1. ESSAY! ORGANIZING A FORMAL
An essay is a collection of paragraphs aimed at proving a statement.
Make a statement.
Prove a statement.

2. I thought paragraphs proved a statement, Mr. Reckling.
That’s correct! I’m so proud of you! An essay is just a bigger version of this idea.

3. Basic Essay Structure
Introduction – This is the first paragraph. Provide background information on your topic and then end your paragraph with your THESIS STATEMENT.
The thesis statement is very important. This is a statement of what you’re proving in the essay. As a reader, this helps organize my understanding of what I’m reading.
The rest of your essay consists of all the paragraphs you need to prove that thesis statement. It’s that easy!!!

4. Sample Essay Structure
Introduction
McDonalds and Burger King are both fast food hamburger chains. Both restaurants also sell a variety of other items including sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Burger King and McDonalds are both worldwide brands, and they directly compete against each other. McDonalds is most known for The Big Mac, and Burger King is most known for The Whopper. I believe the Whopper is a better quality hamburger than the Big Mac.
This is background information on my topic.
This is the thesis statement. This is what I’m proving in my essay.

5. BODY PARAGRAPHS
Introduction
McDonalds and Burger King are both fast food hamburger chains. Both restaurants also sell a variety of other items including sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Burger King and McDonalds are both worldwide brands, and they directly compete against each other. McDonalds is most known for The Big Mac, and Burger King is most known for The Whopper. I believe the Whopper is a better quality hamburger than the Big Mac.
Now that I made the statement, I have to prove it. In this essay, I can prove my statement in three paragraphs. Paragraph one – the bun is better. Paragraph two – the vegetables are better. Paragraph three – the meat is better. Once I’ve proven those topic sentences, I will have proven my thesis statement!

6. BODY PARAGRAPHS Body Paragraph 1
Introduction
McDonalds and Burger King are both fast food hamburger chains. Both restaurants also sell a variety of other items including sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Burger King and McDonalds are both worldwide brands, and they directly compete against each other. McDonalds is most known for The Big Mac, and Burger King is most known for The Whopper. I believe the Whopper is a better quality hamburger than the Big Mac.
There is my topic sentence. This states what I’m proving in the paragraph. Since this is part of an essay, all my topic sentences help prove the thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1
The Whopper has better quality bread. When I purchase a Big Mac, the bun is often soggy and flat. I notice a greasy shine on the top of the bread as well. I get the impression it was sitting in some freezer for months and then thrown on a greasy grill. The bun on the Whopper has actual sesame seeds. I can see grill marks underneath the toasted bread as well. Because it is not soggy, the bread on a Whopper holds in the toppings better than the Big Mac does.

7. BODY PARAGRAPHS Body Paragraph 2
Introduction
McDonalds and Burger King are both fast food hamburger chains. Both restaurants also sell a variety of other items including sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Burger King and McDonalds are both worldwide brands, and they directly compete against each other. McDonalds is most known for The Big Mac, and Burger King is most known for The Whopper. I believe the Whopper is a better quality hamburger than the Big Mac.
There is my topic sentence. This states what I’m proving in the paragraph. Since this is part of an essay, all my topic sentences help prove the thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 2
The vegetables on a Whopper are of higher quality than a Big Mac. A Whopper has large tomato slices. The filling of the tomato adds to the flavor of the burger. A full onion slice is layered on top of the tomato, and pickles are generously added as well. These vegetables seem fresh—almost like they were cut right there on the spot. This is not the case for The Big Mac. On that burger, little, tiny onion pieces are clumped under the bun. The tomato is often hanging out the side, and McDonalds only provides a couple flimsy pickles on top.

8. BODY PARAGRAPHS Body Paragraph 3
Introduction
McDonalds and Burger King are both fast food hamburger chains. Both restaurants also sell a variety of other items including sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Burger King and McDonalds are both worldwide brands, and they directly compete against each other. McDonalds is most known for The Big Mac, and Burger King is most known for The Whopper. I believe the Whopper is a better quality hamburger than the Big Mac.
There is my topic sentence. This states what I’m proving in the paragraph. Since this is part of an essay, all my topic sentences help prove the thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 3
The meat patty on a Big Mac is not as good as the meat on a Whopper. At Burger King, workers grill the meat patty once it’s ordered. It’s actually cooked. Grill marks can be seen across this patty. This part of the burger works well with the vegetables and bun. However, at McDonalds, workers pull their frozen patties out and throw them in a microwave oven. The meat tastes bland and it has a greyish appearance. It makes me wonder what kind of meat is actually being served! This thin layer of meat does not add to the flavor of the sandwich at all.

