1. Focus: How can I organize my thoughts in a clear scholarly fashion? START UP: Mrs. Jones is watering her begonias. Ms. Palma is calling the repair man about her air conditioner. Ms. Pagliaro loves the cafeteria french fries. What do these ideas share in common?

2. Paragraph A section of writing that deals with one main idea. This main idea is expressed in a TOPIC SENTENCE – usually the first sentence in the paragraph. The remaining sentences in the each paragraph support the main idea or topic sentence. It should further explain the topic sentence by using examples, facts, etc…

3. The Importance of Paragraph! 1.We learn how our present is built upon our past. 2.We appreciate the extent to which humans have manipulated the environment to suit their own needs. 3.The subject of history is very important. 4.Math will help us better model the world. 5.We come to appreciate and better understand other cultures.

4. What is our first paragraph? Thesis Statement: Is a specific response to the question in which you specify the exact place, timeframe and ideas that you will be discussing. It basically contains a series of TOPIC Sentences which will each be further explained in the body parapgraphs. Sample Question: Which two academic subjects do you consider to be the most important to your growth as a person?

5. Body Paragraphs Take EACH idea (topic sentence) that you expressed in your Thesis and support it with specific ideas (facts) and analysis. FACT: Is something that is generally agreed upon to be true or accurate. ANALYSIS=BECAUSE. Analysis is when you give a REASON for something.

6. Conclusion The final paragraph of your essay which restates some of the main ideas of the essay and perhaps adds one or two other ideas that may have occurred to you as you wrote.