1. What you need to know to write essays successfully
Essay Writing
What you need to know to write essays successfully

2. Basic guidelines Be specific (don’t be afraid to use facts/details).
Do NOT use the first person (I, we, me)
Do NOT plagiarize.
Use proper grammar and spelling.
Use paragraphs to organize topics.

3. The Thesis
A thesis is a declarative statement, 1-2 sentences at the beginning of the essay, that address the essay prompt.
This should sum up your argument.
Could include the who, what, when, where, why and topics for elaboration.

4. Practice
Prompt: What was the impact of “Grand Theft Auto V” on students’ classroom performance?
Thesis: When GTA5 hit the shelves in Sept. 2013, teachers saw a drop in student motivation, attentiveness and overall grade point average.

5. The Rule of Three 3 assertions (one for each paragraph) 3 facts
This is the topic sentence for each paragraph.
3 facts
Try and back up each assertion with 3 historical facts (hint: facts are not made up!)
3 analysis (one for each paragraph)
For each paragraph, connect the historical facts to a cause/effect or relevance to the overall thesis of your essay.

6. Conclusion
Restate your thesis and give your essay some larger or global perspective.

7. Basic essay outline ¶ THESIS ¶ First TOPIC ¶ Second TOPIC
May also contain background information
¶ First TOPIC
Topic sentence/assertion
Supporting facts (3)
Cause/effect/ analysis
¶ Second TOPIC
¶ Third TOPIC
¶ Conclusion
Restate thesis
Summarize cause/effects
Large context

8. Practice
Prompt: Explain why geography is the most useful class you will take in high school.
Thesis: