Step-by-Step Guide for Crafting Effective Essays
Dive into the fundamental structure of essay writing with a detailed breakdown of each essential component. Explore examples and templates to bolster your understanding and refine your skills for academic success.
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HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY! A step by step guide for those less inclined in ELA
Introduction Paragraph 1. Hook (optional, because in academic writing we typically don't use a "hook") 2. The title of the text you read 3. The author of the text 4. The main idea of the text (what the author was trying to communicate) 5. Background information 6. Thesis statement/claim (what fact are you going to prove in your essay?) 7. Preview of your 3 main points (hint: each main point will become a body paragraph in your 5 paragraph essay) ***Numbers 6 and 7 might be flipped depending on your writing style***
Example Introduction At Casteel High School there are many great teachers (hook). In the Faculty Handbook (title), by CCHS Administration (author), the authors explain why Mrs. Singer is the best teacher on campus (main idea). Mrs. Singer has worked at CCHS for two years and has taught Social Studies, World History, and English (background info). In the text, the authors present several facts about Mrs. Singer to support her being the best teacher: Mrs. Singer has the highest test scores, she is the most creative, and she is the most fun (preview of 3 main points). Out of all the teachers at CCHS, Mrs. Singer is the best (thesis).
Fill in the Blank Introduction In the text _________________, by ______________, the author explains ___________________________. (Add relevant background info). Three concepts the author reviews are ___________________, _______________, and _________________. It is true that_____________________.
Body Paragraph 1. Transition sentence 2. Main point 3. Evidence with citation (even if it's not a direct quote, it still needs a citation) 4. Explanation that ties back to your original thesis.
Example Body Paragraph (focusing on Mrs. Singer's test scores previewed in the Intro) At CCHS, there is a lot of emphasis placed on teacher's student test scores (transition sentence). Mrs. Singer has the highest test scores in the 8th grade department (main point). While completing the annual test score analysis for the department, Mr. Tanner cited that Mrs. Singer's students were scoring the highest on their final exams (CCHS Score Analysis, 45) (evidence with citation). Having the highest test scores in her department is a major accomplishment and something Mrs. Singer has worked hard to achieve. It wasn't easy for her because her coworkers are good teachers too, but Mrs. Singer is the best (explanation that ties back to the original thesis).
Conclusion Paragraph 1. Transition sentence(s) 2. Restate your original thesis statement from your introduction paragraph 3. Review your 3 main points (try mixing it up; don't just repeat EXACTLY what you wrote in your intro paragraph) 4. Closing sentence(s)
Example Conclusion There are many good teachers at CCHS. They are all very experienced and intelligent (transition sentences). However, by analyzing the evidence, Mrs. Singer is the best (restate thesis). Mrs. Singer's classes score the highest in her department, her lessons are always full of creativity, and she has the most fun in her classroom (review 3 main points). The history department at CCHS is one of the best in the district because of teachers like Mrs. Singer (closing sentence).
WHATIF I NEED TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY? The mysterious counter claim paragraph
What is a Counter Claim Paragraph? After writing your first 2 body paragraphs supporting your opinion on a topic, a well-rounded argumentative essay will include and acknowledge the opposing viewpoint or opinion, and then show how it's actually wrong. In a counter claim paragraph, you're basically telling the reader "I believe X, and I've written a couple paragraphs to convince you, but other people believe Y. However, those people are wrong because (insert your reasoning here). Clearly X is the right belief to have because of the reasons I just stated."
Basically it looks like this: Body paragraph 1- Here's some evidence to show why I'm right. Body paragraph 2- Here's another piece of evidence to show why I'm right. Body paragraph 3 (the counter claim)- Here's some evidence to show how to opposing viewpoint might be right, but because of X, Y, and Z, I'm more right than they are.
Fill in the Blank Counter Claim It is true that others may believe ________(insert opposing viewpoint here)________________, because of _________(insert a piece of evidence that supports the opposing viewpoint here)___________. This evidence supports the opposing opinion because ____(explain how)___. However, this cannot be right because _______(insert another piece of evidence that supports YOUR viewpoint here)______. This text explains ______(explain your evidence and how it supports your viewpoint here)________.By analyzing the evidence, it is clear that _____(your viewpoint)______ is most correct.
Acknowledgement This power point has been brought to you by Mrs. Singer
