1. Paragraph Writing and Simple Essay Writing
Some of you might still be looking for ways to improve your writing, whether a paragraph, or a whole essay.  Below are some good tips that should help your writing to unfold more clearly and logically.  Let's begin with the paragraph.  Consider the diagram below.  It stands for the five sentence paragraph.

2. The top line refers to the opening sentence
The top line refers to the opening sentence.  This is your Main Idea Sentence.  It should be made clear at the beginning of your paragraph, and it should be restated in some form in your concluding sentence.  The green lines on the right refer to your Supporting Detail Sentences, and the final pink line at the bottom refers to your concluding sentence.  See below:

4. Let’s write a paragraph on snacks
Let’s write a paragraph on snacks. The opening sentence should express the main idea, and for our supporting detail sentences we can write about our three favourite snacks. In our conclusion, we return to our main idea.

5. When I want some snacks to eat, I always look for at least three.
First, I look for some popcorn to pop.
5 Sentence Paragraph
Next, I check to see if we have any apples.
Finally, for a dessert snack, I’m pleased if I find some cookies.
I like many snacks, but popcorn, apples, and cookies are my favourite ones.

6. snacks
popcorn
microwave
8 Sentence Paragraph
apples
my dad bought
cookies
chocolate chip
snacks
In an eight sentence paragraph, we add sub-categories which support and elaborate on the original supporting sentences.

7. When I want some snacks to eat, I always look for at least three
When I want some snacks to eat, I always look for at least three. First, I look for some popcorn to pop. If I find popcorn that I can put in the microwave, I have a fast, easy snack. Next, I check to see if we have any apples. When I’m lucky, I find some that my dad bought at the supermarket. Finally, for a dessert snack, I’m pleased if I find some cookies. My favourite ones are chocolate chip. I like many snacks, but popcorn, apples, and cookies are my favourite ones.

8. Transition Words for Supporting Detail Sentences
First Supporting Detail Sentence
Second Supporting Detail Sentence
Third Supporting Detail Sentence
First
Second
Third
One
Two
Three
Above all
Then
Last of all
To begin with
Also
Lastly
Firstly
Secondly
Thirdly
First of all
As well as
Finally
Starting with
In addition
In conclusion
Additionally
At last
In addition to
As well
next

9. Essay
When it comes to writing an Essay, brainstorming is very important.   Choose what the main idea of your essay is going to be, and then brainstorm on some ideas that center around your main idea. 

11. As a class, we decided to brainstorm on what an essay on hockey would look like. We came up with the following plan in less than 1 minute:

13. Think of a main idea for an essay you’d like to write

14. Think of four Big Ideas that will support the Main Idea

15. Write an essay on the following idea using the supporting ideas (Big Ideas). Write a 5 sentence paragraph for each Big Idea. Begin with an Introductory Sentence, introducing the main idea
supporting sentence
supporting sentence
Afternoon
Morning
A Day in the Life of Me
supporting sentence
Night
Noon
Be sure to plan out your supporting sentences for each Big Idea. Be sure to write a closing statement.

16. Writing an Essay Arguing a Point
Some essays require you to formulate a thesis and argue in defense of the thesis. Here is what such an essay should look like.

17. Introductory Statement
Thesis Statement
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3
Body
Paragraph 4
Summary of Supporting Arguments
Restatement of Thesis
Closing Statement

18. Let’s write an essay using all that we’ve learned about paragraph writing. Let’s write an essay on the new cafeteria at our school.

19. Topic
The New Cafeteria at FMMCA

20. The New Cafeteria
Now let’s add our ideas that surround our main idea

21. Diversity at FMM
Breakfast
The New Cafeteria
Lunch
Desserts

22. Thesis Statement
To make a thesis statement, begin by making an assertion. If our main topic is the new cafeteria, make an assertion about the new cafeteria.
Then, formulate a thesis around that assertion. Your essay is really a defense of your thesis.

