Essay writing

​Read the prompt or question 2 or 3 times to make sure you understand the assignment.

​Compose a one sentence response to the prompt. That is your thesis statement. (or claim if the essay is an argument)


The thesis statement goes in the opening paragraph and the body paragraphs explain and give evidence to support the thesis statement.

​I hate to use the word outline, because it makes everyone freak out. But you need to organize your thoughts and make a plan. A mini outline is the perfect way to go. It's informal... nothing fancy. Just scratch it in the margin someplace. But it helps guide your writing so you don't end up "all over the place."

​A. Opening -- thesis: Beowulf was a true example
of an epic hero.
B. Body 1 ---- the story has multiple settings
1. Land of the Geats .... quote from line 17
"blah blah blah blah blah"
2. He went to Denmark to help the Danes
quote from line 32 "blah blah blah"
C. Body 2 ..... there were supernatural elements
1. Man eating monster, Grendel..... line 60
"blah blah blah"
2. The burning lake Line 83 "blah blah"
D Body 3 ...... Beowulf showed immense courage
1. Fought Grendel line 61 "blah blah"
2. Fought Grendel's mother line 95 "blah blah"
3. Fought the dragon line 139 "blah blah"
E. Conclusion
Mention that the Danes built a large memorial to him
acknowledging his bravery.

​We always have an introduction, body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph. So our total number of paragraphs depends on how many points we plan to use to support our thesis. If we use 2 points ... we are writing a 4 paragraph essay. If we use 3 points.... we are writing a 5 paragraph essay, etc.

Normally we plan to use two pieces of evidence for each point. And each piece of evidence is explained for the reader.

​Start with a hook.... something on topic that grips the reader's attention.

Give some intro information. If you're writing about pieces of literature, be sure to clearly state the titles and the authors.

Wind this paragraph up with the thesis statement. It is the one sentence answer to the question in the assignment. You may also mention the points you will use to support your statement.... but offer no explanation yet.

​Remember to always use paragraphs. NEVER write an essay in just one long paragraph.


An introduction introduces.... Do not start doing the work of the essay in the introduction. Save that for your body paragraphs.

​This is where you do your work. This is where you explain your position and your support.


Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence. This sentence states the point that supports your thesis. Then offer evidence..... a quote from the reading. ALWAYS explain your evidence. Assume your reader knows nothing about your subject.

Then follow with another piece of evidence and explanation. Why is that quote a piece of suitable evidence?

Wind up the paragraph with a closing sentence that sums it all up.

​Our concluding paragraph generally sums up our entire essay. But we never say the exact same thing. How boring and disrespectful that would be for our reader!!!! We restate our thesis in a different way and mention our points that supported it.

We end with a concluding statement that is normally something for our reader to think about.