ENG 2DP: Essay Writing
Essay Organization
Writing a Thesis
A thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the main idea of your paper and answers the question or
questions posed. It is the most important part of your essay because it is the reason you are writing your
essay.
A thesis must make an arguable assertion. It consists of two things: what you will prove and how you
intend to prove it.
A thesis statement should be a specific statement that reveals your perspective or conviction on the
assigned topic and organizes your essay.
Be sure your thesis is narrow and specific, but still leaves room for development.
Generally, a thesis statement appears at the end of the first (introductory) paragraph of an essay, so
that readers will have a clear idea of what to expect as they read.
Some questions to help you formulate your thesis in a literary analysis paper:
•
What is my claim or assertion? (opinion)
•
What are the reasons I have to support my claim or assertion? (arguments)
•
In what order should I present my reasons? (organization)
NOTE: As you write and revise your paper, it's okay to change your thesis statement -- sometimes you don't discover what you
really want to say about a topic until you've started (or finished) writing! Just make sure that your "final" thesis statement
accurately shows what you will discuss in your paper.
Sample Topic: What is the cause of the tragedy in William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet?
Thesis Statement: Under pressure, Romeo and Juliet make impulsive decisions based on emotion which
leads to the unfortunate death of the two young lovers.
Note: Though your thesis is written, complete the introductory and concluding paragraphs last. This
way you can ensure your introduction is clear, unified and focused.
ENG 2DP: Essay Writing
The Outline
 Establish the thesis first
 Gather your notes; classify your material – notes and ideas
 Generate main points (arguments) to support your thesis – each will be a separate body
paragraph
 Supporting details / arguments for proof
 Organize textual evidence – primary (novel / play) and secondary sources (research) – to
support arguments
 Order your material in a logical way:
1. Chronological – order of time
2. Logical – arguments presented in logical order which reflects reason
 Outline your introduction and conclusion last
The First Draft
 Basic Structure of an Essay (see picture on previous page)
- Introduction – moving from general introduction to the topic to the specific (thesis
statement)
- Body – developing, in turn, each of the main arguments used to support the thesis
- Conclusion – reinforcing; summarizing what has been the focus of the essay. Provide
final insights and/ or something for your reader to think about
 Write while you think
 Plan to re-write
 Assembling Evidence:
– research is to help you find support for the claims in your paper
– textual evidence – used to prove and / or illustrate your argument and thesis; it
strengthens your argument overall
– interpret or analyze your evidence – be sure to note how it proves your main argument
and thesis.
Writing Paragraphs
A.
1.
2.
3.
Basic Structure:
Topic Sentence – states what your paragraph is about and refers to the thesis
Supporting Arguments – examples or reasons depending on the nature of the topic
Evidence – Examples and quotes from the primary text, possibly a secondary source *remember
to document quotes following proper MLA format)
4. Analysis / Explanation – explains how the quote proves the argument; provides further insight
on topic
5. Concluding Sentence – Summarizes main idea of the paragraph
The number of body paragraphs will depend on the subject and requirements of your essay.
Note: NOT all essays are five paragraphs!
B. Quotations (Textual Evidence):
Fit - quotes must relate directly to the point and must say something significant
Function – usually to illustrate or prove a point you have made bringing credibility and authority
on the subject
ENG 2DP: Essay Writing
Form – work on style to seamlessly weave quotations into paragraphs rather than “sticking
them in”. Make it part of your own sentence structure (this will force you to cut quoted
material down to the essentials and to think of its direct relation to your own thought)
Reminders:
- Shorten long quotations
- Use ellipsis to remove irrelevant phrases
- Integrate quotations into your sentences – two or more can be used in a single sentence
sparingly
- Use square brackets if changes or clarifications are made
- Document all quotations using MLA format
Elements of Style

Unity – paragraphs, like your essay, should have demonstrated the development of thought . . .
Each paragraph should lead the reader in a logical coherent manner. (54)

Transitions – to make connections clear to the reader, you must use appropriate transitions and
linking devices. Transitions have many uses:
TO ADD – and, also, in addition, furthermore, as well, further, at the same time etc.
TO ILLUSTRATE – for example, for instance, that is, in other words
TO QUALIFY – often, generally, specifically, usually
CHANGE DIRECTION – but, however, conversely, although, whereas
TO ENUMERATE – first, second, next last (*avoid overuse as it sounds superficial)
TO SUMMARIZE – to conclude, in short, evidently, finally, overall, clearly, evidently
DRAW CONCLUSION – hence, therefore, as a result, consequently
ESTABLISH CAUSE/EFFECT– because, for, consequently, since, thus, as a result
**NOTE: there are many more, these are just some examples (56)
Setting Tone
 Avoid chatting – a chatty essay is the result of incomplete planning and outlining
 Avoid declaiming – assume your reader is your equal even though you are the “expert”; Any
style that repeats points too often, goes on too long or explains more than is needed is
declaiming (13)
 Avoid personal pronouns – “you” and “your”; keep readers at a formal distance
Choosing Words
 Keep these guidelines in mind:
- Fit – Does your writing suit the purpose and audience?
- Form – Does it conform to convention?
- Function – Does your writing make your message clear?
 Avoid over-dressed language such as too many technical terms, pretentious words and
constructions
 Avoid sloppy language – slang, colloquial constructions (overused language or expressions; avoid
stating the obvious; avoid jargon or clichés
 Consult a dictionary to find proper usage of a word
ENG 2DP: Essay Writing
Structuring Sentences
 Vary sentence structure – simple, compound, complex
 Join simple sentences together
 Clarify ideas
Parallelism
 Make sure grammatical elements match (plurals, subject-verb. . . )
 Transitions
Active / Passive Voice
 Form – actor, verb, receiver
 More forthright and concise
 Active: The pit bull bit the postman
Passive: The postman was bitten by the pit bull terrier
Reduce Wordiness
 Avoid adverbs (ex. Quite elegant vs elegant)
 Avoid baggy constructions – vague words = vague thoughts
(ex. Due to the fact that vs. Because; make assumptions about vs. assume)
 Editing: When editing check to see that your sentences are designed for simplicity,
concreteness, action, grace and impact
Learning From Experience
 Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your style
 Analyze your writing habits
 Identify most common spelling and grammatical errors
 Exercise your writing skills – do exercises aimed at a specific problem
FINAL REMINDERS:
 All essays must be typed, double spaced, 12 font
 Create a title for your essay
 All essays must follow MLA format
 Provide a Work(s) Cited List
EDIT!
EDIT!
EDIT!