Writing an Essay

Introduction
2-4 Body paragraphs
Conclusion

Introduction

• Has a hook to engage the reader

• Introduces the topic of the essay (Thesis Statement)

  • Often restate the writing prompt into a statement that includes the side or point you want to make.

A paragraph starts with a topic sentence.
A topic sentence has ONLY ONE (1) point

• Provide evidence in your paragraph to support your topic sentence or your point.

• Evidence makes it clearer and more specific

• This is where you use your pre-write/graphic organizer

• Take one thing you plan to talk about (Dogs are good protection) that you have learned in your reading, but put it all in your OWN words.

• This should be understandable to your reader and shows you know what you are talking about

• Don't use any words that you don't understand

• Evidence gives your credibility as a writer.

• Your quote must be the BEST support for the point you're making

• You must give CREDIT to the author, even if you are paraphrasing and putting the idea sort of into your own words

• You must put exact words from the reading in QUOTATION MARKS " "

• You need to use GTA for your 1st citation - genre, author, title

• After you have cited once, you can use a shortened form after that - (Author's name) also said or stated...

• Don't make the quote too long, just use what most proves your point

• You should have at least 2 points of evidence to prove each point you are making

• Do the same thing again for your other piece of evidence

• This is where you have a good pre-write/graphic organizer (outline) that makes your life easier - just go back and pick out your evidence

• Don't say the same thing again, it must be a new piece of evidence

• Summarize your thesis and points

• But restate it in your own words, just differently so not redundant

• Ask the reader to think about or take action as a result of your topic and points you made