1. How To Write An Essay
Essay Format, Introductions, Body, Conclusions, Thesis Statements, and Topic Sentences

2. Essay Plan
Make a list of main ideas that support the thesis statement. Each main idea becomes the main idea sentence for a body paragraph.
Arrange the main ideas in logical order (time, place, importance)
Plan out each body paragraph by listing major details that support each main idea
Order the details within each paragraph in a logical way. Each body paragraph may end with a concluding sentence.

3. Essay Format Introduction (10 %) Thesis Statement Body (80%)
Conclusion (10%)

4. The Body
Your essay body is a set of paragraphs that develop and expand on the ideas expressed in your thesis statement.
In each body paragraph you will address one main idea with the number of paragraphs depending on the complexity of the topic the and purpose for writing.
Usually a short essay contains 3 to 5 body paragraphs (plus an introduction and conclusion)

5. Paragraph Structure WRITING YOUR PERSEPOLIS ESSAY – 1200 to 1600 words
TOPIC: Graphic novels are superior to conventional novels because they provide a visual narrative.
Example Topic: “Participating physical activity is superior to playing computer games”
Paragraph 1: 300 – 400 words
·       Say 2 interesting things about the prescribed title. e.g. “Many people find playing sports to be a great pastime. The benefits to personal fitness and mental well being have been extensively documented”
·       Define one or two of the key terms in the title. For this question you might want to define “Graphic Novels” and “visual narrative”. You don’t want to use dictionary definitions… use your own words.
·       State your thesis. What is your short answer to the essay title – are you agree or disagree with the essay title?
·       Give us a roadmap, a sentence that gives us a preview. This shows us what you’re going to do in your body paragraphs (your "developments. This will make it easy for the reader to know what to look for. An example: “Increased participation in sport increases physical fitness, whereas computer games lead to a sedentary lifestyle.”

6. Paragraph Structure OR
Paragraph 1 Claim Explain Counter claim Example Restate claim Transition sentence Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3… OR
Paragraph 1
Claim
Explain
Example
Restate claim
Transition sentence
Paragraph 2
Counter Claim
Paragraph 3…

7. You can dedicate a whole paragraph to a counter claim, just remember to re-counter your counter claim to support your thesis statement! AND ensure you explain yourself and use an example!

8. Paragraph close up
Claim: A topic sentence that outlines one of the points made in your thesis statement and indicates what your paragraph will be about. Counter claim: An argument against your claim above. Explain: Elaborates and clarifies your claim. Example: Supports your claim with evidence from Persepolis. Examples should be based on your reading of the graphic novel. Transition sentence: Seamlessly connects one paragraph to the next. Restate claim: reinforces the main point you are making in this paragraph

9. Claim: Graphic novels are superior to conventional novels because they have the ability to communicate a greater depth of meaning... Explain: The combination of image and text enhances the message communicated by the author… Counter claim: Many readers of conventional novels argue that graphic novels are intellectually subordinate…. Example: Part of the caption in panel 2, page 3 of Persepolis reads “…I’m sitting on the far left so you don’t see me.” From the caption alone, it is unclear why Satrapi would cut herself out of the class photo. However, the associated image, depicting a row of girls, all wearing a hijab, provides deeper meaning. Satrapi has deliberately cropped herself out from the class photo, with just her left arm showing. This stresses the idea that all the young girls look exactly the same, so it is pointless for her to appear in the photo because they are as faceless and insignificant as each other. Similarly it symbolises that Marji does not want to associate herself with the regime nor does she want to adopt any of its principles, including wearing the veil; she does not want her class photo to show her wearing a symbol of conformity and obedience. Furthermore, Satrapi has given individual facial characteristics to each girl apparent in the photo. This communicates that, they are all individual and unique. despite the cultural pressure for women to conform to certain images and ideal of respectability. This depth of meaning would not be apparent if the combination of text and image was not present. Restate claim: Graphic novels are superior to conventional novels because they have the ability to communicate a greater depth of meaning... Transition sentence: In addition to communicating deeper meaning, graphic novels also facilitate enhanced communication…

10. Transition sentences For example, for instance, to illustrate
The six steps are…, next, finally first, secondly, third
Furthermore, in addition, also, moreover
On the other hand, in contrast, although, however
Likewise, similarly, in comparison

11. However, nevertheless, but, yet, still
Above all, finally, more importantly
In other words, in essence, briefly
In conclusion, to sum up, for these reasons, in a nutshell
Remember this, this is important, this could be on the test