1. Essay Writing Overview
The Crucible final essay

2. Paragraph 1-The Introduction
The first part of any good essay is the introduction. The three main components of a good introduction are:
A. Attention Grabber. What are some techniques you could use for your attention grabber?
B. Background Information. What should you include in your background information?
C. Thesis Statement. What should a good thesis statement look like?

3. Paragraph 2-Body Paragraphs
Main Idea: This is your topic sentence. It should clearly state the focus of your paragraph, and connect to your thesis.
Evidence: Give a specific quotation from the story, and properly cite it using MLA format.
Analysis: Analyze your example/quotation and how it connects to your thesis. Don’t ever just summarize.
Lead out: Transition to your next paragraph.

4. The Counterargument
With a counterargument you should think like a lawyer. If you are the defense presenting one side, what would the prosecution counter with?
Follow the “some people say….however” format for your counterargument.
First, address the opposing argument. Then, refute it and give another specific reason for why your position is the “correct” one.

5. Counterargument Example
Some people say that Abigail is completely to blame for all of the tragic events in The Crucible and deserves no sympathy. They look at her constant lying and manipulation, and her willingness to falsely accuse others of witchcraft as unforgivable actions. It is easy to think that Abigail is simply a monster who has no sense of empathy or remorse; however, her tragic back story has to be considered when analyzing her character. Abigail is a young woman who has suffered much and experienced significant trauma in her life. She saw her parents murdered next to her when she was a young girl. She fell in love with an older, married man who, in her mind, led her to believe that he loved her-and first love is not easily forgotten. She is also looked down upon by almost everyone in her town simply because she is an orphan and an unmarried woman. While Abigail’s actions are horrible, and she is undeniably the villain of this story, her history are experiences are all aspects that must be considered when evaluating her motivations.