Writing an Essay

1. Writing an Essay Hook, Thesis Statement, Textual Evidence, and Conclusion

2. The Hook • The opening line that captures the reader’s interest • Applies to all writing – fiction and nonfiction

3. The Hook – Best Methods • Ask a controversial question • Make a bold statement • Open with a quote • Offer a confession

4. Good Examples • It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. —George Orwell, 1984 (1949) • It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… —Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities (1859) • Mother died today. —Albert Camus, The Stranger (1942)

5. The Thesis Statement • Found after the hook • Tells the reader what you’re writing about and what to expect • Makes a claim that others might dispute • Is usually a single sentence • The rest of the papersupports the thesis statement

6. Bad And Good Thesis Statements • The North and South fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were the same and some different. –BAD! • While both Northerners and Southerners believed they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own right to self-government. – GOOD!

7. Bad And Good Thesis Statements • Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel. – BAD! • Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.– GOOD!

8. Textual Evidence • Any and all essays you write for us must use textual evidence to support your ideas • Direct quotes are fantastic • You must EXPLAIN why your textual evidence is relevant • Blend the evidence with your idea; use one to support the other

9. The Conclusion • The last paragraph wraps it all up. • It reminds us of the thesis • It leaves us with a sense of finality • NEVER use the phrase “The End” in academic writing