1. Your Handy Dandy Guide to Organizing a Proper Multi-Paragraph Essay How to Write a Multi-Paragraph Essay

2. What’s in an Essay? A basic essay consists of three main parts: INTRODUCTION w/Thesis BODY PARAGRAPHS A CONCLUSION

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 The introduction is where the reader finds the thesis statement which is the guide to the entire essay. Often the thesis sentence is the concluding sentence in your introduction.

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. For this paper, the thesis statement will be the LAST SENTENCE in your INTRODUCTION paragraph. A basic thesis statement contains the topic/argument and x number of main points/proofs to support the topic. For example, if the writing prompt is: “In a well written essay prove that Uncle Axel is one of the most important characters in the novel The Chrysalids. Be sure to support your position with at least three examples from the story.” Your thesis statement might be: Uncle Axel is one of the most important characters in the novel, The Chrysalids, because he is David`s best friend, protector and confidant.

5. BODY PARAGRAPHS In a basic multi-paragraph essay, there are 1 or more body paragraphs that all follow the same structure/pattern but discuss and prove the different points of your thesis. Each body paragraph should discuss only 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, points and proofs Be sure to use transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas. Write a closing sentence. Do this x number of times.

6. WRITING A PARAGRAPH A full and complete paragraph consists of a MINIMUM of 5-10 sentences and follows a specific format: TOPIC SENTENCE (1 st Sentence) The topic sentence reflects which thesis statement point you will be discussing in the body paragraph. SUPPORTING SENTENCES You must PROVE your POINT by providing PROOFS (examples or evidence to support your topic sentence). You must COMMENT on each PROOF to further strengthen 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. 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!

8. 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. Always follow MLA format (see below) Always type and double space. Use size 12 pt font, Times New Roman, and standard 1” margins EDIT, EDIT, EDIT! 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.

9. MLA Format Essay written in 12 pt font, 1” margins No separate title page. In the top left corner of the first page of your essay, write: Your Name Teacher’s Name Double spaced Course Date Submitted Put your last name and page number in the top corner of each page after the title page. Italicize the title of the novel When using quotes, reference the page number in the following way: First quote, use the author’s name in the reference. “I didn't even notice then that it had more than the usual number of toes” (Wyndham 6).

10. 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). Submit a Works Cited page to show the resources that you have quoted from in your essay. The format for the Works Cited: Write Works Cited centered at the top of a new page. (Ensure your last name and the page number are still included in the top right corner.) Each entry in the works cited should be in alphabetical order according to the author’s last name. Last name, First name. Title of Book. City published: Publisher, Year.