Writing a Well-Constructed
Essay
Introduction/ Body/ Conclusion
Rules to Consider Before, During, and After Writing
• Never use 1st or 2nd person pronouns when writing a formal essay
• Unless you are writing a creative piece keep it professional and formal
• Keep your audience in mind
• Always assume they DON’T know ANYTHING
• Research your topic don’t just assume you know the answer
• Your essay is more believable and correct if people who are published can verify your
information
• Did you support your statements with direct quotes?
• Introduce, “QUOTE” (cite).
• Did you spell check?
• Did you put it in the proper format?
• Did you cite all of your sources?
• In-text
• Works Cited Page?
The Funnel Introduction
Opening Statement
Grab the reader’s attention and draw him/her into your thinking
Do not use “you” or implied “you” (Never directly address the reader)
Do not give away the topic of the essay
Do not give away your position/opinion
Funnel Sentences
• Narrow down your broad opening statement
• Specifically work towards your thesis
• Avoid giving away your position too early
• Begin to address the specific topic right before
the thesis
Thesis Statement
• Two key parts: Topic and Assertion
Topic-what will you be writing about in the essay
Assertion- what will you be trying to prove in the essay
Main idea for the entire essay
Last sentence of introductory paragraph
Never contain “I think, I believe, I feel, In my opinion”
Worded as fact (even if it is an opinion)
May contain the three supporting ideas or reasons from
body
Other Key Points (Thesis)
• Get in, explain, and give your opinion.
• The introduction is not a summary.
• All of the necessary introduction items will fit into one paragraph
• DO NOT use phrases such as “the topic of this essay…” or “the thesis
argued is…” or “I’m going to be talking about…”
Knowing the general structure of the rest of your paper will help you
create your thesis and write your introduction
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU DO FIRST?
Body Paragraphs
Creating a Body Paragraph
• Brainstorm-create list of ideas
• Categorize-use graphic organizers
• Research-be sure you’re dealing with fact
• Outline-organize into possible paragraphs
• Write- compose body paragraphs
• Transition-move from ideas flawlessly
Transition Sentences
• You do not transition after the THESIS
• You do not transition before the CONCLUSION
• Every other body paragraph should contain a transition
• Transitions take an idea from one paragraph and connects it to the
next
Practice Topic
Let’s say that the topic is…
“All high school students should wear uniforms.”
1st decide if you agree or disagree(form an opinion) then start to
brainstorm.
Brainstorm
a. Wearing uniforms is simpler
b. Wearing uniforms creates equality
c. Wearing uniforms creates unity
Categorize and Research
Principals
Principals don’t have
to waste so much
time monitoring
student dress.
Simpler
Students
Students don’t have to
waste time deciding
what they are going to
wear to school.
Parents
Parents don’t have
to spend a lot of
money or time
looking for
expensive brand
clothing.
Sample Paragraph
Wearing uniforms makes it much simpler for everyone
involved. First, the principal does not have to deal with
issues concerning the dress code. Parents don’t have to
worry about purchasing designer clothes that will be out of
fashion in less than 6 months. Finally, students don’t need a
lot of time to plan what they’re going to wear each day.
What’s missing?
The Conclusion Paragraph
Function of the conclusion
 Tells purpose of essay
 Summarizes without listing the points covered in the
essay.
 Creates a broader implication
• why should world or the audience care?
Conclusion Paragraph
• Begin with a restatement of the thesis
• not a repetition, and gradually widens toward a final , broad statement of implication.
• Borrow from the body paragraphs
• without being flatly repetitive or listing points already covered.
• Reinforce analysis/ ideas (This true because..)
• Creates echoes of the introduction and body paragraphs `
• Move outward-(The world should care because…)
a broader implication so the reader can see the analytical focus in a larger perspective or application.
Things to Avoid in a Conclusion
 Avoid first-person point of view
 Avoid simply repeating the thesis and/or listing
the main points.
 Don’t conclude more than you reasonably can
from the evidence you have presented.
 Avoid any attempts at humor, cuteness, or
sarcasm.
Sample Conclusion
 Restatement of the thesis:
Throughout Morrison’s Beloved memory has a power distinguished from
other motifs in the novel.
 Borrow from the body paragraphs
Memory is so pervasive that it functions as a separate character within the
plot. It interacts with, and has a unique relationship with, each character; it
brings up painful past experiences, and preys upon those resonances.
 Reinforce analysis/ ideas
Indeed, memory functions as an additional antagonist, dredging up the past,
teasing and torturing without remorse the characters who attempt to forget.
 Move outward
Ultimately, however, memory is defeated with Morrison’s dictate: “this is not
a story to pass on.”