1. JC Clapp North Seattle Community College
How to Build an Essay
JC Clapp North Seattle Community College

2. Introduction (Beginning)
Announce your topic broadly; then declare your particular take
Provide any background material important to your argument
If necessary, define key terms as you intend to make use of them in your argument
Possibly, address your underlying assumptions
Provide a clear thesis (claim)
Include a forecasting passage – prepare the reader for what’s to come

3. Body (Defense of Thesis)
Provide reasons for why and how your thesis/claim has merit
Back up all reasons with convincing evidence
Use a variety of evidence from reputable sources
Move through your reasons in a logical and coherent way with clear transitions between ideas

4. Summarize and Respond to Opposing Points of View
Acknowledge your opposition and address differing points of view from your own
Provide a fair and complete overview of opposing or alternative perspectives on your topic
Refute or concede to opposing views
Qualify your own argument by pointing out limits to your claim/thesis

5. Conclusion (Ending) Bring paper to a close and sum up argument
Remind reader of how your argument has shed new light on the topic
Leave a strong last impression
Possibly, call for action or relate your topic to a larger context of issues

6. PIE Paragraph Form (a reminder!)
Lead into the paragraph with a transition or connection to the paragraph before – show how your argument is building. Then . . .
P (Point): Topic sentence makes your point and provides a controlling idea for your paragraph (mini claim)
I (Illustration): Examples and evidence that illustrate how the point (topic sentence) has merit (don’t forget to document your source!)
E (Explanation): Explain how the illustration supports the point – connect the dots for the reader and make meaning of your evidence.

7. Conventions of Essay Writing
Whenever you refer to a research source or outside author, first include the author’s full name. After that, refer to the author by last name only (never first name only)
Choose a documentation style and execute it completely and correctly. Cite every source always.
Remember the Five C’s: Clear, correct, concrete, concise, coherent

8. Strong Sentences When possible and appropriate . . .
Avoid the passive voice
Avoid “to be” verbs (is, are, was, were, am, be, being, been)
Avoid beginning a sentence with “There is” or “There are”
Avoid abundant prepositions (of, to, in, for, with, on, about, by, before, from, like)
Avoid clichés