9. BODY PARAGRAPHS
Introduction
McDonalds and Burger King are both fast food hamburger chains. Both restaurants also sell a variety of other items including sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Burger King and McDonalds are both worldwide brands, and they directly compete against each other. McDonalds is most known for The Big Mac, and Burger King is most known for The Whopper. I believe the Whopper is a better quality hamburger than the Big Mac.
Body Paragraph 1
The Whopper has better quality bread. When I purchase a Big Mac, the bun is often soggy and flat. I notice a greasy shine on the top of the bread as well. I get the impression it was sitting in some freezer for months and then thrown on a greasy grill. The bun on the Whopper has actually sesame seeds. I can see grill marks underneath the toasted bread as well. Because it is not soggy, the bread on a Whopper holds in the toppings better than the Big Mac does.
Body Paragraph 2
The vegetables on a Whopper are of higher quality than a Big Mac. A Whopper has large tomato slices. The filling of the tomato adds to the flavor of the burger. A full onion slice is layered on top of the tomato, and pickles are generously added as well. These vegetables seem fresh—almost like they were cut right there on the spot. This is not the case for The Big Mac. On that burger, little, tiny onion pieces are clumped under the bun. The tomato is often hanging out the side, and McDonalds only provides a couple flimsy pickles on top.
Body Paragraph 3
The meat patty on a Big Mac is not as good as the meat on a Whopper. At Burger King, workers grill the meat patty once it’s ordered. It’s actually cooked. Grill marks can be seen across this patty. This part of the burger works well with the vegetables and bun. However, at McDonalds, workers pull their frozen patties out and throw them in a microwave oven. The meat tastes bland and it has a greyish appearance. It makes me wonder what kind of meat is actually being served! This thin layer of meat is does not add to the flavor of the sandwich at all.
Notice how each (red) topic sentences helps me prove the thesis statement written in the introduction. Make a statement, prove a statement.

10. Basic Essay Structure
Conclusion – This is the final paragraph. Restate your THESIS STATEMENT. Then provide your final thoughts on the topic without repeating things you’ve already mentioned.
The thesis statement is very important. Notice this statement is located in both the introduction and the conclusion.

11. Sample Essay Structure
Conclusion
Burger King’s signature hamburger, The Whopper, is a better product than McDonald’s Big Mac. The fast food market is crowded with many different brands. Companies like Sonic, 5 Guys, Wendy’s, and Hardees compete with McDonalds and Burger King. Each of these restaurants have a central product they are known for. It’s important for a company to provide a quality product that will guarantee them business. McDonalds has some work to do to keep up with Burger King.
This is the thesis statement restated.
Notice how this closes the topic without repeating information about bread, vegetables, or meat.

12. Essay Structure Make a statement. Prove a statement. Introduction
McDonalds and Burger King are both fast food hamburger chains. Both restaurants also sell a variety of other items including sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Burger King and McDonalds are both worldwide brands, and they directly compete against each other. McDonalds is most known for The Big Mac, and Burger King is most known for The Whopper. I believe the Whopper is a better quality hamburger than the Big Mac.
Body Paragraph 1
The Whopper has better quality bread. When I purchase a Big Mac, the bun is often soggy and flat. I notice a greasy shine on the top of the bread as well. I get the impression it was sitting in some freezer for months and then thrown on a greasy grill. The bun on the Whopper has actually sesame seeds. I can see grill marks underneath the toasted bread as well. Because it is not soggy, the bread on a Whopper holds in the toppings better than the Big Mac does.
Body Paragraph 2
The vegetables on a Whopper are of higher quality than a Big Mac. A Whopper has large tomato slices. The filling of the tomato adds to the flavor of the burger. A full onion slice is layered on top of the tomato, and pickles are generously added as well. These vegetables seem fresh—almost like they were cut right there on the spot. This is not the case for The Big Mac. On that burger, little, tiny onion pieces are clumped under the bun. The tomato is often hanging out the side, and McDonalds only provides a couple flimsy pickles on top.
Body Paragraph 3
The meat patty on a Big Mac is not as good as the meat on a Whopper. At Burger King, workers grill the meat patty once it’s ordered. It’s actually cooked. Grill marks can be seen across this patty. This part of the burger works well with the vegetables and bun. However, at McDonalds, workers pull their frozen patties out and throw them in a microwave oven. The meat tastes bland and it has a greyish appearance. It makes me wonder what kind of meat is actually being served! This thin layer of meat is does not add to the flavor of the sandwich at all.
Conclusion
Burger King’s signature hamburger, The Whopper, is a better product than McDonald’s Big Mac. The fast food market is crowded with my different brands. Companies like Sonic, 5 Guys, Wendy’s, and Hardees compete with McDonalds and Burger King. Each of these restaurants have a central product they are known for. It’s important for a company to provide a quality product that will guarantee them business. McDonalds has some work to do to keep up with Burger King.
Make a statement.
Prove a statement.

13. Do you understand?

14. Tomorrow’s Class Tomorrow, you will be a part of a three-person group.
Together, you will prove the following THESIS STATEMENT: In The Outsiders, Ponyboy learns that his first impressions are not always correct.
Here’s the good news: You’ve already written your body paragraphs! One of you will have proven this about Pony’s views of Darry, one about Pony’s views of Dally, and one about Pony’s views of Socs.
I will give you a hard copy of your paragraphs. You‘re going to cut and glue the elements of a formal essay on to a larger sheet.
In the end, you’ll have a Group Essay! HOW COOL!
NOW YOU CAN READ CHAPTER 12. FINISH THE NOVEL!