How to Write an Effective Essay Mr. Gonzalez American Literature British Literature

Five Paragraph Guide (Indent) - - - - -> Opening sentence. Subdivision sentence # 1. Subdivision sentence # 2. Subdivision sentence # 3. Transition Sentence

Topics and Subdivisions The topic of your composition is what you choose to write about. There are many things you may discuss. To begin, you must choose only one topic, and brake it down into three subdivisions. These three subdivisions you must now check to see if they belong together.

Pollution Developmental Paragraph # 1 (Air Pollution) Developmental Paragraph # 2 (Water Pollution) Developmental Paragraph # 3 (Soil Pollution)

Thesis Statement for the Introductory Paragraph The opening sentence must make a statement. The pollution of water, soil and air by various numerous chemicals has produced a terrible effect on the planet’s environment. 

What is a Thesis Statement? A thesis statement is a sentence in an essay, report, research paper, or speech that identifies the main idea and/or central purpose of the text. The thesis statement serves as the organizing principle of the text and usually appears in the introductory paragraph and in the last sentence of the conclusion.

Thesis Statement The thesis statement must begin with a debatable thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact, then there is no reason to try to persuade people.

Non-debatable Thesis Statement Pollution is bad for the environment. Why this thesis statement is not debatable?

Non-debatable Thesis Statement First, the word pollution means that something is bad or negative in some way. Further, all studies agree that pollution is a problem; they simply disagree on the impact it will have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that pollution is good.

Debatable Thesis Statement At least 25 percent of the federal budget should be spent on limiting pollution. Why this thesis statement is debatable?

Debatable Thesis Statement This is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

Thesis Statement needs to be narrow The narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

Thesis Statement that is too broad Drug use is detrimental to society. Why this thesis statement is too broad?

Thesis Statement that is too broad First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Is the author talking about illegal drug use, recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes), or all uses of medication in general?

Thesis Statement that is too broad Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental? Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate or causing the economy to decline? 

Thesis Statement that is narrow or focused Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang violence. Why this thesis statement is narrow or focused?

Thesis Statement that is narrow or focused In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence.

Transition Sentence for the Introductory Paragraph The word transition means the act of going across. In paragraph writing the word transition means you will bring the mind of the reader from one paragraph across to another paragraph. The transition warns the reader that your going to change from one idea to another. The last sentence in the paragraph should be a transition sentence.

Introductory Paragraph These guide words may be helpful for you: Opening Sentence Subdivision # 1: One . . . Subdivision # 2: Another . . . Subdivision # 3: Also . . . Transition Sentence: Although . . .

Transition Sentence for the Introductory Paragraph Example: My Classes 1. English 2. Math 3. History Begin with the word although. Be sure that the subdivisions are reversed. Although I like History, I prefer English.

To connect second paragraph to third To begin with, In the first place, Firstly, The first way…

To connect third paragraph to fourth Additionally, Another reason why, Secondly, Next, Pursuing this further, Also,

To connect fourth paragraph to fifth Lastly, A final example is… In the same way… Pursuing this further… One last example is… Also, Thirdly,

Conclusion Paragraph In conclusion To sum it all up, To summarize, In the final analysis You can see why…. Finally, To wrap it all up, Therefore,

Conclusion The conclusion paragraph may never contain any new information. In at lest five sentences comment on what you have written.

DO NOT USE THE SAME TRANSITIONS ALL THE TIME; MIX AND MATCH!! Use those that sound natural and make the most sense!

Essay Structure Indent Letter Arial #12 Double space The cover page is the format given by the teacher.

Essay Content The content on the essay must be: Keep in mind your audience. Create en accurate introduction, developmental paragraphs, and conclusion. Support your ideas.