How to Write an Essay Your Handy Dandy Guide to Organizing a Proper 5 Paragraph Essay

What is an Essay A basic essay consists of three main parts: INTRODUCTION 3 BODY PARAGRAPHS A CONCLUSION

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 Make sure to introduce your topic. Provide a brief synopsis of what your topic is and also remember to include your reference works (ie. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

THE THESIS STATEMENT The thesis statement states concisely the main idea of the essay, sets limits on the topic, and indicates HOW the essay will be organized. The thesis statement acts as a road map for the entire essay, showing the readers what you have to say and how you will support your ideas. The thesis statement will be the LAST SENTENCE in your INTRODUCTION paragraph. A basic thesis statement contains the topic and the 3 main points to support the topic. Sample Thesis Statement: The life of a typical teenager (topic) is characterized by time spent studying (1 st supporting point), attending class (2 nd supporting point), and socializing with peers (3 rd supporting point).

BODY PARAGRPAHS In a basic 5 paragraph essay, there are 3 body paragraph that all follow the same structure; but, discuss and prove different points. The order of the body paragraphs is determined in how the thesis statement is organized: BODY PARAGRAPH #1: The life of a typical teenager is characterized by time spent studying. BODY PARAGRAPH #2: Secondly, the life of a typical teenager is characterized by attending class. BODY PARAGRAPH #3: Finally, the life of a typical teenager is characterized by socializing with peers.

WRITING A PARAGRAPH A full and complete paragraph consists of a MINIMUM of 8-10 sentences and follows a specific format: TOPIC SENTENCE (1 st 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) Each 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.

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!