The Hook • This is the very first sentence in your essay• Its purpose is to pique the readers attention

to continue reading• Andrew Jackson’s handling of domestic affairs during his

administration saved the United States from a civil war.

• Americans are responsible for one in four Cherokees dying while moving to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears.

• Andrew Jackson appears to many to be an American hero but his actions suggest he is tyrant.

Background Information

• This is a brief description of the subject of the essay

• The information that you were prompted to define

Thesis Statement• This is your claim • What will you be discussing in the

essay?• How will you support your claim?

• Road map

Body Paragraphs!

Your paragraph should have at a minimum six sentences.

It is like a juicy hamburger. The more you add to your paragraph the better it is going to taste.

Having the right sequence helps the reader understand the points your are trying to make.

Your Hamburger (Body Paragraph)• Topic Sentence

– Should describe or introduce the topic of the body paragraph

• Fact – Your fact should be a statement you can defend

• Example– The example you choose should justify why you chose your fact. It

should tell the reader why your fact is true.

• Tie Back– This should tie together the information explained in your paragraph.

Conclusion!

• Your Conclusion should contain the “so what” of your paper.

• You argued three points (body paragraphs), why are your arguments important?

• What do you want your final impression to be?

More for a Conclusion• Avoid summarizing what you have

argued.– This is redundant

• Show the reader why your essay matters.

• Dig for a deeper meaning. Ask yourself “so what,” about your paper.

• Briefly mention your main arguments in your conclusion and use it as a launching point for a bigger point.