1. How to Write an Essay

2. What is an Essay A basic essay consists of three main parts:
INTRODUCTION
BODY PARAGRAPHS
A CONCLUSION
People write an essay to persuade others. The purpose of the essay is to prove a point about a particular topic.

3. The Introduction
The introduction guides the reader into your paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic.
It should name the title and author of the piece and give a brief description of the plot of the piece.
Introduce your essay by having a HOOK!! This is merely a catchy first sentence that will grab the reader’s attention
Make sure to introduce your topic. Provide a brief synopsis of what your topic
Where the reader finds the thesis statement, which is the guide to the entire essay.
Remember to have a concluding sentence in your introduction.
The reference is the name of the novel with the author.

4. The Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is simply an argument that you are going to prove.
It is the roadmap for your essay and explains to the reader exactly what you will discuss in your paper.
The thesis statement will be the LAST SENTENCE in your INTRODUCTION paragraph.
A basic thesis statement contains the topic and the 3 main points to support the topic.
For example
Thesis statement:
In the novel The Chrysalids Uncle Axel is one of the most important characters as David`s best friend, protector and confident.

5. BODY PARAGRAPHS
In a basic 5 paragraph essay, there are 3 body paragraphs that all follow the same structure; but, discuss and prove different points.
Each body paragraph should discuss one of the points in your thesis.
You are trying to convince the reader that your point is right.
Each body paragraph needs a topic sentence, point, and proof.
Be sure to use transition phrases to connect your ideas.
Write a closing sentence.
Do this x3

6. WRITING A PARAGRAPH Therefore…POINT (topic sentence)
A full and complete paragraph consists of a MINIMUM of 8-10 sentences and follows a specific format:
TOPIC SENTENCE (1st Sentence)
The topic sentence reflects which thesis statement point you will be discussing in the body paragraph.
You must PROVE your POINT by providing PROOFS (examples) to support your topic sentence.
You must COMMENT on each PROOF to further your analysis.
Therefore…POINT (topic sentence)
PROOF & COMMENT (x3)
CONCLUDING SENTENCE (last sentence)
Each paragraph should end with a final statement that brings together the ideas brought up in the paragraph and emphasizes the main point one last time.

7. Write a paragraph using the following prompt:
Explain why Uncle Axel is an important character in the novel.
Topic sentence: There are several reasons why Uncle Axel is an important character in the novel, he is the protagonist’s best friend, protector and confidant.
The topic sentence is followed by body sentences that go into greater detail on the topic.

8. Writing a paragraph Body Sentences:
As David’s best friend, he is the only non-deviant that David trusts enough to share his secret of telepathy with. Uncle Axel protects David and the other Chrysalids from people in the community of Waknuk who would like to send them to the Fringes. He does this by keeping David’s secret and by killing Alan, who threatened the safety of the Chrysalids. Finally, Uncle Axel gives David advice when he is in trouble and needs the help of an adult. He is trustworthy and loyal, always watching out for David’s best interest.
Concluding sentence: Clearly, Uncle Axel is important to the novel as he is the for the main character David.

9. #1 RULE IN ANY CONCLUSION YOU CANNOT INTRODUCE ANYTHING NEW!
The Conclusion
The conclusion brings together ALL of the main points of the essay.
It refers back to and RESTATES the THESIS.
The conclusion leaves the reader with a final thought and a sense of closure by resolving any ideas brought up in the essay.
#1 RULE IN ANY CONCLUSION
YOU CANNOT INTRODUCE ANYTHING NEW!

10. How to Begin
The teacher will provide topic questions which you should brainstorm about. Brainstorming in this case includes finding evidence to support your point. (PROOF)
You cannot make a statement about something and not provide evidence that shows that your statement is correct.

11. Try brainstorming in this way
You find the point that you want to make based on your thesis.

12. Formal Writing Rules
Do not use the first or second person (I, my, we, us).
Do not use contractions (can’t, won’t, doesn’t).
Do not use clichés, metaphors or figures of speech.
Avoid saying “The essay will discuss...” or “In my opinion...”
Avoid using “a lot”. If you do use it, take care not to repeat it often.
Avoid redundancy and repetition.
Be specific. Do not use words such as “things” or “many examples”. Do not be vague.
Save your rough work.
When writing about literature, always write in the present tense.
I.e. “The Chrysalids is a book about the future” not “The Chrysalids was a book about the future”.
Essays should be submitted with one staple in the top left hand corner. Do not put them in folders or duotangs.

13. MLA Continued
Second quote from the same source, no need for the author’s name.
“I didn’t even notice then that it had more than the usual number of toes” (6). 

14. Quotations in Your Essay
Use specific quotations from the texts (evidence)
Use quotation marks and citations
Specific quotations strengthen your argument and help you prove your argument
Without them, you risk sounding vague – paraphrasing isn’t enough

15. Essay Plan ADVANTAGES: PERSONAL
Life experience
Transferable skills
Financial issues
Motivation
INTRODUCTION
Aims of essay
Definition of mature students
Context: wider factors
MATURE STUDENTS – DO THE ADVANTAGES OUTWEIGH THE DISADVANTAGES?
DISADVANTAGES
Past experience
Family problems
Ageism
Financial issues
Lack of support
ADVANTAGES:
WIDER CONTEXT
Lifelong learning
Growing nos of
mature students
Diversity
CONCLUSIONS
Summing up the
arguments on both sides

16. Remember, Writing is a Process
Every writing assignment is practice for the next one
Writing takes time
Go through every step of the process
Focus on your ideas first
Focus on grammar and spelling last
Get feedback from a peer, instructor, or tutor

17. Things to Avoid Avoid use personal pronouns like “I”, “We”, and “You”.
Avoid not use contractions like “isn’t”, “they’re”, “wasn’t”, etc.
Avoid slang
Avoid a personal tone
Avoid vague ideas
Avoid plagiarism

18. Things to Do Do address both sides of an argument Do cite your sources
Do use a formal tone
Do take a stand
Do use concrete details
Do give yourself time to develop your paper

19. Remember, Writing is a Process
Every writing assignment is practice for the next one
Writing takes time
Go through every step of the process
Focus on your ideas first
Focus on grammar and spelling last
Get feedback from a peer, instructor, or tutor

20. THINGS TO REMEMBER
Cut down the boring points
Eliminate unnecessary words- really, actually, extremely
Write with passion
Paint a picture
Keep it simple
Learn to thrive on criticism
Write all the time
Write what you know
Be unique