23. Thesis Statement
Assertion
The new cafeteria is more diversified than in previous years
Aramark food services is a very suitable company given the diverse population that makes up the student body.
Thesis

24. Diversity at FMM
Breakfast
The New Cafeteria
Lunch
Desserts

25. Diversity at FMM
This will be the main idea of our first paragraph. Now recall that a paragraph has the following structure:

26. Our First Paragraph would look something like this:
FMM is a diversified community
Cultures in general
Chinese, Taiwan, etc
Tea at Christmas
Indian and Carribean
Curry Wars
Minorities
How they feel
FMM needs a Cafeteria that reflects their diversity

27. First Paragraph
Father Michael McGivney is a highly diversified community located in Markham, Ontario, on the Northeast corner of 14th and McCowen. No one culture dominates the rest at this school. Rather, we have a very balanced mixture of a wide variety of cultures from around the globe. First, we have students from China, Taiwan, Korea, and the Philippines. If you are lucky, you might get some Chinese tea as a Christmas gift in December. We also have students from India, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, and Trinidad. Some of these students will argue whether the best curry is from India or the Caribbean, or whether it is more appropriate to say “Curry Chicken” or “Chicken Curry”. Strangely enough, Italians and students of Anglo-Saxon descent are a minority at this school. Nevertheless, not one of them has ever been reported to have felt out of place here. Such a culturally diverse population as the one we find at McGivney deserves a very special food services company, which is precisely what Aramark has turned out to be.

28. Breakfast
This will be the main idea of our second paragraph.

29. Healthier alternatives
Breakfast
Coffee
various kinds
Muffins
Filling
Big Breakfast
McMuffins, etc
Healthier alternatives

30. Second Paragraph
Students often come to school without breakfast, but now they can purchase breakfast at a very reasonable cost. There are a number of different flavors of coffee that one may purchase for only a dollar. One has a choice between decaffeinated , dark blend, or mild 100% Columbian, etc. There are a host of muffins to choose from, such as bran, carrot, oatmeal, and morning glory. The muffins are quite large and are guaranteed to fill you up. Finally, a student may order a big breakfast consisting of 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon, 2 hash browns and milk or coffee. Egg “McMuffins” are also available for a Toonie. Cereal bars and yogurt are also available for those students a little more health conscious than the rest.

31. Lunch
This will be the main idea of our third paragraph

32. Lunch Menu Other options Low fat Pita Pik Lunch Diversity in menu
Side orders
Low fat
Pita Pik
Lunch

33. Third Paragraph
Lunch with Aramark is always a very positive experience. The diverse menu reflects the diversity of the student body. One may purchase International Cuisine, for example, Chow Mein Noodles with Vegetables, an Indian Samosa, Veal Parmesan with Pasta, or Southern Fried Chicken. There are also a host of side dishes to choose from. Students can buy French Fries cooked without trans fat, or a salad, baked rice and vegetables, or baked spuds. For students on a low fat diet, there is a pita pik just outside the main doors of the Cafeteria. They can have a pita made to their specifications. Lunch is obviously the busiest time of the day for the Cafeteria staff.

34. Desserts
This will be the main idea of our next paragraph

35. Desserts and blood sugar
Slush
Ingredients
Yogurt
Fruit cups
Brownies
Cookies
Desserts and blood sugar

36. Fourth Paragraph
There is no shortage of desserts to choose from at the McGivney Cafeteria this year. A favorite among the students is the slush. You might think that this is the last thing in the world students need before going back to class, but the number one ingredient in the slush is 100% white concentrated grape juice, not sugar and water.
For one dollar, you can buy a rather large yogurt parfait mixed with berries and nuts, or a rather large fruit cup. Finally, for those with a sweet tooth, brownies and chocolate chip cookies are also available. It is probably a good idea to reduce the amount of sugar we ingest, for by the time period four comes around, our blood sugar level will be low and we will begin to feel very sluggish.

37. Summary of Supporting Arguments
As you can see, our new food services company offers a wide variety of dishes from various cultures at very reasonable prices. Moreover, there is a wide selection of healthy foods for staff who might be a bit more health conscious than the average student.

38. Restatement of Thesis
Evidently, Aramark Food Services is a highly suitable company for the population of Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy.

