Essentials Of Writing
Breakdown of good essay!!
Steps in the Writing Process
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1. Pre-writing (get ideas together, notes)
2. Shaping the essay
3. First draft (rough draft)
4. Revision (peer editing) ideas flow?
5. Edit (punctuation
6. Final Draft
** technically 5 steps
Body Paragraph(s)
Paragraphs #2 and #3
- Eight sentences
- 100+ words
- Should relate back to thesis
- The “middle part” of an essay = the meat of
the hamburger
- Develops the points you want to make
Body Paragraph Structure
• Sentence 1: Topic sentence
• Sentence 2: Concrete detail, starts with For
example,
• Sentence 3: Commentary
• Sentence 4: Commentary
• Sentence 5: Concrete detail, starts with In
addition
• Sentence 6: Commentary
• Sentence 7: Commentary
• Sentence 8: Conclusion, all commentary
Concrete Details
• Very specific details that are the backbone of
your paragraphs (reasons to support your
case)
• Concrete details include: facts, specific
examples, descriptions, quotes, proof,
evidence (articles, newspapers, other sources)
• The reasons why!!
Commentary
• Your opinion about the topic being discussed
• Synonyms: opinion, interpretation, your own
experience with the subject, reflection, how
does it impact you, etc.
• Ask yourself…..How do I feel about this??
• Further explaining your reasons!!
• Comment on the point you made!
Topic Sentence
• The very first sentence in your body
paragraphs
• Must have the subject (whatever you’re
talking about) and commentary (your feeling)
• Tells what your entire paragraph will be
explaining
• Ex. I like camping more than anything
Putting It All Together
• Sentence #1 (TS): I hate shopping for Christmas.
(it contains subject and feeling)
• Sentence #2 (CD): For example, the lines always
have five or six people waiting for one cashier.
• Sentence # 3 (CM): It takes forever to pay for
something  how does it affect you?
• Sentence # 4 (CM): By the time I’m finished, I’m
exhausted from running around. how does it
affect you?
Your Turn!
• Remember: 2 points of commentary for every
concrete detail!!!
• Sentence #1 (TS): The walls in this classroom
are dull and boring
• Sentence # 2 (CD): For example,________
• Sentence # 3 (CM):__________ (how it makes
you feel)
• Sentence # 4 (CM): __________ how it makes
you feel)
Concluding Sentence
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Last sentence in the body paragraph
ALL commentary
Don’t repeat key words
Sum it all up, give it a finished feeling
Tying it All Together
• Thesis: My favorite season of the year is summer
Paragraph 1
• TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine.
• CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and stay up late.
• CM: There are not emotional or physical demands on me.
• CM: I can recharge my energies for awhile.
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CD: In addition, I can watch TV or read as long as I want.
CM: I have the leisure to do things I normally wouldn’t.
CM: It feels okay to do them when I have unlimited time..
CS: Not having any commitments lets me unwind
Writing Detectives!!
• What is wrong with the following
commentary??
• (TS) Camping is wonderful. For example, I like
the fresh air the most. I hated the bites I got
there. In addition, my family argued the whole
time.
• How can me make this better. Let’s hear your
examples!!
Great Job!
• This sounds much better….
• Camping is wonderful. For example, I like the
fresh air the most. I always feel healthier after
some time in the mountains. It feels good to
breathe deeply after the smog of the city.
• Yellow= concrete detail
• Orange= commentary
With A Partner….
• Enhance the following commentary…
• Camping is the best vacation. For example, the
air is clean and and clear. It sure is good being
there. I like it a lot.
Introduction Paragraph
• The very first paragraph in an essay
• It includes the thesis (very end, last sentence
of your intro paragraph)
• Writer must find a way to “hook” the reader.
Thesis Statement
• The very last sentence in your intro paragraph
• The overarching idea of your paper what is
the point in this paper
• Most important sentence
• All body paragraphs should relate back to
thesis
• Sentence with subject and opinion
(commentary)
Types of Intros (Hook the reader)
• 1. Quotes- Must include quotation marks and cite the
source (famous person)
• 2. Anecdote- BRIEF personal story relating to the topic
• 3. Fact/Statistic• 4. Definition (WEAK)- Not too long, not a common
everyday word
• 5. Question (Can also be very weak) answered in
reader’s mind
• 6. Startling information- use exclamation point and
word that makes readers jump
DO NOT…..
• Start intro with “ I am going to tell you about”
or “This paper is going to be about”
• Not too much detail
• Not too short
• Not too wordy
• Perfect = 40+ words
• See Intro PPT
Thesis Statement
• Last sentence in opening paragraph
• Contains subject and opinion
• EX: Australia is the best country of all for a
vacation
Format: Intro Paragraph
Intro Hook (think of your options) = 4 sentences
Thesis after your hook= 1 sentence
Lets Practice
For each thesis, underline the subject and circle
the opinion (commentary)
1. Fishing is fun to do when I’m with my dad
2. English is my favorite class
3. It’s exciting going to a new school
4. Tacos are my favorite food
Thesis…yes or no?
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1. My high school is the best one around__
2. I have gone to East High for 3 years__
3. My family went to Disneyland last year__
4. School is a cool place to be__
5. We are required to take 4 courses this
school year__
• Answer: Y, N,N,Y,N…How did you do?
Conclusion/ Concluding Paragraph
• Last paragraph in essay
• Sums up ideas and reflects on what was said
• Say more commentary about your subject (save the
best for last)
• ALL COMMENTARY!!
• Do not repeat thesis or key words (same words from
paragraphs)
• Tie it all together
• RESTATE thesis in different words
• 4-5 sentences!! See pgs. 122-123 in yellow handout for
help!!