throughout the essay. Begin your sentence with “While”, “Although”, “Inspite of,” or “Despite,” to help you include a counterargument first before stating your main argument. Make sure your thesis directly answers the question by including words from the actual question that identify the topic of the question. R = Roadmaps or Categories. These are more organized, defined arguments that set up cateogories that support the main thesis. Sometimes, but not always, you will be able to use SPRITE categories for your roadmaps. Let the question determine everything. If it does not help you answer the question, then don’t use it.

5. Analyze the Question • Distinguish between command words and topic words • Command words are the verbs - what it is asking you to do: Identify, Describe, Analyze, Compare, Contrast, etc. • Topic words tell you what you are supposing to be writing about – include these words in your thesis so you directly address the topic • Number the many parts of the question and make sure to address all parts in your thesis in the intro paragraph

6. Organization of an Introduction Paragraph Do not let your roadmaps look like this!

7. Introduction Paragraph: Argument = Main Thesis Background Sentence Roadmap #2 Category #2 Roadmap #3 Category #3 Roadmap #1 Category #1 • Tips:Make sure your Roadmaps or Categories match your main Argument - Thesis. • Thoroughly defend your arguments but present and defend a counterargument as well. • Use transitional words/phrases to make explicit arguments. • Make your verbs past tense - you are writing about history - past events • Each roadmap will have its own body paragraph where the argument will be supported by specific facts.

8. Sample IntroductionQuestion: Compare the experiences of middle and high school students in Pembroke Pines between 2010 – 2016.Label BARUnderline transitional words/phrasesCircle past-tense verbs Pembroke Pines was a city located in southwest Broward County which had many middle and high schoolsAlthough they shared some similarities, the experiences of middle and high school students were very different. Unlike middle school, high school courses were more difficult.Another difference was that high school offered them more extra curricular activities than did middle school. However, middle and high school experiences were similar in that they were usually able to enjoy the same friends.

9. Body Paragraph First and last sentence provide the argument of the paragraph and therefore hold the paragraph together Middle sentences provide the details/facts that support the argument.

10. Each sentence should have a purpose: • Introduces and describes a specific fact • Analyzes a specific fact – ties it back to the question. “This shows that. . . .” • Connects one fact to another • Use transitional words/phrases that correspond to the argument you are defending • “because” is a great word!

11. Mark up the following body paragraph • Middle and high school experiences were different because each provided students with a different curriculum. In middle school students were given a choice of only two level of classes: regular and honors. Honor-level classes were more rigorous and students were usually required to cover the material in more detail. Few electives were also offered. This shows that student experiences in middle school included having few choices when it came to signing up for classes.Unlike middle school, high school offered more levels of classes for students and a much bigger choice of electives. High school students could now take advanced placement classes that were not offered in middle school. These were college-level classes and students had the opportunity of earn college credits while still in high school. High school also offered more electives and programs where students could earn vocational certificates while still in high school. One of these programs was the Veterinary Sciences program where students were able to work as veterinarian assistants upon completion of the program. Therefore, middle and high school experiences were very different because high school offered students more classes and programs than did their middle school.

12. Your turn • Write a body paragraph that defends Roadmap #2 • Write a body paragraph that defends Roadmap #3 • Write a conclusion paragraph. Your conclusion paragraph should include an explanation as to the importance of the question.

13. Good Luck!