A BRIDGE TO UNDERSTANDING BUILDING AN ESSAY A BRIDGE TO UNDERSTANDING

STEP ONE: Understanding the Parts BUILDING AN ESSAY STEP ONE: Understanding the Parts

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Parts Of An Essay 1. Title 2. Introduction Paragraph 3. Body Paragraphs x (3) 4. Conclusion

Understanding the Parts BUILDING AN ESSAY Understanding the Parts Thesis Statement Transitions Transitions Transitions Introduction Conclusion BODY BODY BODY Reasons: Examples Details Reasons: Examples Details Reasons: Examples Details

STEP TWO: The Introduction/Thesis BUILDING AN ESSAY STEP TWO: The Introduction/Thesis Thesis Statement Introduction

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Introduction 1. Decide what your writing purpose is going to be. Example: Carefully examine the directions for writing the essay. Ask: “What is my piece of writing going to answer?”

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Introduction 2. Create a thesis statement (the answer to the question posed by the directions). * All of the other writing in the essay should support this statement.

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Introduction 3. Reference (refer to) the literature or thing you are writing about. Example: Work in the title of the piece of literature you are writing about.

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Introduction 4. When writing about literature, mention the author’s name.

Step Three: Body BUILDING AN ESSAY Thesis Statement BODY BODY BODY Transitions Transitions Transitions BODY BODY BODY Reasons: Examples Details Reasons: Examples Details Reasons: Examples Details

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Body 1. In the three body paragraphs, you will give your three reasons to support your thesis statement.

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Body 2. The first sentence in each of your body paragraphs should include a transition word or phrase to “give the reader a reference point” to understand your support.

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Body 3. Your body paragraphs will include: Transitions Reason/Evidence Support Examples/Details

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Body 4. Your examples and details should come directly from the text of the story or article. You can quote, paraphrase, or list the examples from the text.

BUILDING AN ESSAY Step Four: Conclusion Thesis Statement Conclusion

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Conclusion In a simple essay, summarize your support (reasons) for the thesis statement.

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Conclusion 2. Then, restate your thesis statement using different phrasing.

Step Five: Title BUILDING AN ESSAY Thesis Statement Introduction Transitions Transitions Transitions Introduction Conclusion BODY BODY BODY Reasons: Examples Details Reasons: Examples Details Reasons: Examples Details

BUILDING AN ESSAY The Title Write your title last. Make it specific. Make it reflects exactly what you’ve written. Include a subject & verb.

Step Six: Will It Hold Up BUILDING AN ESSAY Step Six: Will It Hold Up Thesis Statement Transitions Transitions Transitions Introduction Conclusion BODY BODY BODY Reasons: Examples Details Reasons: Examples Details Reasons: Examples Details

BUILDING AN ESSAY Revising & Editing Throw out anything that doesn’t support the thesis. Check your transitions. Check to see if ideas “flow.” Check spelling & grammar. Read it out loud.