1. Informative essay #1
By mr. faulkner

2. Introduction paragraph (4-5 sent.)
Captures a reader’s attention
Tells what the writing will be about
The final sentence of your introduction should always be your thesis
Tip on writing thesis: Reword your prompt into a statement that includes the 3 big things you’re going to discuss with your body paragraphs.
Example: Three important qualities someone should possess in order to be a true hero are bravery, intelligence, and selflessness.

3. Body paragraphs X3 (8 sent.)
These are the bulk of your essay – this is where you tell me your heroic qualities/experiences that answer the prompt
Get out your “How to Write an Excellent Paragraph” handout

4. Body paragraphs
YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS NEED TO LOOK EXACTLY LIKE WHAT I HAVE ON THAT HANDOUT!
OTHERWISE, YOU WILL LOSE A LOT OF POINTS ON THIS ESSAY!

5. Body paragraphs Sentence #1 – Topic Sentence
This just introduces what that paragraph will be about.
Example: One important quality/experience of a hero is…….
Sentence #2 – Concrete Detail aka a sentence that features a quote from one of the articles. Start this sentence with something like “For example,…..”
Remember to never dump a quote – always introduce it like I do here
Example: For example, in his article “What Makes a True Hero,” Philip Zimbardo says, “Blah blah blah……”

6. Body paragraphs
Sentence #3 and Sentence #4 – Commentary about Sentence #2 (the quote)
This is where you explain the significance of that quote from Sentence #2.
Start these sentences with phrases like “This shows that…”
Example: This shows that a true hero is someone who……

7. Body paragraphs
Sentence #5 – Concrete Detail aka another quote from the same article from Sentence #2
This is literally the same thing as Sentence #2 – it’s just a different quote
Again, start this sentence with something like “For example” or “In addition”
Example: In addition, later on Zimbardo goes on to say, “Blah blah blah…..”

8. Body paragraphs
Sentence #6 and Sentence #7 – Commentary about Sentence #5 aka the same thing as #’s 3 and 4
Just as before, this is where you explain the significance of your quote from Sentence #5
Again, start these sentences with phrases like “This shows that”
Example: This shows that the bravery a hero demonstrates…..

9. Body paragraphS
Sentence #8 – Conclusion Sentence that finishes off that paragraph
This is a lot like Sentence #1 – you just need to make sure it IS NOT the exact same sentence
Example: This quality/experience is important to the concept of the hero because….

10. Body paragraphs
Look at the sample Body Paragraph on the BACK of your handout under the title “Step 6: Put it All Together”
This is an example of EXACTLY how your body paragraphs should look
Note: this sample paragraph does not have quotes BUT YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS WILL HAVE QUOTES!

11. Sample body paragraph (from handout)
(1) The most important theme of “The Ugly Duckling” is that narrow-minded people see differences as ugliness. (2) For example, at the beginning of the story, the other ducklings do not like the “ugly duckling” because he is small, not good at waddling, and much better at swimming than they are. (3) This shows that their reasons for shunning the “ugly duckling” are based only upon the ways in which he is different from them. (4) This shows that narrow-minded people refuse to accept others who are not similar to themselves. (5) In addition, towards the end of the story, the “ugly duckling” sees his reflection and meets his swan family, realizing that he is neither “ugly” nor a “duckling.” (6) This shows that although he might have been seen as an “ugly duckling,” he is, in truth, a beautiful swan. (7) This shows that a person who compares himself to the wrong group of people is likely to see himself as ugly and inferior, while if he decides to be open-minded and accepting of others, he will eventually discover the truth about himself. (8) The main lesson that this story teaches is that people who dislike others because they are different are needlessly prejudiced.

12. Conclusion paragraph (4-5 sent.)
This is your last chance to say something important to your reader
DO NOT just restate your thesis – but you do need to comment on it again
This is where you emphasize the importance and purpose of your essay

13. Overview
Introduction Paragraph – 4-5 sentences
Body Paragraph #1 – 8 sentences
Body Paragraph #2 – 8 sentences
Body Paragraph #3 – 8 sentences
Conclusion Paragraph – 4-5 sentences