Answer Key
Piecing an Essay Together: Essay #1
Title
Grabber
Focus
Statement
Thesis
Statement
Topic
Sentence #1
Support
for Topic
Sentence #1
You’ve Got a Friend
What does it take to build a good friendship?
A real friendship is one of the most important aspects of life to a
teenager.
To have a good friendship you must be honest, develop a strong trust,
and be fully committed to the relationship.
Honesty is the most important characteristic of a good friendship.
Being honest means telling your friend that they don’t look good in a
particular outfit, letting her know if she has food in her teeth, or even
being straightforward when your friend asks you whether she is good
enough to try out for the dance team.
The most difficult part of being truly honest comes when your friend
likes a boy and he doesn’t like her, or when you find out her boyfriend is
cheating on her.
Topic
Sentence #2
Support
for Topic
Sentence #2
It is times like these that being honest is the hardest, yet the most
necessary in keeping a good relationship.
Trust is also important to a strong friendship.
A real friend will keep your secrets, stick up for you when you are not
around, and stay by your side during the best and worst of times.
Friends should also be there to talk to each other, offer advice when
needed, or give them help when they are facing a tough situation.
If your friend tells your secrets or talks about you behind your back, you
know you cannot trust them.
Topic
Sentence #3
Support
for Topic
Sentence #3
Modified
Focus
Modified
Thesis
Challenge
If there is no trust in your friendship, there’s no reason to be in one.
Finally, being committed to your friendship will make it stronger
A good friend won’t stand you up at the movies; nor will they drop you
to go out with other friends if you have already made plans.
That means, too, that when you make plans with your friend, you show
up on time, and even if you were invited to hang out with other friends,
you do not take back your original commitment.
While it may seem like a lot of work to have a good friendship, it can all
be worth it.
There are several important qualities that make someone a good friend.
Mutual honesty, trust, and commitment to your friendship can nurture a
special relationship that can last you the rest of your life.
Do you have what it takes to be a great friend?
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