ENG1D
Three Paragraph Essay Structure
Follow the structure below when writing your three paragraph essay on The Chrysalids.
Each and every sentence in your essay has a strict purpose. You are to follow this
structure for this essay because it will help to strengthen and clarify your ideas and
writing. Refer to the reverse side of this page for further instructions.
Further Instructions:
This is a short essay! You will need to pick your strongest idea and then choose
three (3) strong examples from the novel to support your idea.
The first triangle (at the top) represents your introduction paragraph. You are to write the
following sentences:
1. Author and title: The author’s name and title must appear in the introductory
sentence along with some interesting information that will “hook” your reader’s
attention.
2. Plot summary: Write a one-sentence plot summary of The Chrysalids. (This is
meant to be a very quick snapshot of the book as interpreted by you. I have read
the book, so you need only one sentence to summarize the plot.)
3. Thesis statement: The heart of your essay. Refer to your handout entitled “The
Essay” for more information and a recap of what we have already discussed in
class about the thesis statement and how to form one.
4. Directional statement: This is the sentence in which you tell the reader how you
plan to prove your thesis statement.
The circle (in the middle) represents the body paragraph of your essay. You are to write
the following sentences when creating your body paragraph:
1. Topic sentence: Explains what your paragraph is about.
2. Example 1: Introduce your idea and provide an example from the novel.
Remember to use MLA citation formatting to cite your example.
3. Explain example: This is where you explain the example you have provided from
the novel.
4. Example 2: Introduce your idea and provide an example from the novel.
Remember to use MLA citation formatting to cite your example.
5. Explain example: This is where you explain the example you have provided from
the novel.
6. Example 3: Introduce your idea and provide an example from the novel.
Remember to use MLA citation formatting to cite your example.
7. Explain example: This is where you explain the example you have provided from
the novel.
8. Concluding sentence: Wraps up your paragraph in one sentence.
The last triangle (at the bottom) represents the concluding paragraph. This paragraph
mirrors the introduction paragraph (it provides the same elements in reverse order, but
adds in “Food for Thought” sentences). You are to write the following sentences when
creating your concluding paragraph:
1. Directional statement: Restates the directional statement from your introduction
(be sure to use different words than you did in your introduction to avoid
repetition).
2. Thesis statement: Restate your thesis statement in different words to avoid
repetition.
3-4. Food for thought: One or two sentences that leave your reader with a lasting
impression of your essay, new ideas to consider, and/or a new perspective on
your topic.
Consider the following three-paragraph essay example before, during, and after
writing your essay. I have dissected it for you according to the above structure.
Doe
1
John Doe
Ms. Haveruk
ENG 1D1
17 December 2010
Imagery in The Giver
(Title and author sentence ) In Lois Lowry’s book, The Giver, the reader is
introduced to a seemingly perfect society through Jonas, the main character. (Plot
summary ) The Committee of Elders controls everything in the society in which Jonas
lives, until they select him to fulfill the role of the Receiver. (Thesis statement )
Through Jonas’ assignment as the Receiver, he learns the truth about the terrible flaws in
his community. (Directional statement ) The author uses imagery to reveal the
wrongdoing that is inherent in the “Utopian” society.
(Topic sentence ) Lowry reveals the problems with Jonas’ community by using
imagery to draw special attention to them. (Example 1 ) First, when Jonas begins to
see colours, he begins to question Sameness in his society: “He grabs toys when we hold
them in front of him…what if we could hold up [toys] that were bright red, or bright
yellow, and he could choose? Instead of the Sameness” (98). (Explanation of example
) Lowry uses the image of Gabriel playing with colourless toys versus bright, colourful
toys to point out that everyone in the society, even a child, is subject to Sameness, which
limits their development. (Example 2 ) Another problem with Jonas’ community is the
lack of freedom: “During the past year [Jonas] had been aware of the increasing level of
observation. In school, at recreation time, and during volunteer hours,
Doe
2
he had noticed the Elders watching him and the other Elevens. He had seen them taking
notes” (15). (Explanation of example ) The imagery suggests a Committee of Elders
who is always watching its citizens in order to dictate their place within society.
(Example 3 ) Finally, a major evil within this society is the use of euthanasia: “…his
father began…to direct the needle into the top of the newchild’s forehead, puncturing
[it]…the newchild…moved his arms and legs in a jerking motion. Then he went limp.
His head fell to the side, his eyes half open. Then he was still” (149-50). (Explanation
of example ) The image of the motionless child causes Jonas to realize that he has
witnessed the truth about the Ceremony of Release; it is murder. (Concluding sentence
) Lowry uses imagery to reveal the evils within Jonas’ society, making it clear that it is
built on lies and deception.
(Directional statement ) In conclusion, the imagery that Lowry uses helps
draw attention to the flaws within Jonas’ society. (Thesis statement ) As the Receiver,
Jonas gains wisdom that enables him to see the flaws that exist in his society. (Food for
thought #1 ) Due to his new wisdom, Jonas is unable to abide by the blissful ignorance
of his fellow citizens and is left to choose between finding a way to stay in his society as
the Receiver, changing his society, or leaving it. (Food for thought #2 ) By leaving his
community, Jonas affected one type of change, but if he had stayed, he may have been
able to find other solutions to his issues and those of his community.