How to Write Multiparagraph Essays

4 Modes of Writing: Expository (Explains, Informs) (The expository mode is especially effective with social studies topics.) Persuasive (Supports an Opinion) Descriptive (Describes) Narrative (Tells a story)

In “academic writing,” the writer speaks with authority (writer knows what she/he is talking about); speaks coherently (flows logically from one point to the next); and speaks clearly (uses good grammar, usage, punctuation). Writers INC

Academic writing is the “end product of a lot of careful planning, writing, and revising.” Writers INC

Problem: I hate academic writing. I don’t like to prewrite or plan or whatever you call it, and I hate to revise!

Get over it.

Purpose: The purpose of academic writing is to present information that shows a clear understanding of a subject.

Academic writing may inform, explain, compare, identify causes and effects, define, propose solutions, or argue for or against.

Audience: Always write with your audience in mind. Your intended audience is your teacher!

Voice: A semiformal voice is used in academic writing. To use this voice, carefully choose your words for clarity and avoid slang terms, popular expressions, and informal usage.

“Academic writing is based on analysis, the process of breaking down ideas to increase your understanding of them.” Writers INC

Question: What goes in a multiparagraph essay?

Answer: Essays have 3 parts: 1. Introductory Paragraph 2. Body Paragraphs 3. Concluding Paragraph

Introductory Paragraph: The most important element is the thesis statement. It is usually the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.

Body Paragraphs: (The Supporting Paragraphs) Each paragraph is a different example of or support for your thesis.

Concluding Paragraph: May do any of the following: 1. Revisit (restate) your thesis 2. Make a future prediction 3. Sum up your ideas

Question: What different modes of writing are good for social studies?

Expository Mode (Explanatory, Informational) Examples: 1. Cause/Effect 2. Comparison/Contrast 3. Problem/Solution 4. Essay of Explanation (Significance or Impact)

Cause/Effect Examples: The Writing of the Declaration of Independence: The Causes The Long-Term Effects of the Discovery of Gold in California The Mormon Migration Westward: The Causes

Comparison/Contrast Examples: The Virginia and New Jersey Proposals for Representation in the National Congress Northern and Southern Colonists’ Reactions to the British Closing of Boston Harbor The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Problem/Solution Examples: The Barriers Encountered by Pioneers on the Oregon Trail Indian Removal: Alternative Policies

Essay of Explanation (Significance or Impact) Examples: The Importance of the First Amendment on Civil Liberties The Roles Played by Women in the Social Reform Movements Prior to the Civil War

(More Essays of Explanation…) The Significance of the Great Awakening on Colonial Life The Importance of the Lewis and Clark Expedition on Westward Expansion

Question: How should I organize these different kinds of essays?

Cause/Effect “Type A” Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement Para. #2 – Cause 1, Cause 2, Cause 3 Para. #3 – Effect 1, Effect 2, Effect 3 Para. #4 - Conclusion

Cause/Effect “Type B” Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement Para. #2 - Cause 1, Effect 1 Para. #3 – Cause 2, Effect 2 Para. #4 – Cause 3, Effect 3 Para. #5 - Conclusion

Comparison/Contrast “Type A” Para. #1 – Introduce your topic; include thesis statement. Para. #2 - Tell all the ways two things are alike. Para. #3 - Tell all the ways two things are different. Para. #4 – Conclusion

Comparison/Contrast “Type B” Para. #1 – Introduce your topic; include thesis statement. Para. #2 – Tell how one thing is like something in one way but different in another way. Para. #3 – Tell how another thing is like something in one way but different in another way. Para. #4 - Conclusion

Problem/Solution “Type A” Para. #1 - Introduce your topic; include thesis statement. Para. #2 – Problem 1, Solution 1 Para. #3 – Problem 2, Solution 2 Para. #4 – Problem 3, Solution 3 Para. #5 - Conclusion

Problem/Solution “Type B” Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement (Thesis statement is the “problem.”) Para. #2 – Possible Solution 1 Para. #3 – Possible Solution 2 Para. #4 - Possible Solution 3 Para. #5 - Conclusion

Essay of Explanation (Significance or Impact) Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement Para. #2 – Reason 1 Para. #3 – Reason 2 Para. #4 – Reason 3 Para. #5 - Conclusion

Question: Exactly what is a thesis statement?

Your thesis statement is the single most important sentence in your whole essay! It is the sentence in which you tell what your entire essay is about.

Thesis Statement Examples: The Mormon migration westward was caused by three major factors. The Oregon Trail pioneers encountered and overcame three significant barriers.

(More thesis statements…) The discovery of gold in California affected the state’s development in three important ways. The Articles of Confederation were strong in some ways but weak in others.

(More thesis statements…) Both the northern and southern colonists had strong reactions to the British closing of Boston Harbor. The Boston Massacre was caused by three significant factors.

Hmmm… this essay writing doesn’t sound too hard after all. Still, it takes a lot of work…

It’s worth it!