39. Closing Statement
Hopefully, they will be around for many years to come; for it is not easy to find a company that provides tasty as well as healthy food.

40. The New Cafeteria at FMMCA
Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy has a new cafeteria company specializing in food services for high school students. Aramark food services is a very suitable company given the diverse population that makes up the student body.
Father Michael McGivney is a highly diversified community located in Markham, Ontario, on the Northeast corner of 14th and McCowen. No one culture dominates the rest at this school. Rather, we have a very balanced mixture of a wide variety of cultures from around the globe. First, we have students from China, Taiwan, Korea, and the Philippines. If you are lucky, you might get some Chinese tea as a Christmas gift in December. We also have students from India, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, and Trinidad. Some of these students will argue whether the best curry is from India or the Caribbean, or whether it is more appropriate to say “Curry Chicken” or “Chicken Curry”. Strangely enough, Italians and students of Anglo-Saxon descent are a minority at this school. Nevertheless, not one of them has ever been reported to have felt out of place here.
Such a culturally diverse population as the one we find at McGivney deserves a very special food services company, which is precisely what Aramark has turned out to be.
Students often come to school without breakfast, but now they can purchase breakfast at a very reasonable cost. There are a number of different flavors of coffee that one may purchase for only a dollar. One has a choice between decaffeinated , dark blend, or mild 100% Columbian, etc. There are a host of muffins to choose from, such as bran, carrot, oatmeal, and morning glory. The muffins are quite large and are guaranteed to fill you up. Finally, a student may order a big breakfast consisting of 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon, 2 hash browns and milk or coffee. Egg “McMuffins” are also available for a Toonie. Cereal bars and yogurt are also available for those students a little more health conscious than the rest.
Lunch with Aramark is always a very positive experience. The diverse menu reflects the diversity of the student body. One may purchase International Cuisine, for example, Chow Mein Noodles with Vegetables, an Indian Samosa, Veal Parmesan with Pasta, or Southern Fried Chicken. There are also a host of side dishes to choose from. Students can buy French Fries cooked without trans fat, or a salad, baked rice and vegetables, or baked spuds. For students on a low fat diet, there is a pita pik just outside the main doors of the Cafeteria. They can have a pita made to their specifications. Lunch is obviously the busiest time of the day for the Cafeteria staff.
There is no shortage of desserts to choose from at the McGivney Cafeteria this year. A favorite among the students is the slush. You might think that this is the last thing in the world students need before going back to class, but the number one ingredient in the slush is 100% white concentrated grape juice, not sugar and water. For one dollar, you can buy a rather large yogurt parfait mixed with berries and nuts, or a rather large fruit cup. Finally, for those with a sweet tooth, brownies and chocolate chip cookies are also available. It is probably a good idea to reduce the amount of sugar we ingest, for by the time period four comes around, our blood sugar level will be low and we will begin to feel very sluggish.
As you can see, our new food services company offers a wide variety of dishes from various cultures at very reasonable prices. Moreover, there is a wide selection of healthy foods for staff who might be a bit more health conscious than the average student. Evidently, Aramark Food Services is a highly suitable company for the population of Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy. Hopefully, they will be around for many years to come; for it is not easy to find a company that provides tasty as well as healthy food

41. Connecting Words That Add Coherence
Purpose
Suggested Connectors
Adding ideas
again
besides
firstly, etc.
in addition
like
similarly
also
correspondingly
further
in like manner
likewise
too
and
equally
furthermore
in the same way
moreover
Contrasting ideas
but
in contrast
otherwise
still
yet
conversely
instead
on the contrary
unlike
however
nevertheless
on the other hand
whereas

42. Connecting Words That Add Coherence
Showing order in time
afterwards
earlier
immediately
now
thereafter
at the same time
eventually
later
presently
thereupon
before
henceforth
meanwhile
then
Making a conclusion
accordingly
finally
in conclusion so
therefore
as a result
for this reason
indeed
it follows that
thus
consequently
hence
in fact

43. Copyright © 2005 Douglas P. McManaman