How to Write an Essay

1. How to Write an Essay Your Handy Dandy Guide to Organizing a Proper 5 Paragraph Essay

2. What is an Essay • A basic essay consists of three main parts: INTRODUCTION 3 BODY PARAGRAPHS A CONCLUSION

3. The Introduction • The introduction grabs attention and introduce 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. • Where the reader finds the thesis statement, which is the guide to the entire essay.

4. The Thesis Statement • A thesis statement is the main idea of the essay. • It is the roadmap for your essay and explains to the reader exactly what you will discuss in your paper. • The thesis statement will be the LAST SENTENCE in your INTRODUCTION paragraph. • A basic thesis statement contains the topic and the 3 main points to support the topic. • For example, • Thesis statement: • The three causes of bullying in school are low self-esteem among students, lack of exposure to the problem and lack of action taken by authorities.

5. BODY PARAGRAPHS • 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, supporting sentence, and supporting details. • Be sure to use transition phrases to connect your ideas to ensure the unity and coherence of the paragraph. • Write a concluding sentence.

6. WRITING A PARAGRAPH TOPIC SENTENCE (1st Sentence) The topic sentence reflects which thesis statement point you will be discussing in the body paragraph. You must SUPPORT your POINT by providing SUPPORTING DETAILS (examples) to support your topic sentence. You must COMMENT on each DETAIL to further your analysis. 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.

7. The Concluding Para. • 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. • Include reccommendations in conclusion #1 RULE IN ANY CONCLUSION YOU CANNOT INTRODUCE ANYTHING NEW!

8. How to Begin • The teacher will provide topic questions which you should brainstorm about. Brainstorming in this case includes finding evidence to support your point. (PROOF) • You cannot make a statement about something and not provide evidence that shows that your statement is correct.

9. 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). Do not use clichés, metaphors or figures of speech. 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.

10. Be specific. Do not use words such as “things” or “many examples”. • Do not be vague. • Always follow APA format (see below) • EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!