1. How to Write an Essay

2. FORMAT Introductory Paragraph 1. Use key words from the prompt to create your first sentence. 2. Try to grab the reader’s attention in the first two sentences. 3. Your last sentence should be your thesis statement. 4. Your introductory paragraph should have 3 sentences minimum.

3. What is a thesis statement? The thesis statement tells the reader what the essay will be about, and what point you, the author, will be making. (AKA-your claim) A Thesis Statement has two parts: 1. the topic 2. the point of the essay {A good thesis includes three main ideas you will discuss to back up your claim.}

4. Example Thesis Statements Public Transportation can help with traffic congestion, resource management, and the city budget. Building a Model Train Set requires an investment in time, patience, and materials. Public schools are better than private schools because students gain social skills, the cost is cheaper, and the curriculum covers many different topics.

5. Body of the Essay The body should include 3 main points. For each of the main ideas from the thesis, you will have a separate paragraph (more than likely 3). Each paragraph should be 4-5 sentences long. So from our example earlier (Public Transportation can help with traffic congestion, resource management, and the city budget.), there will be a separate paragraph about traffic congestion, a separate paragraph for resource management, and a separate paragraph for the city budget.

6. Concluding Paragraph The conclusion brings closure to the reader, sums up your points, or provides a final perspective on your topic. Generally, you want to leave the reader with something to think about. Remember, in your paper you are trying to convince them of something.

7. When you are finished writing your essay, always APE it or TEC it… What does APE stand for? 1. A=Assertion 2. P=Proof 3. E=Evaluation What does TEC stand for? 1. T=Thesis 2. E=Evidence 3. C=Commentary **You may use either one of these that you prefer because they mean the same thing.

8. APE or TEC Explained There are THREE specific things you should always look for in an effective essay. 1. Your claim (AKA-Assertion or Thesis) 2. What you will use to back up that claim (Proof or Evidence) 3. An explanation of why your proof or evidence backs up your claim (Evaluation or Commentary) **Hint: If you have highlighters or different color pens or markers, you should locate these three things in your paper (APE or TEC) using a different color for each. If you cannot find these three things in your essay, then you need to go back and fix it.

9. USE THIS POWERPOINT AS A REFERENCE! For our first test (short story test), you will have to write an essay. You may use this as a reference for that essay, so do not lose it. YOU ARE NOW READY TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE ESSAY!