1. You are going to LOVE this style of essay!!
“Jane Shaffer” essays
You are going to LOVE this style of essay!!

2. THESIS What is the overall idea behind the essay?
A thesis statement is an assertion, not a statement of fact or an observation.
Fact or observation: People use many lawn chemicals
Thesis: People are poisoning the environment with chemicals merely to keep their lawns clean.

3. THESIS A thesis takes a stand rather than announcing a subject.
Announcement: The thesis of this paper is the difficulty of solving our environmental problems
Thesis: Solving our environmental problems is more difficult than many environmentalists believe.

4. Thesis, again!
A thesis is the main idea, not the title. It must be a complete sentence that explains in some detail what you expect to write about.
Title: Social Security and Old Age.
Thesis: Continuing changes in the Social Security System makes it almost impossible to plan intelligently for one's retirement.

5. Topic Sentence Almost a “mini” thesis statement
The topic sentence makes a point and is followed by support for the point.
Therefore the topic sentence is usually the first sentence in the paragraph.
The topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is all about.
Usually referred to as TS

6. Concrete Details I will usually refer to these as CD
You will usually start off a concrete detail with “For example…”
CDs are facts.
CDs are not opinions.

7. Commentary I usually refer to these as CMs.
You will usually begin your commentary sentences with “This shows that”
CMs tell your interpretation of the CD.

8. Concluding Sentence
Shows how the concrete details and the commentaries are all linked together
Draws attention back to the topic sentence
Provides a bridge for the next paragraph

9. Jane Shaffer Format TS CD CM CS

10. Now put your pencil down and DO NOT PANIC
It seems like a lot of work.
We are going to take it one step at a time.
You will find it gets easier as we go along.
You will love it once you get to know it.