What is HOTT – TEST – STOP?
Description: HOTT – TEST – STOP is an OUTLINE for crafting a logically organized essay. It provides a strategy
for completing an essay to prove a thesis statement.
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH - it has to be HOTT to be effective
H ook - attention getter / interest builder, 1 sentence.
O verview – explains the overall topic of the essay / sets the stage for the thesis, 1 - 2 sentences.
T hesis - It is the most important sentence in the essay, 1 sentence. The position you will argue and/or
support. Most often it is a debatable point-of-view.
T hemes – Introduces the reader to the key themes or main arguments that will support your thesis in
the same order they will appear on the body of your essay. 1 sentence.
BODY OF THE PAPER - write a TEST paragraph for proving the thesis with evidence
T opic sentence- introduces a theme / category. 1 sentence.
E vidence – offers specific facts, details and analysis that support your thesis or refutes opposing
arguments. 2 – 5 sentences.
S ummary - wrap-up of the paragraph and relates it back to the thesis (sometimes can act as a
transition sentence). 1 sentence.
T ransition - smooth switch to the next theme. Finishes this paragraph and introduces the next theme.
1 sentence.
Other questions to consider
Does the evidence of each TEST help prove the topic sentence?
Do the topic sentences help prove the thesis of the paper?
Should each TEST paragraph be divided into shorter paragraphs?
Is the paper grammatically well written?
Any parenthetical inserts necessary? Correctly inserted?
CONCLUSION - STOP the essay in fine style
S ummary –remind the reader of the main points made. One brief sentence per TEST paragraph is
ideal.
T hesis – restates or reinforces the thesis in one sentence. 1 sentence.
(no flip-flops - be sure the thesis is the same as the one in the introduction)
O mit any new information – exceptions to new information would be to explain effects or aftermath
of topic. 1 sentence if needed.
P erspective – finish the essay with an explanation that puts your topic into historical perspective. 1
sentence.
* Note: Sometimes it is important that you inform your reader that there is another point of view, perhaps one
as compelling as the one you presented. A separate paragraph or several long sentences could be inserted.
Two good locations to insert the opposing POV are right after the last TEST paragraph or in the OP. Use words
such as: however, on the other hand, although, even though.
Simplified - How to Organize an HOTT – TEST – STOP Essay
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH - it has to be HOTT to be effective
H ook - attention getter, 1 sentence
O verview - overall concept of topic explained, 1 - 2 sentences
T hesis - a debatable point-of-view, 1 sentence
T hemes - three (or four) simplified themes, one sentence, joined by commas
BODY OF THE PAPER - write a TEST paragraph(s) for each theme
T opic sentence - begins each theme paragraph, 1 sentence
E vidence – facts, details and analysis, 2 - 5 sentences
S ummary - of the theme, 1 sentence
T ransition - smooth switch to the next theme, 1 sentence
CONCLUSION - STOP the essay in fine style
S ummary - write one sentence for each theme
T hesis - restate the thesis
- Is the conclusion thesis similar to the one in the Intro paragraph?
Omit new information – only to explain important effect
P erspective – put your essay into historical perspective, 1 sentence
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Example: If an essay answer has three key themes to support the thesis, this is how the structure of the essay
would be diagrammed.
Intro Paragraph
Body(A)
Body(B)
Body(C)
Conclusion Paragraph
H
T
T
T
S
O
E
E
E
T
T
S
S
S
O
T
T
T
--
P
HOTT – TEST – STOP Essay Self Assessment Sheet
SCORING : O = not present
1 = present but flawed and incomplete
2 = present
3 = present and sophisticated
SCORING
Comments on your essay
______ Hook
______ Overview
______ Thesis
______ Themes
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
______Topic Sentence
______Evidence
______Summary
______Transition
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
______Topic Sentence
______Evidence
______Summary
______Transition
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
______Topic Sentence
______Evidence
______Summary
______Transition
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
______ Summary
______ Thesis restated
______ Omits new info
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
______ Perspective
_____________________________________________
Total points ______________
How can I improve my essay?
HOTT – TEST – STOP Essay Peer Assessment Sheet
SCORING : O = not present
1 = present but flawed and incomplete
2 = present
3 = present and sophisticated
SCORING
Reader’s SPECIFIC comment
______ Hook
______ Overview
______ Thesis
______ Themes
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
______Topic Sentence
______Evidence
______Summary
______Transition
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
______Topic Sentence
______Evidence
______Summary
______Transition
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
______Topic Sentence
______Evidence
______Summary
______Transition
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
______ Summary
______ Thesis restated
______ Omits new info
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
______ Perspective
_____________________________________________
Total points ______________
HINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE ESSAY