1. Essay Organization Tips
The Multi-Paragraph Essay is an essay that is made up of at least 3 paragraphs. The types of paragraphs included are as follows:
An introduction paragraph
Body paragaph(s) must be at least 1, but usually there are more
A conclusion paragraph

2. Introductory Paragraph This paragraph is usually 3-5 sentences long
The introductory paragraph should:
be indented
“hook” the reader
include a thesis statement which will introduce the controlling idea for your essay

3. INTRODUCTION “HOW-TO GUIDE”

4. Intros that should not be used:
1. The “Hello, my name is _____________” beginning.
This opening is not a good idea. For one thing, your name is on your paper – or should be. You don’t need to introduce yourself. What you need to introduce is your paper.
2. The “Webster’s Dictionary defines” beginning.
The problem with an opening based on the dictionary is that it is pretty boring. Besides, millions of essays have begun this way. In short, it is an overused and dull way to start anything.

5. More intros that should not be used:
3. The “Announcement of intentions” beginning.
Do not flatly announce what you are about to do in an essay: In this paper I will….The purpose of this essay is to….or I am going to tell you about. Now that you are in middle school, your beginning should be more subtle and sophisticated.
2. The “I’m not sure about this, but” beginning.
Never suggest that you don’t know what you are talking about or that you haven’t done your research. Move confidently into your essay.

6. Introduction Don’ts Do Not summarize your entire paper.
Do Not dilly dally. You should move swiftly and confidently into the body of your paper. Long, rambling introductions are a turn off to the reader.
Do Not use irrelevant information to “hook” the reader. The attention-grabber must be relevant to your topic.

7. Introduction Do’s
Do start with a “hook.” Refer to your notes on “good beginnings” if you need help.
Do briefly mention your main ideas.
Do end your introduction with your thesis statement (controlling idea).
Do work to write an exemplary intro. – first impressions are important.

8. Remember to end your introduction with a thesis statement.
Key features of a Thesis Statement:
states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not a question
is narrow and “to the point” – not overly wordy
is usually at the end of an introduction
often lists subtopics
Is written in 3rd person point of view

9. Is this a good thesis statement? Why or why not?
Three causes that led to the Civil War: states rights versus federal rights, economic differences between the north and south, and slavery.
Students share answers and explain why
If “not good” is the consensus, ask students to rewrite to make it better
*Not good – incomplete sentence

10. Is this a good thesis statement? Why or why not?
Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the sixteenth president of the United States, and he united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.
Students share answers and explain why
If “not good” is the consensus, ask students to rewrite to make it better
*Not good – rambling and wordy

11. Is this a good thesis statement? Why or why not?
I am going to tell you about modern-day Iraq.
Students share answers and explain why
If “not good” is the consensus, ask students to rewrite to make it better
*Not good – too broad, written in 1st person

12. Now….Let’s review Introduction Do’s
Do start with a “hook.” Refer to your notes on “good beginnings” if you need help.
Do briefly mention your main ideas.
Do end your introduction with your thesis statement (controlling idea).
Do work to write an exemplary intro. – first impressions are important.

13. Is this a good introduction? Why or why not?
According to Webster’s dictionary, a weapon is something used to injure, defeat, or destroy. In this paper I am going to talk about three types of medieval weapons: the poleaxe, the warhammer, and the scimitar.
Students share answers and explain why
If “not good” is the consensus, ask students to rewrite to make it better
*Not good – uses the dreaded Webster dictionary intro and is written in 1st person
*However, this intro could easily be improved.

14. Is this a good introduction? Why or why not?
When studying early civilizations, students often ask themselves, “What is that region like today?” Did it sink beneath the ocean, get buried by volcanic ash, or did it evolve into something completely different? Ancient Mesopotamia, the area sometimes referred to as “the cradle of civilization,” has evolved into several modern countries. One of the modern countries, Iraq, is influenced by its geography, culture, and economy.
Students share answers and explain why
If “not good” is the consensus, ask students to rewrite to make it better
*This is an example of a well-written intro

15. Stated in a Topic Sentence
Body Paragraphs There should be 1 body paragraph for each main idea covered in the essay
Each body paragraph should:
be indented
cover one main idea
follow standard paragraph organization including a topic sentence for each paragraph
Stated in a Topic Sentence
Main Idea
Detail
Explanation or Example

16. Conclusion Paragraph This paragraph is usually 3-5 sentences long
The conclusion paragraph should:
be indented
recap the main point without repeating everything in the body
bring the essay to a logical and smooth end
WRAP IT ALL UP

17. CONCLUSION “HOW-TO GUIDE”

18. Conclusions that should not be used:
1. The “the end” ending.
This is not a real ending, merely the announcement of one. It’s fine for children’s stories where your audience might be too young to realize that you’re done, but for mature readers it’s a letdown.
The End
2. The “hope you liked my paper” ending.
If the reader did like the essay, this ending would quickly change his opinion of it. If the reader didn’t like it, it’s doubtful he’d like it any better just because the writer hoped he would.

19. Conclusion Don’ts Do Not present new ideas.
Do Not stop at an awkward spot or trail off into meaningless and irrelevant information.
Do Not ask questions that raise new ideas.
Do Not summarize the body of the paper.

20. Conclusion Do’s
Do “use signal words” to let readers know you are about to wrap things up.
Do “touch back” by rephrasing your thesis.
Do “come full circle” by tying your hook at the beginning of the essay to the end.

21. Is this a good conclusion? Why or why not?
I learned many interesting things about modern day Iraq, and I hope you did too. Now the question is, what will Iraq be like one thousand years from now?
Students share answers and explain why
If “not good” is the consensus, ask students to rewrite to make it better
*Not good – uses the dreaded hope you liked it / learned something conclusion, is written in 1st person, and raises a new question.

22. Is this a good conclusion? Why or why not?
As illustrated, Iraq is an interesting country. In many ways, it is very different from the Ancient Mesopotamia described in history books. In one way, however, it is very similar: Iraq is still a region shaped by its geography, culture, and economy.
Students share answers and explain why
If “not good” is the consensus, ask students to rewrite to make it better
*This is an example of a well written conclusion.
*However, this intro could easily be improved.