1. How To Write An Essay
Essay Format, Introductions, Body, Conclusions, Thesis Statements, and Topic Sentences

3. Essay Format
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Body
Conclusion

4. Introduction
An introduction contains 4 sections: 1. Attention grabber 2. State your problem 3. Bridge or transition sentences 4. Thesis statement (always at the end)

5. Essay Question
Graphic novels are superior to conventional novels because they provide a visual narrative. Key words:

6. 1. Attention Grabber
Start your introduction with an attention grabber to entice your reader and encourage them to continue reading your amazing essay.

7. Attention Grabber eg.
Graphic novels have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity.

8. Possible attention grabbers
Strategy
Examples
Provide some interesting background about the topic in the form of a general statement
Today’s gnome owners become tomorrow’s leaders.
Use a thought-provoking quotation
Gnomes are creatures to be loved, not feared!”
Dr. S. Rosner
Ask a question about your topic
Why don’t many people like gnomes?
State a surprising fact or a puzzling statement
In 1693, the first gnome was brought to America.
Start with a short story
Little Susie looked out her window, only to see her precious gnome, Willard, was being stolen….
State a common misconception
People don’t learn bad habits from gnomes.
Describe a problem
Everyone knows what a problem gnome-napping has become in our society.
Give an analogy
Gnomes are just like children.
Show how the topic is related to the reader’s experience
Most people know how difficult it is to take care of garden gnomes

9. 2. Problem Statement
A problem statement is a description of an issue to be addressed or a condition to be improved upon and informs the reader of the main issues you will be discussing throughout your essay.

10. Problem Statement eg.
However, despite this recent rise to fame, many conventional book lovers question their value, claiming that they are intellectually subordinate and deny readers creative interpretation. Graphic novels are still a largely misunderstood.

11. 3. Bridging sentences/s
A bridge sentence creates a smooth transition between your problem statement and your contention/ thesis statement.

12. Bridging sentence eg.
These denialists underestimate the power that graphic novels contain and fail to recognise the complex interrelationships between art, language and communication present in such works.

13. 4. Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a personal point of view on a topic that you argue.
It is easiest to start thinking about a thesis for your essay topic, by using a ‘that’ phrase.
“I will argue that ...”.
(This is to help you form your thesis statement, when writing your introduction you won’t literally be writing write “I will argue that…”

14. 3 Parts of a Thesis Statement
Topic
Opinion
3 Reasons

15. The Functions of a Thesis Statement
To announce the topic to the reader
To reflect a judgment about the topic
To provide the reader with a informatin of what is to come in the paper

16. Thesis Statement eg.
Graphic novels are superior to conventional novels because the combination of text and image allows for greater depth of meaning, enhanced communication and ultimately, increased accessibility to a wider audience.

17. An Introduction
Graphic novels have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. However, despite this recent rise to fame, many conventional book lovers question their value, claiming that they are intellectually subordinate and deny readers creative interpretation. Graphic novels are still a largely misunderstood. These denialists underestimate the power that graphic novels contain and fail to recognise the complex interrelationships between art, language and communication present in such works. Graphic novels are superior to conventional novels because the combination of text and image allows for greater depth of meaning, enhanced communication and ultimately, increased accessibility to a wider audience.

18. Breakdown
Graphic novels have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. However, despite this recent rise to fame, medium and many conventional book lovers question their value, claiming that they are intellectually subordinate and deny readers creative interpretation. Graphic novels are still a largely misunderstood. These denialists underestimate the power that graphic novels contain and fail to recognise the complex interrelationships between art, language and communication present in such works. Graphic novels are superior to conventional novels because the combination of text and image allows for greater depth of meaning, enhanced communication and ultimately, increased accessibility to a wider audience. 1. Attention getter 2. State your problem. 3. Bridge or transition sentences 4. Thesis statement

19. Task
Have a go at writing your own introduction by breaking it into 4 parts. Share your introductions with the class.