ERW Essay Format

1. ERW Essay Format Body paragraph structure and useful transitions

2. Introductions • 5-7 sentences. • Discuss general ideas about the topic. • Ask questions, tell a story, etc (see introduction handout) • End with a THESIS • answer the question in the prompt • Divide your thesis into 2 distinct parts

3. Body 1 • TS Topic sentence (an opinion about the topic) • CD Fact-can be quote, paraphrase, or personal example • CM your opinion about the CD • Don’t say “I think/feel”…just state your opinion • CM • CD • CM • CM • CD • CM • CM • CS Wrap up the paragraph with an opinion (similar to TS)

4. Body 2 • TS Topic sentence (an opinion about the topic) • CD Fact-can be quote, paraphrase, or personal example • CM your opinion about the CD • Don’t say “I think/feel”…just state your opinion • CM • CD • CM • CM • CD • CM • CM • CS Wrap up the paragraph with an opinion (similar to TS)

5. Conclusion • 5-7 sentences. • Don’t introduce new ideas. • Wrap up, summarize your points. • Try to end with a suggestion/recommendation…something positive.

6. Citations • Before using a quote, make sure you introduce it. • Start with a transition, then a signal phrase, then your quote. •  For example, the L.A. Times reports, “Ten out of one hundred teachers hate their students” (3). Signal phrase Quote Transition Pg number

7. Transitions • You need a transition before EACH CD • 3 CDs means you need 3 transitions • For example, Mrs. Keefer is the best teacher ever. • FACT • Addition signals: First of all, second, third, also, next, another, in addition, moreover, furthermore, finally, last of all • Time signals: first, then, next, after, before, while, meanwhile, now, finally

8. More Transitions • Change of direction signals: but, however, yet, in contrast, although, otherwise, on the other hand • Illustration signals: for example, for instance, specifically, as an illustration, such as • Conclusion signals: therefore, consequently, thus, then, as a result, in summary, last of all, finally