1. Writing a Multi-Paragraph Essay
Introduction:
Ideas should go from general to specific.
Paragraph should be four to five sentences including thesis statement.

2. Writing an Introduction
Begin with something to catch the reader’s attention, i.e. “feeling” or “emotional” words or a question/ anecdote / interesting or provocative statement / famous quotation, etc.

3. Writing an Introduction
Thesis Statement:
Thesis=Answer to prompt + your opinion
Must include the author & title of the book.
Thesis shows your opinion about an arguable topic.
Thesis should go at the end of the paragraph.

4. Example Introduction:
Jealousy is a powerful emotion that can lead to horrible circumstances. Sometimes, people are not even aware of what they are doing when they are doing it, but their emotions take over and make them do terrible things. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, jealousy and revenge take hold of young Abigail Williams causing her to wreak havoc on an entire town. Ultimately, it is Abigail’s actions that result in the witch trials and the killing of many innocent people.

5. Concluding Sentence (CS)
Terms to Know
Topic Sentence (TS)
This sentence is the first sentence in your paragraph and lets the reader know what the main focus of the paragraph will be.
Concluding Sentence (CS)
– This is the last sentence in your paragraph. Sums it up and ties back to the thesis (As a result,…)

6. Terms to Know Concrete Detail (CD)
This is the stuff from the literature – it’s the evidence for your commentary!
Plot References/Paraphrasing
facts, examples from story (what happened).
Direct Quote- (DQ)
Include citation
Use the 4-step quote method.

7. Terms to Know Commentary (CM) This is the stuff from inside your head!
This is the answer to “so what?”
Your words and explanations.
May be referred to as: analysis, interpreting, opinion, inference, insight, reasons, elaboration.

8. Writing Body Paragraphs
Sent. #1 -Topic Sentence – TS
Sent. #2 – CD –starts with “For example”
Sent. #3 – DQ- From the text, must be cited.
Sent. #4 – 2 CM – (It also indicates…; This is because…; This is important because…This shows that)
Sent, #5 – Concluding Sentence – CS – Sums it up and ties back to the thesis (As a result,…)

9. Example of Body Paragraph
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry is a champion to many of the more insecure students at Hogwarts. For example, when Malfoy takes Neville’s Rememberall, Harry gets on a broom and gets it back. He simply cannot stand someone who picks on others. Because of this, Harry becomes a hero to those less fortunate. In other words, he has found a place where he belongs, and he becomes determined to protect the vulnerable people he has grown fond of.

10. Writing a Conclusion Like Intro., just three to five sentences
All CM; no CD
Do NOT repeat your thesis statement or introductory paragraph, RESTATE it using different words.
Reflect what your essay said & provide closure, moving this time from specific to general.
Try to relate your thesis to the world at large.
Do NOT add any new information!

11. Quotation Verbs
 When introducing a quotation, choose a verb that best reflects what you want to say with the material you have chosen to quote. The following is a list of alternatives to the word states:
demonstrates
objects
adds
defends
maintains
argues
assumes

12. Quotation Verbs disputes remarks challenges establishes shows claims
specifies
compares
feels
contrasts
concludes
illustrates
suggests
stresses
contends
introduces
questions
justifies
presents
believes

13. Transition Words
To improve your writing you need to make sure that your ideas, both in sentences and paragraphs, stick together or have coherence and that the gap between ideas is bridged smoothly. One way to do this is by using transitions - words or phrases or techniques that help bring two ideas together. Transitional words and phrases represent one way of gaining coherence.

14. Transition Words
Certain words help continue an idea, indicate a shift of thought or contrast, or sum up a conclusion. Check the following list of words to find those that will pull your sentences and paragraphs together.

15. Transition Words For continuing a common line of reasoning:
consequently clearly, then furthermore additionally and in addition moreover
in the same way following this further also pursuing this further in the light of the... it is
because besides that easy to see that

16. Transition Words To change the line of reasoning (contrast):
however on the other hand but yet nevertheless on the contrary

17. Transition Words
For opening a paragraph initially or for general use:
admittedly assuredly certainly granted no doubt nobody denies obviously of course
undoubtedly unquestionably generally speaking in general
to be sure at this level in this situation

18. Transition Words
To restate a point within a paragraph in another way or in a more exacting way:
in other words
point in fact
specifically

19. Transition Words
Transitional chains, to use in separating sections of a paragraph which is arranged chronologically:
first... second... third... generally... furthermore... finally in the first place... also... lastly in the first place... pursuing this further... finally to be sure... additionally... lastly basically... similarly... as well

20. Transition Words
To signal conclusion in a paragraph or the entire essay:
Therefore
Hence
In final analysis
In conclusion
Lastly
Finally

21. A Few More Tips! Do not use first person.
State your position and then defend it with support.
Describe plot elements using present tense.
Avoid informal, conversational expressions that are, u know, like, well, so, lol, idk, etc.