Essay Writing 101

1. Essay Writing 101 The 5 Paragraph Essay

2. Start By Brainstorming • Free writing • Lists/Bulleting • Webbing • Grouping By Start Webbing Brainstorming

3. Outline • After brainstorming, draft an outline a. Write down important points b. Don’t forget to include scholarly research when relevant • Always include an outline when submitting your final draft • Don’t forget your bibliography!

4. Introduction • The introduction MUSTclearly state the thesis • A thesis should be short and clear stance that the essay will support • The first sentence of the introduction will ideally will grab the reader’s attention • The last sentence of each paragraph should contain a transitional “hook” which moves the reader to the first body paragraph of the paper

5. NEVER in the Introduction • Apologize. • Suggest that you don’t know what you’re talking about • Use an encyclopedia definition • Take your time. Get to the point! • Announce your intentions. Do not flatly say what you are about to do in this essay

6. NEVER in the Introduction Say… • Avoid phrases like: • “The purpose of this essay is to…” • “In this paper I will…” • I’m not sure about this, but…” • “In my [humble] opinion…”

7. Body Paragraphs • The first sentence of each body paragraph MUST be clear and explain the purpose of the paragraph. • You should be able to read your first sentence aloud and understand what the paragraph is about. • The rest of the paragraph is following up the first sentence with supporting evidence, including scholarly research and your explanation/interpretation of the scholarly research

8. First Body Paragraph • Should contain the strongest argument. It should also have the strongest: • Example • Illustration • Topic sentence should contain a “reverse hook” acknowledging the thesis, but also explaining the point of the paragraph • If all of your arguments are equally strong, start out with the most logical beginning point • The last sentence should always transition to the second body paragraph

9. Second Body Paragraph • Should contain the second strongest argument • The first sentence should include the reverse hook which ties in the transitional hook at the end of the first paragraph • The last sentence should include a transitional hook which ties into the third body paragraph

10. Third Body Paragraph • First sentence should include a reverse hook which ties in the transitional hook at the end of the second paragraph • Should be the weakest argument • The last sentence should include a transitional concluding hook • Signals to the reader that this is the final major point of the paper

11. Conclusion • Restate the thesis statement • Language should echo the thesis, not quote it verbatim • Summarize the three main points of the paper • Clearly signals to the reader that the paper has ended • The final statement may be a “call to action” in a persuasive paper

12. NEVER in the Conclusion Say: • “In conclusion…” • “To summarize…” • “This completes my argument that …” • Or bring up new resources/information