Essay Writing Skills – Let’s Make It Happen!!!
Directions: After learning the skills necessary to write a well-structured essay and
analyzing the examples presented in this handout, write an essay that addresses the
topic presented on the last page.
Opening Paragraph: Explanation and Structure
Every good essay begins with an opening paragraph that captures reader’s
attention, provides a clear structure for the rest of the paper, and, of course, includes a
concise, easy to follow, and argumentative thesis statement. “The opening paragraph is
important because it prepares the reader for what they are about to read.”1 Below you
will find a basic grading rubric for an opening paragraph. Use it as a guide when writing
your opening paragraph.
GRADING RUBRIC FOR OPENNING PARAGRAPHS:
Parts of the Opening Paragraph:
Possible
Points:
1. An introduction to the topic (1-2 sentences that are
general and introduce the topic at hand)
1
2. Background information about the topic (1-2 sentences
that narrow the focus of the paper’s topic)
1
3. Thesis statement (1-3 sentences that summarizes your
answer and previews reasons/explanations for it)
1-2
4. Grammar/Sentence structure (make sure that your
sentences are clear and grammar mistakes free)
Points
Earned:
1
Example Topic: What
environmental, political, and social factors
shaped ancient Egyptian civilization?
Opening Paragraph: (thesis underlined)
Egyptian civilization originated in the northeastern corner of Africa along the Nile
River. Egyptians developed a highly complex and original civilization. There were
several environmental, political, and social factors that contributed to this
development. Egypt’s relative isolation and reliance on the Nile River contributed
to the emergence of orderly society based on agriculture. Politically, Egypt’s rulers,
pharaohs, strived to exercise absolute control over a unified country. Egyptian
religious beliefs contributed to the creation of organized and clearly distinguished
social classes.
1
http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/acen/writerslab/handouts/pdfs/opening.pdf
Body Paragraphs: Explanation and Structure
Clear and argumentative thesis that previews main ideas provides a solid
foundation for the rest of your essay. If you came up with three main ideas, each of them
will be developed into a body paragraph that should consist of (1) a topic sentence, (2)
evidence (examples) that support your topic sentences, and (3) commentary or analysis of
the information in the paragraph. The basic structure of a body paragraph should follow
this model:
2+:1
TOPIC SENTENCE
(one of the ideas
expressed in your thesis)
Concrete Detail / Example
(explains/supports your topic sentence)
Concrete Detail / Example
(explains/supports your topic sentence)
Commentary (“This was important because…”
or “This shows that…”)
*Concluding Sentence (As a result / Consequently …) – *not a requirement
Body Paragraph based on the Example Topic:
Egypt’s isolation and reliance on the Nile River resulted in an emergence of a
well – structured society based on agriculture. More specifically, Egyptians’ contact
with other societies was limited by Sahara desert in the South and Libyan desert in
the West. The annual flooding of the Nile River, which was predictable and
expected at the same time each year, however, allowed Egyptians to sustain and
develop agriculture - based lifestyle. This was important because despite challenges
presented by the surrounding environment, people of Egypt were able to adjust and
use the resources offered by the river flood plain to develop their society.
*The other two body paragraphs would follow the same format:
1). Topic Sentence
2). Examples (at least 2, but can be more)
3). Commentary or analysis of the information
Grading Rubric for Body Paragraphs:
Parts of Body Paragraph:
Possible
Points:
1. Topic Sentence (statement on what the
paragraph is about)
1
2. Concrete Details (2+ specific examples that
support your topic sentence)
Points Earned:
1-2
3. Commentary ((1-3 sentences) analysis of
how examples explain/support the topic
sentence)
1
4. Grammar/Sentence Structure (make sure
that your sentences are clear and mistake
free)
1
Conclusion:
(summary of main ideas or topic sentences expressed in the essay)
Conclusion based on the Example Topic:
In summary, ancient Egypt’s emergence as a unique civilization can be explained
by a combination of environmental, political, and social factors. Though Egypt’s contact
with other societies was limited due to surrounding deserts, people relied on the Nile
River to establish a society based on agriculture. Egyptian pharaohs made every effort to
establish centralized control over the Upper as well as the Lower part of the country.
When pharaohs’ rule was effective, Egypt was stable and secure. Finally, distinction
between social classes in Egypt as well as the classes’ specific roles in the society were
rooted in the belief that balance and peace in this world can be achieved by obeying and
accepting the authority of god-rulers, pharaohs, thus ensuring blissful existence in the
afterlife.
AN OUTLINE FOR THE ENTIRE ESSAY WILL LOOK THIS
WAY:
(see next page)
Essay Outline:
 Opening Paragraph (includes thesis at the end; thesis
previews main ideas that will be explained in body
paragraphs)
 1st Body Paragraph (first main idea expressed in your thesis)
a). Topic Sentence
b) Examples (2+)
c). Commentary/Analysis
 2nd Body Paragraph (second main idea expressed in your
thesis)
a). Topic Sentence
b) Examples (2+)
c). Commentary/Analysis
 3rd Body Paragraph (third main idea expressed in your thesis)
a). Topic Sentence
b) Examples (2+)
c). Commentary/Analysis
 Conclusion: (Summary of main ideas expressed in the essay)
Your topic: (choose one!!!)
a). What factors contributed to the development and sustenance of early
river valley civilizations?
b). How did the environmental challenges of early river valley
civilizations effect religion, culture, and politics of those societies?
c). What were the “tools” of control used by the elites of early river
valley civilization to justify their position of privilege and power?
Choose one of the topics and write a 5 paragraph essay – due ______