1. Writing Notes This is the general “shape” of an essay
Introductory Paragraph
This is the general “shape” of an essay
Body Paragraphs
Concluding Paragraph

2. Introductory Paragraph
Has the ‘shape’ of an inverted triangle
Starts off broadly and narrows down to your thesis sentence
Three purposes:
to get the reader’s attention
to introduce your subject(s)
to let the reader know what your
paper is about (thesis)
Ways to start include:
*use a quote from a book or a
famous person
*ask a question
*state a fact
Ends with your thesis sentence

3. Thesis Sentence
Your thesis is a statement that tells what your entire paper is about
gives your opinion
what you are comparing/contrasting
what you are going to be proving etc.
what you are going to be giving information about
Indicates to the reader what you are going to prove or show
Should be the last sentence in your introductory paragraph.

4. Thesis Examples
This paper is about the way Rosa Parks stood up for her rights and influenced the civil rights movement.
Do not say “This paper is about…” Simply state what it is about.
Try this:
Rosa Parks stood up for her rights and influenced the civil rights movement.

5. Thesis Examples
I’m going to tell you about the many ways Nelson Mandela was affected by apartheid.
Do not say “I’m going to tell you about…” Simply state it.
Try this:
Nelson Mandela was affected by apartheid in many ways.

6. Thesis Examples
In my opinion, Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest heroes for civil rights.
Do not say “In my opinion…” (or I think, or anything else that includes you or your thoughts!) Simply state it.
Try this:
Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest heroes for civil rights because he advocated nonviolent means of protest, and he was willing to sacrifice for his beliefs.

7. Thesis Examples
Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks were alike and different.
Be more specific in your thesis about exactly what you are going to show.
Try this:
While Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks lived in different countries, they faced similar problems and were willing to stand up for what they believed.

8. Body Paragraphs (or single paragraph responses)
this is where you provide the details that support your thesis in a multi paragraph essay
may include facts, opinions, proof, textual support, details, descriptions and so on, depending on the purpose of your paper.
begins with a topic sentence
contains all your support
ends with a concluding sentence

9. Body Paragraph Proof and support!! Starts with a topic sentence
Has a rectangular “shape” because it is describing or supporting one aspect of your paper. It is fairly specific all the way through and should not contain any broad, introductory information.
Proof and support!!
Ends with a concluding sentence

10. Topic Sentence Concluding Sentence
Tells the reader what that particular paragraph is about
Should reflect part of your thesis
Comes at the beginning of a body paragraph
Concluding Sentence
Draws a conclusion about the topic sentence
Closes out the paragraph
Comes at the end of a body paragraph

11. Details and Support Explain, support, and prove your topic
Should contain textual evidence when the essay is about a piece of literature
Should only be about the subject described in the topic sentence
Fills up the middle of a body paragraph

12. Concluding Paragraph Has the “shape” of a triangle
Starts with a restated thesis (NOT repeated!)—draws a conclusion about the overall thesis
Broadens out to more general statements
Closes out the paper
No new information or details should be added here