Essay Writing

The Thesis Statement Every essay will contain a thesis statement It usually gives the purpose of the essay It is the strongest, clearest statement It comes at the beginning in the Introductory Paragraph It will not be expressed as a question or a statement of fact It may be a statement of opinion or intend

Controlling Idea Controlling idea may include phrases such as the following: two main types several ways several reasons three main causes three groups two aims four steps three characteristics two classes the following results these effects three disadvantages

Controlling Idea A Controlling Idea may also be expressed as adjectives: Suitable/unsuitable Good/bad Successful/unsuccessful Beautiful/ugly Fortunate/unfortunate Healthy/unhealthy

Topic Sentence For every topic, you can write several different paragraphs. Each of these paragraphs will have a topic sentence that will Introduce the topic in the paragraph Be the most general sentence in the paragraph Be the most important sentence in the paragraph Contains one main/controlling idea that the following sentences in the paragraph will… Tell what the paragraph will be about. It serves as an introduction to the paragraph because it reveals the topic of the paragraph and tells the reader what to expect next in the paragraph. Explain Define Clarify Illustrate That is, the sentence will support or prove the topic sentence

Thesis Statement: Choosing a college or university can be difficult Thesis Statement: Choosing a college or university can be difficult. Supporting ideas: 1. Good preparation for major 2. Affordability 3. Study Environment A. Good preparation for your major 1. Thorough, solid curriculum 2. Qualified professors B. Affordability 1. Ability to pay tuition and living expenses 2. Possibility of scholarships C. Good Location 1. Study environment 2. Possibilities of part time job in major Concluding sentence: Students should consider these points carefully so they can choose the most appropriate college or university for them.

Thesis Statement: Choosing a college or university can be difficult. Supporting ideas: 1. Good preparation for major 2. Affordability 3. Study Environment Choosing a college or university can be difficult high school graduates. The most difficult part is finding a university that prepares them well for their future career. In order to get a good job, the curriculum that is taught must be thorough and up-to-date. In addition, the professors must be highly qualified and respected in their fields. Another difficulty in choosing a university or college is affordability. Students need to be able to pay not only the tuition fees but also the living expenses. Fortunately, some institutions might be able to offer scholarships if students cannot afford the fees. Of course, a good location is also very important when choosing a school. The environment should be safe and quiet to facilitate studying. Moreover, there should be possibilities near the school for part time or summer jobs related to major to provide some practical work experience. High school graduates should consider all of these points carefully so they can choose the most appropriate college or university for them.

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH Controlling ideas Introduction: Body paragraph: Conclusion INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH Thesis: _________ __ __ ___________ Topic sentence: __ ______________________ _________________________________________ Supporting sentences Topic sentence: __ ______________________ _________________________________________ Supporting sentences Topic sentence: __ ______________________ _________________________________________ Supporting sentences CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH

Topic: Marriage Preparation in Somalia Thesis Statement of Intent: Preparation for marriage in Somalia consists of very important tasks such as working hard to earn money, collecting contributions of livestock , getting money from relatives and preparing items for the home. Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: A man who intends to marry has the responsibility to have money. A. must work to collect money 1.working in villages and towns (poor man) 2.selling apart of livestock (rich man) 3.becoming a businessman (a)selling cigarettes (b)selling clothes B. must conserve money

Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: Collection of livestock and money is another preparation for marriage. A. collect from his family 1. amount of contribution: one to four heads 2.contribution is a tradition B. collect from friends Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: The woman who wishes to marry spends her time making items for the house. A. items such as mats, wooden posts and water containers B. collaborates with family members, relatives and friends Concluding Sentence: Preparing for marriage is a long and tedious task in Somalia, but it is essential for the establishment for a new family Jamal Al-Bahdon (Somalia)