Parts of an Essay

introduction ATTENTION GRABBER Quote – A quotation from an important politician, well-known author, or famous person can be a good way to grab your reader's interest. *Best used for literary analysis or persuasive essays. If the assignment was to analyze the characters in a book, a good attention getter might be: EX: Writer Ernest Hemingway once said, 'When writing a novel a writer should create living people; people not characters. A character is a caricature.' This attention getter gives the topic of the paper, which is character, but it doesn't give specific information about the point of the paper. It's also important to introduce the quotation, which was done at the beginning by explaining who said it.

2. Statistic – An interesting statistic related to your topic can be a powerful way to show your reader why your essay is important. *Best used for research papers and explanatory/informative essays. If the assignment was to write an informative paper on marriage in America, one option for an attention getter would be: EX: According to the CDC, 'The probability of a first marriage reaching its 20th anniversary was 52% for women and 56% for men in 2006-2010.'

3. Story - A personal story or anecdote (a short, interesting story based on true events) can be a good way to show your reader how your topic affects people. *Best for personal essays and essays on controversial topics. If the assignment was to write an essay on whether or not America should be involved in the Syrian conflict: EX: On September 10th, 2014, Barack Obama plans to address the nation regarding the threat of ISIS. Because of the United States’ hesitancy to become involved, its Middle Eastern allies are wary of Obama’s strategy to handle the emerging crisis.

Background information A BRIEF summary which provides the reader with the necessary foundation to fully comprehend the essay. Thesis A statement that clearly details the purpose of the essay. An ESSENTIAL part of the essay. Always the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.

Introduction paragraph

Body paragraph Transition – To begin, In addition, Moreover, Furthermore Point – Topic sentence that CONTROLS the main idea of the paragraph. If it’s not stated in the POINT, it doesn’t belong in the paragraph. Evidence – Specific examples from the text that support the point. More than one piece of EVIDENCE can be used in the paragraph as long as it supports the POINT. Explanation – Make connections. Discuss the specific use of the evidence. WHY is the evidence IMPORTANT? CLOSING SENTENCE – Begin the closing with a transition to signify the end of the paragraph. The closing sentence should thoughtfully wrap up the paragraph, providing a big picture idea.

Body paragraph

Conclusion paragraph Transition – Therefore, To sum up, As a result, Consequently (See List in Writing Section) Restated thesis – Try to vary sentence structure and word choice. *YOU SHOULD NOT COPY YOUR THESIS. Summary of points – BRIEFLY summarize your points. Big picture/real world connection – How does this relate to the real world? (Only if applicable) CLOSING SENTENCE – Begin the closing with a transition to signify the end of the paragraph. The closing sentence should thoughtfully wrap up the ENTIRE essay.

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH