A Brief Guide to Effective Writing: Part 3 Sentence Skills: A Workbook for Writers, Form B John Langan

Structure of the Traditional Essay Parts of an essay: Introductory paragraph Body (supporting) paragraphs Concluding paragraph

Point and Support in an Essay In an essay, the thesis appears in the introductory paragraph, and the support appears in the paragraphs that follow.

Introductory Paragraphs should attract the reader’s interest; advance the thesis; and preview the major points that will support the thesis.

Common Methods of Introduction 1: Begin with a general statement of your topic. 2: Start with an idea or a situation that is the opposite of the one you will develop. 3: Use an incident or a brief story. 4: Ask one or more questions.

Body/ Supporting Paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence that states the point to be detailed in that paragraph.

Transitional Sentences Transitional, or linking, sentences are used between paragraphs to help tie them smoothly together. Ex.: Many of the other patrons are even more of a problem than the concession stand. (Concession stand reminds us of the previous supporting paragraph, while Many of the other patrons introduces the point to be developed next.)

Concluding Paragraphs The End briefly restate the thesis and the main supporting points, and present a concluding thought about the subject of the paper.

Common Methods of Conclusion 1: Provide a summary and a final thought. 2: End with a prediction or recommendation.

Some Tips on Writing with a Computer First and most important tip: If you don’t write using a computer, START NOW!

Some Tips on Writing with a Computer Save your work frequently. Keep a backup disk. Print out your work at the end of every session. Copy your file before making major changes – you might want to go back to the original!