1. Essay Essentials T.C. Norris Spring 2016 8/7/2018 10:46 PM
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2. Introduction
“Essential” means the nature of something, its essence, what makes it what it is, its distinguishing characteristics.
Essays contain several kinds of information, but behind it all is what makes an essay an essay.
You may have good information in your essay, but without these “essentials,” it won’t be very effective.

3. Support evidence facts details Enough Clear Main points
Supporting points
Clear
Specific examples
All the information you need to clarify the point to the reader.

4. Unity Focus One topic for the essay, points consistent with it
Thesis
Point 1
Point Side issue
Point 3
One topic for each body paragraph
Topic sentence
Major support
Major support Side issue

5. Coherence Logical organization – the right points in the right order:
Time
Sequence
Emphasis ?
Point one is the logical place to start.
Point two clearly follows from point one.
Point three obviously has to be the last point.

6. Continuity
Smooth flow – show the organization through transitional devices:
Conjunctions – and, but, yet, so, for, or, nor
- moreover, consequently, however
Transitions – first, also, in addition, conversely
Signal the beginning of a new main point (paragraph) – The first reason
Signal major support for a topic sentence – One aspect
Signal examples for major supports – For example

7. Summary In order to make your essay as effective as possible,
choose the best information from your prewriting
be sure that all of the information clearly relates to the points of the essay and paragraphs
arrange the information in the best order for the topic
use transitional devices to help the reader follow the progress of the essay and understand the point