Writing an ESSAY All essays have 3 parts: -Introduction -Body -Conclusion Introduction Paragraph (In this order!) Sentence 1 Topic Sentence/Hook (reveal why you are writing) Hook: Something catchy that makes your audience pay attention to your topic. Introduction Paragraph Cont. Sentences 2-4 Background: give any necessary background information on your topic. *Always assume your reader knows nothing! Introduction Paragraph cont. Sentence 5 (or the last sentence of Intro.) Specific Statement Thesis Sentence: Tells the reader what the topic of each BODY paragraph is going to be about. Introduction Re-cap • 1. THE HOOK • 2. Background information on your topic • 3. Thesis Example Introduction • What was the bloodiest battle fought directly on U.S. soil? That was the battle of Gettysburg. Many thousands died on that Pennsylvania farmland, but more importantly the dream of an independent Confederate state died there, too! The Battle of Gettysburg is rightly and universally called the turning point of the American Civil War. Understanding the battle of Gettysburg is essential to the appreciation of American history. Body Paragraph (s) You will need 1 Body paragraph for a 3 paragraph essay! You will need 2 Body paragraphs for a 4 paragraph essay! You will need 3 Body paragraphs for a 5 paragraph essay! Body Paragraphs cont. Order of EACH body paragraph: 1. A topic Sentence 2. Textual Evidence, details and explanations that support the topic sentence 3. Concluding sentence (with transition) Conclusion Paragraph (You MUST have the following in this order) 1. Transitions + reworded THESIS (the same one from the introduction paragraph) The 1st sentence sets the mood to the reader that the composition is coming to an end. Conclusion Paragraph cont. 2. Summarize your Body paragraphs Conclusion Paragraph cont. 3. Closing Statement/Final Thought • Give one last final thought on your topic. This is your LAST impression on the reader. Conclusion Re-cap • 1. Transition + Reworded Thesis • 2. Summarize Body Paragraphs • 3. Closing Statement Things to remember for the conclusion paragraph: • DO NOT bring up a new topic! • If you are writing to persuade… the last sentence should be very strong and convincing and a call to action. Miscellaneous • • • • • NEVER use slang NEVER use 1st person (I, me, my, mine) NEVER use the 2nd person (you, your) NEVER use text-spelling or abbreviations NEVER use the words – Things – A lot – Stuff