 ERW Essay Format Body paragraph structure and useful transitions

Introductions  5-7 sentences.  Discuss general ideas about the topic.  Ask questions, tell a story, etc (see introduction handout)  End with a THESIS  answer the question in the prompt  Divide your thesis into 2 distinct parts

Body 1  TS Topic sentence (an opinion about the topic)  CD Fact-can be quote, paraphrase, or personal example  CM your opinion about the CD  Don’t say “I think/feel”…just state your opinion  CM  CD  CM  CD  CM  CS Wrap up the paragraph with an opinion ( similar to TS)

Body 2  TS Topic sentence (an opinion about the topic)  CD Fact-can be quote, paraphrase, or personal example  CM your opinion about the CD  Don’t say “I think/feel”…just state your opinion  CM  CD  CM  CD  CM  CS Wrap up the paragraph with an opinion ( similar to TS)

Conclusion  5-7 sentences.  Don’t introduce new ideas.  Wrap up, summarize your points.  Try to end with a suggestion/recommendation…something positive.

Citations  Before using a quote, make sure you introduce it.  Start with a transition, then a signal phrase, then your quote.  For example, the L.A. Times reports, “Ten out of one hundred teachers hate their students” (3).

Transitions  You need a transition before EACH CD  3 CDs means you need 3 transitions  For example, Mrs. Keefer is the best teacher ever.  FACT  Addition signals: First of all, second, third, also, next, another, in addition, moreover, furthermore, finally, last of all  Time signals: first, then, next, after, before, while, meanwhile, now, finally

More Transitions  Change of direction signals: but, however, yet, in contrast, although, otherwise, on the other hand  Illustration signals: for example, for instance, specifically, as an illustration, such as  Conclusion signals: therefore, consequently, thus, then, as a result, in summary, last of all, finally