Essay Writing
What is an essay?
• An essay is a written collection of information,
organized and divided neatly into paragraphs.
• Remember. An essay is a written form of
communication. It must be:
▫ Clear
▫ Organized
▫ Easily understandable to those reading
Why do we write essays?
• To state and support opinions.
• To persuade others to agree with you.
5 Paragraphs?
• The first paragraph is the introductory
paragraph.
• The second, third, and fourth paragraphs are the
body paragraphs.
• The fifth paragraph is the conclusion.
Introductory Paragraph
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
Conclusion
Introductory Paragraphs
• Look at the prompt.
• Rephrase the prompt and add what you will
discuss.
Prompt: Analyze the causes of the
Civil War to determine and explain
which three were the ultimate causes.
There were multiple causes leading up to the
Civil War. Although difficult to determine which
three ultimately led to conflict, three events especially
escalated tensions up until 1861. The Dred-Scott
decision solidified the Supreme Court’s interpretation
of slavery’s legality. The Missouri Compromise
physically divided the nation between north and
south. Finally, Uncle Tom’s Cabin brought the reality
of slavery into people’s homes, dividing the nation on
culture and morals.
Body Paragraphs
• Each body paragraph presents and explains a
different point of view to prove your opinion.
• An opinion is always stronger when it is
supported with facts and proof.
▫ A fact is not what you have heard from other
people.
How is a body paragraph formatted?
Topic Sentence – Introduces the first topic.
Evidence – Explains your proof.
Interpretive Statement – How does your evidence support your opinion?
Transition Statement - Moves toward next topic/paragraph
•
The Dred Scott decision of 1857 told the nation
that our national government interpreted slavery as legal
according to the Constitution. Dred Scott, a slave, had
sought the opinion of the Supreme Court, believing that
because his master had brought him into northern
territory he was, in fact, a free man. The Supreme Court
denied him this, ruling that as a slave, he was property,
and property could not sue for freedom. Up until this
time the national government had avoided taking a stance
on the issue of slavery. This ruling, however, declared
that it viewed it as constitutional. However, while this
divided the country politically, one piece of legislation
literally divided the nation in half.
Conclusion
• Avoid:
▫ In conclusion…
▫ As I have stated…
▫ I believe…
• Try to:
▫ Paraphrase your thesis.
▫ Revisit your evidence.
▫ Write an overall statement about the topic.
No one event can be highlighted as causing
the Civil War. It was the culmination of a
multitude of political, social, and cultural events
from the birth of this country until 1861.
However, because the Dred Scott decision caused
such political tension, the Missouri Compromise
a physical divide, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin a
cultural separation, these three can be seen as the
sparks that touched all aspects of citizen life at
that time.