1. Essay Writing

2. The Thesis Statement Every essay will contain a thesis statement
It usually gives the purpose of the essay
It is the strongest, clearest statement
It comes at the beginning in the Introductory Paragraph
It will not be expressed as a question or a statement of fact
It may be a statement of opinion or intend

3. Controlling Idea
Controlling idea may include phrases such as the following:
two main types
several ways
several reasons
three main causes
three groups
two aims
four steps
three characteristics
two classes
the following results
these effects
three disadvantages

4. Controlling Idea
A Controlling Idea may also be expressed as adjectives:
Suitable/unsuitable
Good/bad
Successful/unsuccessful
Beautiful/ugly
Fortunate/unfortunate
Healthy/unhealthy

5. Topic Sentence
For every topic, you can write several different paragraphs.
Each of these paragraphs will have a topic sentence that will
Introduce the topic in the paragraph
Be the most general sentence in the paragraph
Be the most important sentence in the paragraph
Contains one main/controlling idea that the following sentences in the paragraph will…
Tell what the paragraph will be about. It serves as an introduction to the paragraph because it reveals the topic of the paragraph and tells the reader what to expect next in the paragraph.
Explain
Define
Clarify
Illustrate
That is, the sentence
will support or prove
the topic sentence

6. Thesis Statement: Choosing a college or university can be difficult
Thesis Statement: Choosing a college or university can be difficult. Supporting ideas: 1. Good preparation for major 2. Affordability 3. Study Environment A. Good preparation for your major 1. Thorough, solid curriculum 2. Qualified professors B. Affordability 1. Ability to pay tuition and living expenses 2. Possibility of scholarships C. Good Location 1. Study environment 2. Possibilities of part time job in major Concluding sentence: Students should consider these points carefully so they can choose the most appropriate college or university for them.

7. Thesis Statement: Choosing a college or university can be difficult.
Supporting ideas: 1. Good preparation for major 2. Affordability Study Environment
Choosing a college or university can be difficult high school graduates. The most difficult part is finding a university that prepares them well for their future career. In order to get a good job, the curriculum that is taught must be thorough and up-to-date. In addition, the professors must be highly qualified and respected in their fields. Another difficulty in choosing a university or college is affordability. Students need to be able to pay not only the tuition fees but also the living expenses. Fortunately, some institutions might be able to offer scholarships if students cannot afford the fees. Of course, a good location is also very important when choosing a school. The environment should be safe and quiet to facilitate studying. Moreover, there should be possibilities near the school for part time or summer jobs related to major to provide some practical work experience. High school graduates should consider all of these points carefully so they can choose the most appropriate college or university for them.

8. INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
Controlling ideas
Introduction:
Body paragraph:
Conclusion
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
Thesis: _________ __ __ ___________
Topic sentence: __ ______________________
_________________________________________
Supporting sentences
Topic sentence: __ ______________________
_________________________________________
Supporting sentences
Topic sentence: __ ______________________
_________________________________________
Supporting sentences
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH

9. Topic: Marriage Preparation in Somalia Thesis Statement of Intent: Preparation for marriage in Somalia consists of very important tasks such as working hard to earn money, collecting contributions of livestock , getting money from relatives and preparing items for the home. Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: A man who intends to marry has the responsibility to have money. A. must work to collect money 1.working in villages and towns (poor man) 2.selling apart of livestock (rich man) 3.becoming a businessman (a)selling cigarettes (b)selling clothes B. must conserve money

10. Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: Collection of livestock and money is another preparation for marriage.
A. collect from his family
1. amount of contribution: one to four heads
2.contribution is a tradition
B. collect from friends
Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: The woman who wishes to marry spends her time making items for the house.
A. items such as mats, wooden posts and water containers
B. collaborates with family members, relatives and friends
Concluding Sentence: Preparing for marriage is a long and tedious task in Somalia, but it is essential for the establishment for a new family
Jamal Al-Bahdon
(Somalia)