Constructing An Essay
Introduction
Thesis
Body
Thesis
Conclusion
Topic
• The subject matter of the essay. What
are you writing about?
• For the Purposes of this lesson our
topic/question will be: Which pet is
better, Dogs or Cats?
What is a Thesis?
• The thesis is your argument/opinion.
• It should be one sentence.
• It is developed through consideration of your
topic/question.
• Be sure your topic
is narrow enough.
Strong Voice
• Your thesis statement should be just
that; a statement.
• A thesis is strong when there is
conviction behind the writer's voice.
• There is no doubt behind the
statement.
Which Statement Is Strongest?
1. Cats are kind of better than dogs.
2. I think cats are better than dogs.
3. Cats are better than dogs.
4. Cats might be better than dogs.
The Introduction
Looks like the top ½ of an Hour Glass
Opening Statements
Note: Avoid using first
person.
General
To
Thesis
Specific
•The introduction should begin general and end
with your
thesis statement.
•For our essay, for example, we may begin by
talking about
pets in general and end by stating that cats are
better than dogs.
The Body
The Middle of the Hour Glass: The Bulk
of the Essay
• Depending on the length of the essay, the
body can have anywhere from 3 paragraphs to
300 paragraphs.
• This is where the thesis statement is
supported with evidence or proof.
• Each paragraph generally contains a different
support for the thesis.
A Paragraph in The Body
Each paragraph has a specific structure:
State: A sentence about why your thesis is
true, using a transition.
Restate: A rewording of the first sentence.
Prove: Your evidence. This is usually a quote
or paraphrase from a text.
Explain: A sentence or two explaining
how your proof supports your thesis
statement.
Tie-In: Tie in the proof with your previous
paragraph and the thesis
Preparing the Body
• Preparing the body involves organizing the
evidence for your thesis.
• First you find x amount of items that support
your thesis. (This depends on the length of the
paper)
• Then order them from strongest (1) to weakest
support.
• The most convincing way to structure your
body is to begin with your second strongest
argument. (Save the best for last)
• Then arrange the support from weakest to
strongest.
Let’s Try!
Strongest 1. Cats are independent
2. Cats are clean
3. Cats are smart
.
4.
Weakest 5. Cats are lovable
Cats are pretty
The Conclusion
The Bottom Of the Hourglass
Thesis
Specific
To
ZINGER
General
• The purpose of the conclusion is to summarize your
paper.
• It begins with a re-wording of the thesis statement.
• Then restate your support in the order that it appears in
the essay: 25431.
• Ideally the restatement of each support would be one
sentence.
• The last line of the conclusion should be a general
thought about the topic (the zinger)
• Or...possible further considerations.
Questions?
Now it’s your turn!