1. Your Guide to Essay Writing

2. Basic Overview The parts of an essay The Introduction The Body
One paragraph
The Body
Approximately three to five paragraphs
The Conclusion

3. Introduction The Introduction 1st paragraph
Approximately 10% of the essay (1000 word essay=100 word introduction)
Contains introductory statement or hook.
Contains thesis statement
Approximately 5 to 7 sentences

4. Introduction cont. The introductory statement Also known as the hook
Meant to grab reader’s attention
Needs to be connected to the topic
Different types
Ask a question
Interesting observation
Famous quotation

5. Introduction cont. Thesis statement
Often the last sentence in the introduction
Tells the reader what to expect in the essay
Two kinds of thesis statements
Direct – Tells the reader this is happening because x, y, and z
Indirect – Tells the reader this is happening, but does not lay out the main points.

6. Introduction cont. Thesis examples Direct Indirect
Chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods we eat because it leads to obesity, acne, tooth decay, and hyperactivity.
Indirect
Chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods we eat because of its numerous health consequences.

7. Introduction cont. Introduction review
Starts with an introductory statement
3-5 sentences that give background of examples
Thesis statement

8. The Body Approximately three to five paragraphs
One main idea per paragraph
Topic Sentence
Supporting sentences
Transition statement

9. The Body cont. One main idea per paragraph Take the chocolate example.
Chocolate contributes to obesity.

10. The Body cont. Topic sentence First sentence of the paragraph
States what the paragraph will be about
Example: One of the many harmful effects of eating chocolate is obesity

11. The Body cont. Supporting Sentences The main part of your paragraph
Always connected to topic sentence
Gives the facts and reasons behind your main point
Example: The average calorie count per serving of chocolate is two hundred calories.

12. The Body cont. Transition statements
Links what you have been saying to what is to come next in your argument

13. Conclusion Consists of: Summary Restated thesis statement
Closing statement

14. Conclusion cont. Summarize the supporting arguments (topic sentences)
Example: Obesity, acne, tooth decay, and hyperactivity are, then, four very serious and unpleasant results of mankind’s continued consumption of the products of the cocoa bean.

15. Conclusion cont. Restated thesis
Example: Thus it is obvious that chocolate is, in fact, one of the most dangerous materials used by mankind.

16. Conclusion cont. Closing Statement
Gives meaning to the findings brought about by the supporting arguments
Example: It is interesting and perhaps a rather revealing fact that chocolate, rather than being banned is actually one of the most popular confections in the world today.