How to Write an Essay Well Your Handy Dandy Guide to Organizing a Proper 5 Paragraph Essay for leap and life

What is an Essay? A basic essay consists of three main parts: INTRODUCTION 3 (or more) 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.

THE INTRODUCTION The introduction guides the reader into your paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic. Introduce your essay by having a HOOK!! This is merely a catchy first sentence that will grab the reader’s attention. NAME SOME OF THE TYPES OF HOOKS WE’VE COVERED NOW… The reference is the name of the novel with the author.

THESIS STATEMENT The introductory paragraph is where the reader finds the thesis statement, which is the guide to the entire essay. The thesis statement might also be called the topic sentence, the main idea, or the central idea. Every sentence in your paper must be related to this idea. If your thesis statement doesn’t demonstrate your understanding of the writing prompt, you are doomed from the start!!

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 probably be the LAST SENTENCE in your INTRODUCTION paragraph; if you do this– it will be easy to transition to the next paragraph.  

The Thesis Statement A basic thesis statement contains the topic and the 3 main points to support the topic. For example, prove that Uncle Axel is one of the most important characters in the novel The Chrysalids. Thesis statement: In the novel The Chrysalids Uncle Axel is one of the most important characters as David`s best friend, protector, and confidant.

Practice Read the following prompts one at a time and provide a possible thesis statement for each. Remember– you want to include at least three points in your thesis statement AND you must be able to write enough information about each of these. In other words, you must be able to PROVE IT with explanation and support. On the LEAP some of this support will come from the sources provided.

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

WRITING A BODY PARAGRAPH 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.

WRITING A BODY PARAGRAPH 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.

BODY PARAGRAPH Prompt: Explain why Uncle Axel is an important character in the novel. THESIS: Uncle Axel is an important character in the novel because he is the protagonist’s best friend, protector, and confidant. 1st Body Paragraph for the thesis statement above will be about _______________________?

Writing a paragraph con’t 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 interests. Concluding sentence: Clearly, Uncle Axel is as important to the novel as he is the for the main character David.

#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!

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. EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!