1. Essay framework
Spring 2018

2. Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement is the sentence that contains the focus of your essay and tells your readers what the essay is about.
It is an arguable assertation.
It directly answers the prompt or question asked of you.
It is the claim of your entire essay.

3. Strong Thesis Statements will…
Clearly and directly address the prompt.
Be arguable.
Contain 3 reasons to support your argument. These reasons will correspond (in order) to the body paragraphs of your essay.
Be the last sentence in your introductory paragraph.

4. Topic Sentences
Each of your body paragraphs will begin with a topic sentence.
The topic sentence will support your thesis statement and explain the focus of that paragraph.
Your evidence/examples should not be mentioned in your topic sentence.