Essay Development

Writing the English 100 Essay

Students Will Write 5 Paragraphs

Paragraph #1 An Introduction – General Info

Paragraph #2 A good reason to support your thesis

Paragraph #3 A better reason to support your thesis

Paragraph #4 The best reason to support your thesis

Paragraph #5 A Conclusion – No new info

What is a paragraph?No less than 7 sentences But no more than 11 sentences Supports one topic or main ideaSticks to the point of the paragraph

Don’t forget: Your essay must include (5) five paragraphs.

What do you need to include in your Introductory paragraph?

Lead-In sentences– A Provocative Statement– An Interesting Fact – A Fascinating Detail

History & Background Statistics An Anecdotes w/an

explanation Related Quotes w/meaning Related Paraphrases

A Useful Analogy w/explanation

A definition-a term to be used throughout the essay

Explanation of why the topic is important

Rhetorical Question A 3 part Thesis

Statement

Paragraph #1

What not to do in an introduction

Do not be too obvious. Avoid unnecessary statements such as “in this paper I will discuss violence on television”, “My assignment asks me to discuss Hamlet’s inability to take action.” or “The purpose of this paper is to explain how television influences youth.”

What not to do in an introduction

Do not apologize. Avoid self-critical statements such as “I do not have much background in this subject.” “Of course, other people and more expert in this subject than I am.” or “ I am not sure if I am right, but her is my opinion. BE CONFIDENT.

What not to include in an introduction

Do not use over worn expressions and quotes because you can’t think of anything else to say such as “Haste makes wastes.” or “A penny saved is a penny earned.” or “Love is what makes the world go around.” or “War is hell.” These are useless quotes that than may sound good in a conversation, but have no place in an essay.

Your 3 part Thesis Statement is the key to your essay

The Roadmap Your opinion The main idea Purpose for your essay Inspires the reader to

ask why? Or how? Declares what you

believe What you intend to

prove

Is clear & specific Supports a single point &

Chooses a side Anticipates an argument The last sentence in the

introduction Is supported by 3 points or

reasons why Each reason must start

with a verb

Paragraph #1 continued

A Good thesis statement should….

Be arguableHave three partsBe parallel in structure

Part 1 of a Thesis Statement

Your opinion about the topic

Part 2 of a Thesis Statement

A simple transition

Part 3 of a Thesis Statement

• Three reasons that state why you stated your opinion

• All 3 must Start with a verb

Sample Thesis Statement

Sample Thesis Statement

A spouse's role in building self esteem in their mate begins with reassuring them of their good qualities, creating a wholesome home environment, and supporting them in the relationship.

Sample Thesis Statement

Parents should monitor what their children are watching on television to prevent them from being exposed to violence, viewing nudity, and hearing profanity.

The Body of Your Essay Includes (3) three

paragraphs (3) three reasons why

you stated your thesis in logical order

Gives specific examples & details

Provides evidence This is where your

opinion mattersParagraphs 2, 3, 4, & 5

Point #1 Paragraph 2

The first reason why a student stated the thesis in a persuasive essay.

Describe the first detail in the thesis statement of an expository essay.

A really good reason Starts with First, or Firstly, Tell a short specific story Gives specific examples & details

Paragraph #2

Point #2 Paragraph 3 The second reason why a student stated the thesis

in a persuasive essay. Describe the second detail in the thesis statement

of an expository essay. A better reason Starts with Second, or Secondly, Tell a short specific story Gives specific examples & details

Point #3 Paragraph 4 The third reason why a student stated the thesis in

a persuasive essay. Describe the first detail in the thesis statement of

an expository essay. The best reason of all. Should start with Third, or Thirdly, Tell a short specific story Gives specific examples & details

The Body – 11 sentences Main idea-taken from the thesis statement opinion. 1st Detail 2 specific examples that support the 3rd detail. 2nd Detail 2 specific examples that support the 3rd detail. 3rd Detail 2 specific examples that support the 3rd detail. Paraphrase the main idea

Conclusion Redefines the topic Rephrases the thesis statement States each part of the thesis separately Restates the most compelling evidence Takes one last chance to remind the reader of

your point of view One last effort to persuade your reader to accept

your position Makes one last strong statement What is your bottom line. Why is this topic important Does not introduce new information

The End - Paragraph #5

You Did It!

The Power of Essay Writing

“Writing is power! It is critical thinking "

How to write a persuasive essay

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