Helpful Hints on Writing an Essay

1. Helpful Hints on Writing an Essay • Essay Organization • Thesis Statement • Topic/Supporting sentences • Transition words/phrases • Example/ Non-example essays

2. Organizing an Essay • When organizing an essay, ask yourself these questions… • Is there a clearly stated purpose/objective? • Are there effective transitions? • Are the introduction and conclusion focused on the main point of the essay? • As a reader, can you easily follow the writer's flow of ideas? • Is each paragraph focused on a single idea? • At any point in the essay, do you feel lost or confused? • Do any of the ideas/paragraphs seem out of order, too early or too late to be as effective as they could?

3. Essay Format • A standard essay should include 5paragraphs- Introduction paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. • The introduction paragraph should contain a thesis statement (a thesis statement should not be a question). • Each body paragraph should solely focus on one main point • Don’t forget to indent the beginning of each paragraph (use one click of the tab button when typing)

4. What is a Thesis Statement? • A thesis statement: • tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion. • tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. • directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel. • is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

5. Thesis Statement Examples/Non-examples • Topic: • Compare and contrast the reasons why the North and South fought the Civil War. • Thesis sentence: (strong) • 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. • Thesis sentence: (weak) • The North and South fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were the same and some different.

6. Topic sentence: Every paragraph needs a topic sentence. The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph. It gives the reader an idea of what the paragraph is going to be about. Supporting Sentences: Within each body paragraph supporting details should support the main point. The supporting sentences need to be about the idea presented in the topic sentence. In a paragraph, every sentence should "belong". For example Topic sentence and Supporting Details: (body paragraphs) 1- Disneyland is expensive A- admission is more than $30.00 B- food and drinks are too expensive C- souvenirs are too expensive 2- waiting in long lines A- waiting in lines to get tickets B- waiting in lines to get on rides C- waiting in lines to buy food or drinks 3- terrible food A- very few choices B- food is stale C- drinks are tasteless Topic/Supporting Sentences

7. What is a transition? • Words or phrases or techniques that help bring two ideas together. Transitional words and phrases represent one way of gaining coherence. • Certain words help continue an idea, indicate a shift of though or contrast, or sum up a conclusion.

8. Change the line of reasoning (contrast/ difference) However In contrast On the other hand Nevertheless On the contrary Examples Girls often enjoy extracurricular activities dealing withsocial events. However, these social events may vary dramatically. Most adolescents are excited about the new Grand Theft Auto video game. On the contrary, parents and community leaders are concerned about the video game’s violent aspects. Helpful Transitions

9. For continuing a common line of reasoning(adding/similarities) Furthermore In addition Additionally Also Moreover Consequently Pursuing this further Examples In addition, homework not only helps students practice, but it also helps students learn how to organize and manage their free time. Obama’s inauguration is expected to be the most viewed inauguration in the history of the United States. Furthermore, Obama’s inauguration has been expected to reach record sales for presidential memorabilia. Helpful Transitions

10. Transitional chains, to use in separating sections of a paragraph, arranged chronologically: first…second…third generally... furthermore... Finally in the first place... also... lastly basically... similarly... as well in the first place... just in the same way... finally Examples Generally, in order for students to comprehend all information provided to them, they must first practice. Homework is a tool used to help students store information as well as practice new lessons. In addition, homework not only helps students practice, but it also helps students learn how to organize and manage their free time. Lastly, homework can prepare students for higher edification. Homework is simply another extension of knowledge. ***Each bold word represents the first sentence to a paragraph. Helpful Transitions

11. To signal conclusion (final points in the final paragraph): In conclusion In final analysis Hence In final consideration Indeed Therefore Example In conclusion, homework, at first glance, may seem completely pointless at first. However, when reviewed a little closer, it is easy to see that homework begins as a foundation that helps students practice their assignments and prioritize their time. Helpful Transitions

12. Example Essay • Topic:Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country. Do you agree or disagree? Make sure you use at least 3 valid points to support your idea. • Information has been highlighted in the following essay • Notes: • Thesis- blue • Transitions-neon green • Topic sentences- pink

13. Essay- “Education” • As a teacher, I believe that education is the single most important factor in the development of our country. The United States could not have flourished throughout history to be a powerful and successful nation without edification. From the use of technology, to advances in medicine to economic development, success begins with education. • Admittedly, without the information that we have managed to discover from year to year we would not have technology. Educated professionals are constantly creating new advancements in the world so that our lives may function with ease. Twenty years ago, owning a personal computer was an alien idea, but now this is a common experience within American life. Computers help for data storage, communication, researching information and so much more. Imagine not having computers or other technology because of a lack of education.

14. Essay- “Education” cont’d • Technology isn’t the only reason education is significant; education isalso significant because with education comes advances in medicine as well. Everyday, medical schools and laboratories are persistently creating new medicines to improve the life span of human beings. How could we have discovered treatments for cancer and AIDS without learning about and scrutinizing the diseases? • Lastly, the economic development of our country depends on the educational level of our country. To create a stable economic atmosphere that runs smoothly and creates job and financial growth the country needs educated leaders and entrepreneurs. Financial specialists, economists and analysts are at the heart of easing our economic crisis in America right now.

15. Essay- “Education” cont’d • In conclusion, the United States would not be a prosperous country without education. Teaching and learning is the most important factor that we can pass along to future generations. Without education our country would lack advancements in technology, medicine and economics.

16. Non-Example Essay • Because I am a student, I think that education is important to helping our country grow. We couldn’t have been rich without smart people building up our stuff. Inventions and medicine and making money for our country starts with education. In the following essay I will tell you how important education is to us. • Without smart people finding stuff out we would not have technology. Smart people find stuff that helps us live easier lives. Like a computer helps organize stuff. • But the computers aren’t the only things that are important, education is also important because education helps with making new medicines for sick folks. Like my grandma she got sick. And my hole family was upset cause we thought she was gonna die. My too uncles Jerome and Lil’ Tito started fighting. But the doctor created a new medicine to cure her sickness.

17. Non-Example Essay cont’d • Nobody can make no money unless smart people be running the busynesses. We got to have people like Bill Gates to make money for people. Bill Gates is smart and look at what he did. • Like I said earlier, our country would not be a rich country without education, nobody would be able to be rich if they were dumb. My grandma would be dead if smart people hadn’t made a cure for her and I couldn’t type no papers without my computer, and you couldn’t neither.

18. Useful Websites • http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/thesis.html • http://www.arts.uottawa.ca/writcent/hypergrammar/partopic.html • http://www.studygs.net/wrtstr4.htm