Essay Writing

The Thesis StatementEvery essay will contain a thesis statementIt usually gives the purpose of the essayIt is the strongest, clearest statementIt comes at the beginning in the

Introductory ParagraphIt will not be expressed as a question or a

statement of factIt may be a statement of opinion or intend

Controlling IdeaControlling idea may include phrases such as the

following:two main types several waysseveral reasons three main causesthree groups two aimsfour steps three characteristicstwo classes the following resultsthese effects three disadvantages

Controlling IdeaA Controlling Idea may also be expressed as

adjectives:Suitable/unsuitable Good/badSuccessful/unsuccessful Beautiful/uglyFortunate/unfortunate Healthy/unhealthy

Topic SentenceFor every topic, you can write several different

paragraphs.Each of these paragraphs will have a topic sentence

that will1)Introduce the topic in the paragraph 2)Be the most general sentence in the paragraph3)Be the most important sentence in the paragraph4)Contains one main/controlling idea that the following

sentences in the paragraph will…

5)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.

ExplainDefineClarifyIllustrate

That is, the sentence will support or provethe topic sentence

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.

 

Thesis Statement: Choosing a college or university can be difficult.

Supporting ideas: 1. Good preparation for major 2. Affordability 3. 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.

I. Introduction:

II. Body paragraph:

III. Body paragraph:

IV. Body paragraph:

V. Conclusion

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Thesis: _________ __ __ ___________

Topic sentence: __ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Topic sentence: __ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Topic sentence: __ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Controlling ideas

Supporting sentences

Supporting sentences

Supporting sentences

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

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

friendsConcluding 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)