Writing an Essay Introduction Body Paragraphs Conclusion

Introduction  Your opening paragraph should help clarify your thinking about your topic and accomplish three things: 1. introduce your topic, 2. gain your reader’s attention, and 3. identify your thesis. (Writers Inc Handbook page 55)

Body Paragraph  TOPIC SENTENCE (Tells what the paragraph is about.) A) Evidence – quote or supporting detail (this is what it says... ) B) This is what it means... C) This is why it is important...  CONLUDING SENTENCE (Explain why the information in this paragraph is important.)

Arranging Your Details Chronological Order Dynamic Character Explaining a Process Telling a Story in History ClassificationIllustrationCause-and-EffectComparison (Writers Inc Handbook pages )

Additional Body Paragraphs as Needed  Continue with one or more body paragraphs.

Conclusion  Your closing paragraph should summarize your thesis and leave the reader with something to think about, for example: –Review the main points. –Emphasize the special importance of the main point. –Answer any questions the reader may still have. –Draw a conclusion and put the information in perspective. –Provide a final significant thought for the reader. (Writers Inc Handbook page 178)

Sample Introduction In the short story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, setting plays a pivotal role. The story takes place in the late 1800s in Paris, France, a time when the middle class is emerging. The following question, then, needs to be considered: “In what ways and to what degree does the setting play a role in the story?”