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The introductory paragraph
has three parts. a) Start with a story, question, or interesting fact. b) Give background so that readers understand your topic c) End with a thesis that tells what you're writing about and what your attitude is. For example: I spent many happy moments in my grandmother's kitchen when I was little. (The "dominant word" is happy. Every sentence in your essay must be about your happiness in your grandmother's kitchen.) |
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| Capitalize the important words in your title. No underlining, no quotation marks, no period. | ||||
| Your opinion belongs in the thesis and drives your whole essay. The thesis statement and topic sentences should make sense when they're read together. | ||||
| Your thesis states your topic and your point of view about it: "I spent many happy moments in my grandmother's kitchen when I was little." | ||||
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Body paragraph: Use stories, facts and details as development: Save the biggest for the climax. |
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Body paragraph: Use stories, facts and details as development: Save the biggest for the climax. |
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Climactic body paragraph: Use a transition word that indicates you're introducing your most important supporting idea: Most important, worst, best of all. Never use "finally" or "last but not least." Write as many body paragraphs as you need. Start each one with a topic sentence. Add development and a climax. |
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Conclusion: Your conclusion reinforces your thesis. Don't start anything new here. |
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| These activities will help you write an effective essay. | ||||
| Write your thesis statement and highlight the dominant word. | ||||
| Ask whether every topic sentence reinforces that word. | ||||
| Revise as necessary. | ||||
