Essay Writing

Writing the Essay

** Essays can be 3, 4, 5, or 6 paragraphs long. The intro always includes a grabber, background information (setting the stage), and a thesis statement with reasons. It is the number of reasons you use to support your thesis that will usually determine how long your essay will be.

The Introductory Paragraph

(Four to six sentences)

Include:

__ Grabber - first word(s) or sentence of the essay. It should draw the reader in.

__ Background or related information that helps the reader understand the issue.

__ The issue itself - the problem you are trying to solve or the question you are trying to answer.

__ Thesis statement with roadmap (your reasons or ideas that support your claim or stance).

Body Paragraphs

(2 to 4 body paragraphs per essay) Body paragraphs should around 5 to 8 sentences long.

__ Topic Sentence that support your thesis.

__ Evidence (cited from the text or gathered from the graphs/charts/photos/cartoons/etc.)

__ Discussion (relevant and meaty - should show you know how to interpret the evidence and relate it to the issue so that it supports your thesis.)

__ Evidence (strive for at least 2 pieces of evidence per paragraph whenever possible).

__ Discussion

Conclusion

(4 to 6 sentences)

__ Should point out the main points of your argument or essay (the ideas you presented in your thesis). Each idea should be developed in the conclusion.

__ Should nicely sum up your essay.

__ Provide a takeaway ending (one that makes the reader think more deeply, laugh, or have an aha moment.)