1. Thesis Statements and Supports
Write at the Beginning
Thesis Statements and Supports

2. Thesis Statement This is the topic of the essay.
Everything in the essay should tie back to the thesis.
There are two parts.
Topic
Author’s attitude/opinion/idea/point
Underline the topic once and the attitude/opinion/idea/point twice.
Celebrities are often poor role models.

3. Plan of development The major points that will be discussed
They are listed in the order that they will appear in the essay.
The thesis statement may include the plan of development.

4. Examples/Supports Specific Adequate Explanation
What in the novel/world/etc. shows the reader that your point is true?
Details
Reasons
Examples
Facts
Quotations
Adequate
There needs to be enough support.
Explanation
Don’t assume your reader will understand the connection between your support and your topic sentence/thesis.

5. Writing with Sources
Do not just present a report of what the source(s) said.
You must analyze, evaluate, and synthesize the information that you are using.
Quotations MUST be purposeful.
Support your thesis
Support your points with statements from noted authorities
Offer memorable wording of key terms/ideas
Extend your ideas with new information
Articulate opposing positions

6. Incorporating Quotations
You MUST use a lead-in to help integrate the quotation.
Lead-ins should vary throughout your essay.
You MUST cite all quotations with the author’s name and page number (if available).
You MUST explain how/why the quotation is being used.
Do not say, “This quotation proves…” or any variation thereof.