Basic Elements of the Basic Elements of the EssayEssay

The Introductory ParagraphThe Introductory ParagraphThe basic elements of the introductory paragraph The basic elements of the introductory paragraph

consists of the following elements:consists of the following elements:

The “wow” or “hook” sentence—the purpose of The “wow” or “hook” sentence—the purpose of this sentence is to capture the reader’s attention. this sentence is to capture the reader’s attention. There are six ways to write a hook sentence:There are six ways to write a hook sentence: Rhetorical QuestionRhetorical Question QuotationQuotation Analogy Analogy AnecdoteAnecdote DescriptionDescription Provocative assertionProvocative assertion

The Introductory Paragraph The Introductory Paragraph continuedcontinued

The thesis statement—the purpose of this The thesis statement—the purpose of this statement is to tell the reader what they statement is to tell the reader what they should expect to learn, understand, or should expect to learn, understand, or agree with while reading the essay.agree with while reading the essay.

The plan of action—is a brief listing of the The plan of action—is a brief listing of the main points the essay will cover. main points the essay will cover. This is This is not the place to include specific details not the place to include specific details or facts.or facts.

Transition sentence—leads the reader into Transition sentence—leads the reader into the body of the essay.the body of the essay.

The Body Paragraph The Body Paragraph (the “chunk” of a paragraph)(the “chunk” of a paragraph)

The “chunk” of a paragraph is a basic The “chunk” of a paragraph is a basic paragraph structure that is found in most paragraph structure that is found in most essays and articles. This structure essays and articles. This structure consists of four parts.consists of four parts.

1.1. The topic sentence (TS)—is the main The topic sentence (TS)—is the main idea (or topic) for that particular idea (or topic) for that particular paragraph.paragraph.

Ex: The latest craze in telephone technology Ex: The latest craze in telephone technology is the I-Phone.is the I-Phone.

The Body Paragraph The Body Paragraph (the “chunk” of a paragraph) cont.(the “chunk” of a paragraph) cont.

2.2. Supporting detail 1(SD-1)—is one fact that is Supporting detail 1(SD-1)—is one fact that is directly related to the topic sentence. It directly related to the topic sentence. It provides more detail or description about the provides more detail or description about the topic sentence.topic sentence.

Ex: One of the coolest features of the I-phone is Ex: One of the coolest features of the I-phone is the way it looks.the way it looks.

3.3. Example/Explanation 1 (EE-1)—is comments, Example/Explanation 1 (EE-1)—is comments, description, details, and information that adds description, details, and information that adds to SD-1 and provides additional information to SD-1 and provides additional information about the topic sentence.about the topic sentence.

The Body Paragraph The Body Paragraph (the “chunk” of a paragraph) cont.(the “chunk” of a paragraph) cont.

4.4. Example/Explanation 2 (EE-2)—Example/Explanation 2 (EE-2)—are are additional explanations, comments, descriptions, additional explanations, comments, descriptions, and information that adds to and provides and information that adds to and provides additional information about the topic sentence. additional information about the topic sentence. EE-2 also contains the transition sentence.EE-2 also contains the transition sentence.

Body paragraphs can have Body paragraphs can have unlimitedunlimited “chunks” as long as they are related to “chunks” as long as they are related to the topic sentence.the topic sentence.

Each body paragraph repeats the same Each body paragraph repeats the same “chunk” of a paragraph pattern.“chunk” of a paragraph pattern.

The Transition SentenceThe Transition SentenceThe transition sentence serves the purpose of The transition sentence serves the purpose of connecting the current paragraph to the connecting the current paragraph to the following paragraph.following paragraph.

It does this by providing a one sentence hint as It does this by providing a one sentence hint as to the topic of the next paragraph.to the topic of the next paragraph.

Ex: In addition to having a cool look, the I-phone Ex: In addition to having a cool look, the I-phone also has lightning fast Internet features.also has lightning fast Internet features.

As the example topic sentence suggests, the As the example topic sentence suggests, the next paragraph is going to explain the Internet next paragraph is going to explain the Internet features of the I-phone.features of the I-phone.

The Transition SentenceThe Transition Sentence

A little practice---A little practice---

If the next paragraph of the I-phone essay is If the next paragraph of the I-phone essay is going to reveal it’s game features, how going to reveal it’s game features, how would you develop a great transition would you develop a great transition sentence?sentence?