Your Guide to Essay Writing

Basic Overview The parts of an essay The Introduction The Body One paragraph The Body Approximately three to five paragraphs The Conclusion

Introduction The Introduction 1st paragraph Approximately 10% of the essay (1000 word essay=100 word introduction) Contains introductory statement or hook. Contains thesis statement Approximately 5 to 7 sentences

Introduction cont. The introductory statement Also known as the hook Meant to grab reader’s attention Needs to be connected to the topic Different types Ask a question Interesting observation Famous quotation

Introduction cont. Thesis statement Often the last sentence in the introduction Tells the reader what to expect in the essay Two kinds of thesis statements Direct – Tells the reader this is happening because x, y, and z Indirect – Tells the reader this is happening, but does not lay out the main points.

Introduction cont. Thesis examples Direct Indirect Chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods we eat because it leads to obesity, acne, tooth decay, and hyperactivity. Indirect Chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods we eat because of its numerous health consequences.

Introduction cont. Introduction review Starts with an introductory statement 3-5 sentences that give background of examples Thesis statement

The Body Approximately three to five paragraphs One main idea per paragraph Topic Sentence Supporting sentences Transition statement

The Body cont. One main idea per paragraph Take the chocolate example. Chocolate contributes to obesity.

The Body cont. Topic sentence First sentence of the paragraph States what the paragraph will be about Example: One of the many harmful effects of eating chocolate is obesity

The Body cont. Supporting Sentences The main part of your paragraph Always connected to topic sentence Gives the facts and reasons behind your main point Example: The average calorie count per serving of chocolate is two hundred calories.

The Body cont. Transition statements Links what you have been saying to what is to come next in your argument

Conclusion Consists of: Summary Restated thesis statement Closing statement

Conclusion cont. Summarize the supporting arguments (topic sentences) Example: Obesity, acne, tooth decay, and hyperactivity are, then, four very serious and unpleasant results of mankind’s continued consumption of the products of the cocoa bean.

Conclusion cont. Restated thesis Example: Thus it is obvious that chocolate is, in fact, one of the most dangerous materials used by mankind.

Conclusion cont. Closing Statement Gives meaning to the findings brought about by the supporting arguments Example: It is interesting and perhaps a rather revealing fact that chocolate, rather than being banned is actually one of the most popular confections in the world today.