Short 3-5 Paragraph Essay It’s Essay Style! Short 3-5 Paragraph Essay

A basic essay consists of three main parts: INTRODUCTION What is an Essay? A basic essay consists of three main parts: INTRODUCTION BODY PARAGRAPH(S) A CONCLUSION People write an essay to persuade others. The purpose of the essay is to prove a point about a particular topic.

The Introduction The introduction guides the reader into your paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic. Introduce your essay by having a HOOK!! This is merely a catchy first sentence that will grab the reader’s attention For example: Anecdote/Scenario/Analogy Question Surprising Fact or Statistics Quotation The reference is the name of the novel with the author.

Example Hooks Question The introduction guides the reader into your paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic. Question What would you do if you discovered a secret that changed everything? Quotation Hillary Rodham Clinton once said that “There cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard” (Source to follow here). Surprising or Shocking Fact or Statistic Fact: The pentagon has twice as many bathrooms as are necessary (Source to follow here). Statistic: Seventy-two percent of Canadians have been directly related to a person, or persons, killed during WWII" (Source to follow here). The reference is the name of the novel with the author.

Example Hooks The introduction guides the reader into your paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic. Strong Statement (evokes strong emotion with word choice) Schindler's List graphically portrays the horrific acts of German concentration camps in World War two. Anecdote/Scenario/Analogy/Figurative Language Anecdote: When my older brother substituted fresh eggs for our hard-boiled Easter eggs, he didn’t realize our father would take the first crack at hiding them. Scenario: Imagine a world where people were restricted from using their own thoughts and feelings. Analogy/Figurative Language: Just as a sword is the weapon of a warrior, a pen is the weapon of a writer. The reference is the name of the novel with the author.

The Introduction The introduction guides the reader into your paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic. 2. In addition to your hook you must state the title and author of the piece and introduce the topic of the essay. (Provide a brief synopsis of what your topic is and also remember to include your reference works (i.e.. John Wyndham’s The Chrysalids)) The reference is the name of the novel with the author.

Setting – Main Character(s) – Main Problem The Introduction The introduction guides the reader into your paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic. 3. Then give a brief description of the plot of the piece. (like 1-2 sentences max!) Needs to include: Setting – Main Character(s) – Main Problem The reference is the name of the novel with the author.

The Introduction The introduction guides the reader into your paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic. 4. The end is where the reader finds the thesis statement, which is the guide to the entire essay. The Thesis is your concluding sentence in your introduction. It should include your 2-3 main points of your essay and have a Directional statement that tells the reader what you are proving with your thesis points. The reference is the name of the novel with the author.

The Thesis Statement A thesis statement is simply an argument that you are going to prove. It is the roadmap for your essay and explains to the reader exactly what you will discuss in your paper. The thesis statement will be the LAST SENTENCE in your INTRODUCTION paragraph. A basic thesis statement contains the topic and the 2-3 main points to support the topic.

Example Thesis Statement A thesis statement is simply an argument that you are going to prove. For example: Prove that Uncle Axel is one of the most important characters in the novel The Chrysalids. Basic Thesis Statement: In the novel The Chrysalids, Uncle Axel is one of the most important characters because he is the protagonist, David’s, best-friend, protector, and confident which helps David grow as a true hero. Better Thesis Statement: If it were not for the character Uncle Axel being David’s best-friend, protector, and confident, he would never have developed into the strong leader he needed to be to protect his friends.

The Introduction Outline The introduction guides the reader into your paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic. Hook Sentence Title, author, and topic The Plot --- brief! Thesis with Directional statement Watch Shmoop videos on Introductions now! The reference is the name of the novel with the author. Writing Grabby Intro Sentences by Shmoop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkefst9D6n0 Thesis Sentence vs. Topic Sentence by Shmoop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx2-PcBzZjo How To Write A Killer Thesis Statement by Shmoop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wxE8R_x5I0 What Not to Do in an Introduction by Shmoop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npjqdj-gR8o

STOP - Now you try! Using the outline for the introduction paragraph, being writing your into.

Body BODY PARAGRAPH(S) In a basic 3 paragraph essay, the body paragraph discusses your points and examples. Each point must connect back to your thesis. You are trying to convince the reader that you’re the 3 points you are making are right! Each of your points needs to state: PEE the point you are trying to make the evidence (proof or quote from the text) and explanation of how this connects to your thesis Be sure to use transition phrases to connect your ideas. Write a closing sentence. Body

WRITING A PARAGRAPH – Break down A full and complete body paragraph for this short essay will consist of a MINIMUM of 9-12 sentences and follows a specific format: TOPIC SENTENCE (1st Sentence) The topic sentence reflects which thesis statement point you will be discussing in the body paragraph. You must PROVE your POINT by providing PROOFS (examples) to support your topic sentence. You must COMMENT on each PROOF to further your analysis. Therefore…POINT (topic sentence) PROOF & COMMENT (x3) CONCLUDING SENTENCE (last sentence) Your paragraph should end with a final statement that brings together the ideas brought up in the paragraph and emphasizes the main point one last time.

Example: Write a paragraph using the following prompt: "Explain why Uncle Axel is an important character in the novel. Topic sentence: There are several reasons why Uncle Axel is an important character in the novel; he is the protagonist’s guide, protector, and confidant. The topic sentence is followed by body sentences that go into greater detail on the topic.

Writing a paragraph con’t Body Sentences (for first point): Uncle Axel gives David advice and guidance when he is in trouble and needs the help of a trusted adult. He opens David’s eyes to new perspectives and new ideas which are contrary to what David has been taught. Uncle Axel questions the “true” definition of man by saying that “what makes a man man is mind; it's not a thing, it’s a quality, and minds aren’t all the same value; they’re better or worse, and the better they are, the more they mean”(pg.80). This guidance helps David learn to not only question the world around him, but it also guides him in his journey to adulthood. (repeat with 2 more points to finish your body paragraph) Concluding sentence: Clearly, Uncle Axel is important to the novel as he is the for the main character David.

#1 RULE IN ANY CONCLUSION YOU CANNOT INTRODUCE ANYTHING NEW! The Conclusion The conclusion brings together ALL of the main points of the essay. It refers back to and RESTATES the THESIS. The conclusion leaves the reader with a final thought and a sense of closure by resolving any ideas brought up in the essay. #1 RULE IN ANY CONCLUSION YOU CANNOT INTRODUCE ANYTHING NEW!

How to Begin The teacher will provide topic questions which you should brainstorm about. Brainstorming in this case includes finding evidence to support your point. (PROOF) You cannot make a statement about something and not provide evidence that shows that your statement is correct.

Try Brainstorming in this Way: Uncle Axel is the most important character in the novel as he advises David, kills Alan to support the group, and teaches David about life beyond Waknuk. Point: Uncle Axel is the advisor to David, guiding him and supporting him. Proof: Uncle Axel says to David, “There isn’t an easy way out. you have to come to terms with it. You’ll have to face it” (80). Comment: Therefore, Uncle Axel supports David by showing him how to handle being different from everyone else. You find the point that you want to make based on your thesis.

Formal Writing Rules: Be Formal NOT Informal Do not use the first or second person (I, my, we, us). Do not use contractions (can’t, won’t, doesn’t). Do not use clichés, metaphors or figures of speech. Avoid saying “The essay will discuss...” or “In my opinion...” Avoid using “a lot”. If you do use it, take care not to repeat it often. Avoid redundancy and repetition. Be specific. Do not use words such as “things” or “many examples”. Do not be vague. Always follow MLA format (see below) Always type and double space. Use size 12 pt font, Times New Roman, and standard 1” margins EDIT, EDIT, EDIT! Save your rough work. When writing about literature, always write in the present tense. I.e. “The Chrysalids is a book about the future” not “The Chrysalids was a book about the future”.

MLA Format Essay written in 12 pt font, 1” margins No separate title page. In the top left corner of the first page of your essay, write: Your Name Teacher’s Name (Double spaced) Course Code Date Submitted Put your last name and page number in the top corner of each page after the title page.   Italicize the title of the novel When using quotes, reference the page number in the following way:   First quote, use the author’s name in the reference. “I didn't even notice then that it had more than the usual number of toes” (Wyndham 6).

MLA Continued Second quote from the same source, no need for the author’s name. “I didn’t even notice then that it had more than the usual number of toes” (6).  Submit a Works Cited page to show the resources that you have quoted from in your essay. The format for the Works Cited: Write Works Cited centered at the top of a new page. (Ensure your last name and the page number are still included in the top right corner.) Each entry in the works cited should be in alphabetical order according to the author’s last name.   Last name, First name. Title of Book. City published: Publisher, Year.

Works Cited Wyndham, John. The Chrysalids. Markham: Penguin Books, 1958.