Writing an EssayWriting an EssayIntroductionIntroduction

Body ParagraphsBody Paragraphs

ConclusionConclusion

IntroductionIntroduction

Your opening paragraph should help Your opening paragraph should help clarify your thinking about your topic clarify your thinking about your topic and accomplish three things:and accomplish three things:

1. introduce your topic,1. introduce your topic,

2. gain your reader’s attention, and2. gain your reader’s attention, and

3. identify your thesis.3. identify your thesis.(Writers Inc Handbook page 55)(Writers Inc Handbook page 55)

Body ParagraphBody Paragraph

TOPIC SENTENCE (Tells what the TOPIC SENTENCE (Tells what the paragraph is about.)paragraph is about.)A) Evidence – quote or supporting A) Evidence – quote or supporting detail (this is what it says . . . )detail (this is what it says . . . )B) This is what it means . . . B) This is what it means . . . C) This is why it is important . . .C) This is why it is important . . .

CONLUDING SENTENCE (Explain why CONLUDING SENTENCE (Explain why the information in this paragraph is the information in this paragraph is important.) important.)

Arranging Your DetailsArranging Your Details

Chronological OrderChronological OrderDynamic CharacterDynamic CharacterExplaining a ProcessExplaining a ProcessTelling a Story in HistoryTelling a Story in History

ClassificationClassificationIllustrationIllustrationCause-and-EffectCause-and-EffectComparisonComparison

(Writers Inc Handbook pages 105-108)(Writers Inc Handbook pages 105-108)

Additional Body Paragraphs Additional Body Paragraphs asas

NeededNeeded Continue with one or more body Continue with one or more body

paragraphs.paragraphs.

ConclusionConclusion

Your closing paragraph should summarize Your closing paragraph should summarize your thesis and leave the reader with your thesis and leave the reader with something to think about, for example:something to think about, for example:– Review the main points.Review the main points.– Emphasize the special importance of the main Emphasize the special importance of the main

point.point.– Answer any questions the reader may still Answer any questions the reader may still

have.have.– Draw a conclusion and put the information in Draw a conclusion and put the information in

perspective.perspective.– Provide a final significant thought for the Provide a final significant thought for the

reader.reader.(Writers Inc Handbook page 178)(Writers Inc Handbook page 178)

Sample IntroductionSample Introduction

In the short story “The Necklace” by Guy deIn the short story “The Necklace” by Guy de

Maupassant, setting plays a pivotal role. TheMaupassant, setting plays a pivotal role. The

story takes place in the late 1800s in Paris,story takes place in the late 1800s in Paris,

France, a time when the middle class isFrance, a time when the middle class is

emerging. The following question, then, needsemerging. The following question, then, needs

to be considered: “In what ways and to whatto be considered: “In what ways and to what

degree does the setting play a role in the story?”degree does the setting play a role in the story?”