Writing an Essay Paper

Introduction Paragraph Read the question CAREFULLY (a) What do the “direction words” mean? (b) How many things do you need to do? Does the question use the word “and” or does it use “or”? Account for the unexpected length of and large number of casualties in the First World War.

Introduction You may want to do any of the following… Set the stage for the issue/give background… essential information only, not a huge amount of information What is the significance of the question? Why is it important to study it? Define terms and tell how you will be using them in your essay. Casualties… only battlefield or also civilian casualties caused directly by the war? If terms or issue can be controversial, what direction are you taking it?

Introduction Address the issue brought up in the question What did people expect at the beginning of WW I having to do with length? Why is it a question? WW I is known of the huge numbers of casualties, more than previous wars. What contributed to that? Thesis… the answer to the question in only one to two sentences academic-essays/ academic-essays/

Introduction Three parts to the thesis: Topic… comes from your question Precise opinion… part of your answer… gives a judgment about your issue Blueprint/plan… what categories will you use in explaining the answer to your question? The unexpected length and large number of casualties of the First World War was due to a combination of the use of total war concept, use of technology and outmoded strategy.

Body Paragraphs Minimum of three paragraphs… can be more Each paragraph needs to PEE Point… your first sentence should make your main point, related to your thesis; it should refer back to the question… “The unexpected length of WW I was due to the use of total war concept.” “The unexpected length of WW I was due to the use of the machine gun and continued development of other technology to give a side an advantage.”

Body Paragraphs Evidence… examples or facts Explanation… goes in depth about your answer and is supported by your evidence Be sure there are facts/evidence to back up your general statements and assertions

Body Paragraphs When you can add variety to your body paragraphs, it helps show the depth and breath of your knowledge Instead of all evidence from one country or leader, use several countries/leaders (unless the question has specified a particular country or leader) Instead of focusing on technology related to types of guns/howitzers/land, add sea and/or air or medical Include various POV, if possible

Conclusion Give a more detailed, in depth answer to the question Expand on your thesis Do the items in your blueprint interact together in some way? How? Can you take one away and have the same result? Are there any exceptions to your answer? It is okay to acknowledge exceptions Does the exception qualify your answer in some way?

Conclusion Do NOT introduce any new information. If you think of something that is important, add another paragraph below your conclusion and NEATLY draw an arrow to where the paragraph should go If you have time (in a test situation), read your introduction and then your conclusion. Do they match?

Additional Issues Write as legibly as possible! You want the reader to see what you know Lots of misspelled words detract from your message… pay attention to spelling Skip a line between each paragraph… gives you space to neatly draw an arrow if you find you need to insert another paragraph or sentence PROOFREAD… does what you wrote make sense?