1. A Review

2.  Introduction Paragraph

3.   An opening sentence that introduces the topic of your opinion piece  3 sentences (minimum), which describes the three main points—sub topics—in your essay.  1 sub topic = 1 sentence  Last sentence = your thesis (main idea) Begin With:

4.  Body Paragraphs  You must have three body paragraphs (sub topics)  Each paragraph must have 2-3 Point, Proof, Explanation sequences

5.   Topic Sentence: describes idea of the sub topic  Point #1: Intro and background info for your example  Proof #1: your evidence (could be a quotation)  Explanation #1: explain HOW your proof actually proves your point. **Answer the question: so what? Or how so?**  Repeat the above sequence for Point #2 and #3 Sub Topic Structure

6.  Conclusion Paragraph

7.   A reworded thesis statement (try not to copy-paste)  3 sentences summarizing what you talked about in your body paragraphs  A final concluding sentence to wrap the whole thing up. Conclusion Order:

8.  Essay “Dos”

9.   Write in the present tense  Use appropriate language  Fully explain your ideas and have adequate proof  Follow the correct structure DO:

10.  Essay “Do Nots”

11.   Don’t forget your thesis statement  Don’t : write your thesis statement and your sub topics as all part of the same sentence  Don’t have an incomplete Intro and/or Conclusion  Don’t write in the past tense DON’T: