WHAT’S IN AN ESSAY?

1. Title Page (cover page) This is very common for APA-style classes. You will use one WHOLE page for this. The teacher will normally tell you what it should look like, but there is a tradition of how to write it. Check the OWL for more information!

2. Abstract (very uncommon) This will serve an identical purpose to the abstracts of research papers. This is more common in a proper research article where you are creating a journal article! I have only done this in ONE university class out of about FIFTY.

3. INTRODUCTION This includes your HOOK/BACKGROUND, CONNECTING SENTENCES, and THESIS! Its size will change depending on the paper.

3a. INTRODUCTION: Hook/Background This will create the SETTING for your paper. Why is your topic important? How is this useful for the reader? Try to make this as interesting as possible.

3b. INTRODUCTION: Connecting Sentences This will connect from your initial sentences to the THESIS. They often give strength to the thesis.

3c. INTRODUCTION: THESIS This mentions three things: The TOPIC Your OPINION 2-4 reasons why your opinion isn’t completely crazy! (I like to call this the MAP of your essay!)

4: BODY PARAGRAPHS You will often have several body paragraphs. The first one is OFTEN a “DEFINITION PARAGRAPH”. For now, we will start with 3-4 BIG paragraphs, one for each topic.

4a: BODY PARAGRAPHS Each body paragraph starts with a TOPIC SENTENCE. It should RESTATE the topic + opinion from the THESIS as well as the specific LOCATION of your MAP.

5: CONCLUSION This re-explains the main points of your paper. The final sentence should make the reader think about the subject.

6: REFERENCES PAGE This is where you list ALL of the works you cited in your essay! This has to be done carefully, with specific rules. See OWL for more information!