Essay+Writing



This is good information on the basic structure of an excellent essay.
 * The Elements of an Excellent Essay**

Title
 * Conveys the main point of the essay in 10 words or fewer.*
 * Find a creative way to attract the reader’s attention and interest.
 * Capitalize the first word and all the important words that follow.

Introduction
 * Begin with a sentence that captures the reader’s attention.
 * Enhance the paragraph with an interesting example, surprising statistic, or other “hook”.
 * Give background information on the topic. (Bridge)
 * Include the thesis statement.

Thesis Statement
 * States the main idea of the essay.
 * More general than the supporting material.
 * May mention the main point of each of the body paragraphs.

Body Paragraph 1
 * Begin with a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph and relates it to the thesis statement.
 * Fill with well-organized examples, quotations, comparisons, and analogies, and/or narration.
 * May end with a transition.

Body Paragraph 2
 * Begin with a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph and relates it to the thesis statement.
 * Fill with well-organized examples, quotations, comparisons, and analogies, and/or narration.
 * May end with a transition.

Body Paragraph 3
 * Begin with a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph and relates it to the thesis statement.
 * Fill with well-organized examples, quotations, comparisons, and analogies, and/or narration.
 * May end with a transition.

Conclusion
 * “Echo” the thesis statement without simply repeating it.
 * May pose a question for future thought or suggest a course of action.
 * Include a detail or example from the introduction to “tie up” the essay.
 * End with a strong image or a bit of wit.