Parts of an Essay
introduction
ATTENTION GRABBER
1.
Quote – A quotation from an important politician, well-known author, or
famous person can be a good way to grab your reader's interest.
*Best used for literary analysis or persuasive essays.
If the assignment was to analyze the characters in a book, a good attention
getter might be:
EX: Writer Ernest Hemingway once said, 'When writing a novel a
should create living people; people not characters. A character is a
caricature.'
writer
This attention getter gives the topic of the paper, which is character, but it
doesn't give specific information about the point of the paper. It's also
important to introduce the quotation, which was done at the beginning by
explaining who said it.
2. Statistic – An interesting statistic related to your topic can be a
powerful way to show your reader why your essay is important.
*Best used for research papers and explanatory/informative essays.
If the assignment was to write an informative paper on marriage in
America, one option for an attention getter would be:
EX: According to the CDC, 'The probability of a first
marriage reaching its 20th anniversary was 52% for
women and 56% for men in 2006-2010.'
Story - A personal story or anecdote (a short,
interesting story based on true events) can be a good way
to show your reader how your topic affects people.
3.
*Best for personal essays and essays on controversial topics.
If the assignment was to write an essay on whether or not America should be
involved in the Syrian conflict:
EX: On September 10th, 2014, Barack Obama plans to address
the nation regarding the threat of ISIS. Because of the United States’
hesitancy to become involved, its Middle Eastern allies are wary of
Obama’s strategy to handle the emerging crisis.
Background
information
A BRIEF summary which provides the reader with the necessary
foundation to fully comprehend the essay.
Thesis
A statement that clearly details the purpose of the essay. An ESSENTIAL part of
the essay. Always the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.
Introduction
paragraph
EX: Some people say, “Seeing is believing.” However,
in Edward Bloor’s novel, Tangerine, the physical
ability to see does not always translate into having
clear vision. Paul Fisher, the protagonist, is legally
blind; yet the irony is that he can perceive things that
other people can’t. As the novel unfolds, Paul has
several flashbacks that lead him to discover the truth
about his family and his identity and reveal that not
everything is what it appears to be.
Body paragraph
Transition – To begin, In addition, Moreover, Furthermore
Point – Topic sentence that CONTROLS the main idea of the paragraph.
If it’s not stated in the POINT, it doesn’t belong in the paragraph.
Evidence – Specific examples from the text that support the point.
More than one piece of EVIDENCE can be used in the paragraph as long as it
supports the POINT.
Explanation – Make connections. Discuss the specific use of the
evidence. WHY is the evidence IMPORTANT?
CLOSING SENTENCE – Begin the closing with a transition to
signify the end of the paragraph. The closing sentence should thoughtfully
wrap up the paragraph, providing a big picture idea.
Body paragraph
EX: To begin, Paul experiences various flashbacks that lead him to unearth
the truth about a secret that has been haunting his family since their move
from Houston. Paul finally comprehends how he lost his vision when he has a
flashback of his brother, Erik, and his brother’s friend Vincent, pinning him
down and spray painting his eyes. All of a sudden, the pieces of the puzzle
come together, and he is able to see his life in complete clarity. His parents’
refusal to see the true nature of his brother becomes abundantly apparent.
Now he knows why he has always been in Erik’s shadow; it is not because he
is weaker or inferior, but rather because his parents have nurtured the
malevolent beast known as his brother. As a result, Paul will no longer doubt
himself. Therefore, this stunning revelation allows Paul to acknowledge the
true reason for his parents lack of attention and bolsters his self-confidence.
*Remember, when you have the text available, your evidence NEEDS to be
DIRECTLY from the text.
Conclusion
paragraph
Transition – Therefore, To sum up, As a result, Consequently
(See List in Writing Section)
Restated thesis – Try to vary sentence structure and
word choice. *YOU SHOULD NOT COPY YOUR THESIS.
Summary of points – BRIEFLY summarize your points.
Big picture/real world connection –
How does this relate to the real world?
CLOSING SENTENCE – Begin the closing with a transition
to signify the end of the paragraph. The closing sentence should
thoughtfully wrap up the ENTIRE essay.
CONCLUSION
PARAGRAPH
EX: Consequently, Paul uncovers not only his family’s deeply
hidden secret, but also his true self. Learning the truth about his
eyesight helps him realize who he truly is and enables him to
become more confident. In the end, this realization allows him
to finally stand up to Erik and his parents. In life, not everything
is what it appears to be. As in the novel, in the end, the truth is
what has the power to set one free.