1. So…You Have to Write a Paper
Writing an essay made easy
Introductions, Topic Sentences, and Outlines
Presented by Erika Wanczuk
Based on a presentation by Gina Drago

2. Before You Start Starting an essay can be difficult!
Here are some tips to consider before beginning:
Consider your audience: who are you writing to? What do you know about him/her?
What is your purpose?
How will you accomplish your purpose?

3. Writing your Introduction
What is the purpose of an introduction?
Hook your reader—capture my interest!
Ex. “In this essay I will explain why Rosa Parks was an important figure.” vs. “A Michigan museum recently paid $500,000 for a dilapidated old bus.”
The next couple sentences should explain your opening line, and set up your thesis statement.
"The old yellow bus was reported to be the very one that sparked the civil rights movement, when a young woman named Rosa Parks...”
Make your opinion clear in your thesis.
"In refusing to surrender her seat to a white man, Rosa Parks inspired a courageous freedom movement that lives on, even today."

4. How to Begin
Writing the first sentence of an essay can be tough. I know…I’ve struggled with it too.
Here are some ways you can start your essay:
Quotation
Defining a key term
Making a bold statement
Making a general statement about life.

5. Onto the Second Sentence
Expand on or explain your first sentence.
You must mention the book and author by name in your introduction; underline book titles.
Lead into your thesis by writing context for your thesis.
Remember that your thesis will mention your reasons for your stated opinion—those will be the topics of your body paragraphs.

6. Writing Topic Sentences
Sample thesis:
Despite the negative connotation we associate with killing animals, Carlson’s actions show his concern for Candy, his mercy for Candy’s dog, and his ability to enact positive change.
What will my body paragraphs be about?

7. Topic Sentences
A topic sentence will always include a topic and a controlling idea.
The topic is what you are writing about.
The controlling idea is what you will say about that topic.
Example: People can avoid burglaries by taking certain precautions. 
Example: There are several advantages to growing up in a small town. 
Example: Effective leadership requires specific qualities that anyone can develop. 

8. Example One
Carlson demonstrates his mercy for Candy’s dog in several of his statements and actions leading up to the shooting.
Topic: mercy
Controlling idea: his statements and actions demonstrate mercy.
What actions/statements show mercy? Provide evidence.

9. Example Two Carlson is concerned about Candy for several reasons.
Topic: concern
Controlling idea: He is concerned for several reasons.
Why is he concerned? How does he demonstrate his concern? Provide evidence.

10. Example Three
Carlson’s ability to enact positive change is exemplified by his encounter with Candy and Slim prior to the dog’s death.
Topic: enacting positive change
Controlling idea: his encounter with Candy and Slim.
What happens in the encounter? How does it demonstrate Carlson’s ability to enact positive change? Provide evidence!

11. Outline Intro *Thesis* Topic Sentence I Evidence Topic Sentence II
Topic Sentence III
Topic Sentence IV