1. DATE W
SCHOOL ESSAY

2. Introduction – 3 parts:
1. BGS (Broad General Statement) – sentence that states the general topic of the essay; universal statement about life
NO- titles, character names, specific details or authors’ names
YES- apply to literature, apply to any book, comes from essay question.
Sample BGS- In literature, significant events can cause characters to change and grow.

3. Include title, author’s name(s), and characters/subject of essay
2. BRIDGE- sentence connecting BGS to claim
Include title, author’s name(s), and characters/subject of essay
Sample Bridge: In Because of Mr. Terupt, by Rob Buyea, a significant event causes the members of the class to change and grow.

4. 3. CLAIM- sentence that states the purpose of the whole essay (point to be proven). Be VERY SPECIFIC!
Sample Claim: When an unfortunate accident happens, the members of Mr. Terupt’s class change in positive ways.
This is what I will PROVE in the body of my essay!

5. BODY PARAGRAPHS– roughly 8-10 sentences (each)
EACH TOPIC needs its OWN body paragraph! You should have at least TWO.
1. Topic sentence- begin each paragraph with one of these!
2. Supporting Evidence- TEXT-BASED examples, details, direct quotes that support my claim (prove my point). VERY SPECIFIC!!!

6. BODY PARAGRAPHS (cont’d)
3. Transitions – use to connect ideas and avoid repetitive, choppy sentences.
*for example, *for instance,
*furthermore, *all in all,
*additionally, *finally,
*lastly, *however,
*consequently, *therefore,
*in summation, *to conclude,

7. CONCLUSION – roughly 3-5 sentences
Sum up main points- concluding statement.
2. Re-state claim- point that was proven with text evidence.
3. Re-state bridge.
4. Re-state BGS.

8. CONCLUSION – (cont’d)
Ideas for writing an advanced conclusion:
show connections by stating your claim & explaining why the claim & evidence matter
state the life lesson learned/message
leave readers with something to think about
REMEMBER: Always proofread each essay before you hand it in!

9. Essay Question:
Frequently in literature, a protagonist is faced with a significant, often life-changing hardship. The protagonist must show perseverance in order to attempt to overcome his or her hardship. In a well-written essay, using relevant details and examples from A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park, state and explain Salva’s most significant hardships, as well as how he perseveres in order to attempt to overcome them.
In your essay be sure to:
State and explain your protagonist’s significant hardships
Describe several ways Salva shows perseverance
Use details, reasons, and facts from the text in order to support your response
Use proper essay format and conventions of standard English.