“The Shawshank Redemption” Opinion Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to write an introductory paragraph:
Sentence #1: Introduce your topic in a full sentence. For our purposes, make a general statement about the film The Shawshank Redemption which is the topic of our essay (ex. An instant classic, a great example of a prison movie, a terrific drama, etc.).
Sentence#2: Either summarize your topic or give some more background information about your topic. For our opinion essay, summarize the film The
Shawshank Redemption in one sentence.
Sentence#3: This should be the first point of your main argument. Write it out in a full sentence.
Sentence#4: This should be your second point in a full sentence.
Sentence#5: This should be your third point in a full sentence.
Sentence#6: This last sentence is your Thesis Statement which is your main argument (ex. The Shawshank Redemption is a highly entertaining film because….) and it can include your 3 main points.
How to write a body paragraph:
Sentence #1: Begin with a transitional word (firstly, secondly, thirdly). This is your topic sentence so it must contain the point of the paragraph.
Sentence #2 and #3: Introduce an example that proves your point. For our purposes, introduce a scene from the movie that illustrates your point and then summarize what happens in it.
Sentence#4: Explain how your example proves your point in this sentence.
For our essay, explain how the scene you have summarized connects to your point. Make the connection!

Sentence #5: This is your concluding sentence and it should restate the point the paragraph is proving. You can do this by slightly rewording or rephrasing your topic sentence.
How to write a concluding paragraph:
Sentence#1: Begin this sentence with the transitional words "In conclusion" or "Therefore". This sentence should restate your Thesis in a slightly different, refreshing way.
Sentence#2: Restate your first point in a full sentence.
Sentence#3: Restate your second point in a full sentence.
Sentence#4: Restate your third point in a full sentence.
Sentence#5: Finally, end your essay with a final statement about your topic which will leave the reader of your essay something to think about. For our purposes, write a sentence that will make people go out and watch The
Shawshank Redemption.