Introduction Paragraphs

Your intro must grab the reader's attention, but it must also spell out what your essay is going to be about.

1. Does it include a context for your argument?

2. Does each sentence follow the next in logic? (There should be no leaps in

    logic.)

3. Is the last sentence of your first paragraph your thesis?

4. Does your thesis identify the specific position you will take in your paper?

[5:23 AM, 10/1/2021] Miss Anisa: Essay Introductory Paragraphs

Typically 3-5 sentences in length

Sentence 1:

Begin with an eye-catching sentence (e.g a quote, a definition, or a shocking / interesting statement that will draw
the reader in)

Also See:

Thesis Statement

Sentences 2-4:

Briefly introduce topics from the prompt that will be addressed in the paper, if discussing books / articles, include
the title(s) and author('s) name(s), and some brief information about the text.

Sentence 5 (The Thesis Statement):

Also known as the thesis statement, this is the most important part of the introductory paragraph. The thesis
statement should make a controversial claim, or a strong argument, while addressing the prompt. If the thesis
statement cannot be argued, then it is not strong enough. The goal of the writer is to use the thesis statement to
guide the flow and organization of the paper, while still providing a point.

Note

Remember to ask yourself: Is the first sentence eye-catching? Does the paragraph address the prompt? Is the
thesis strong and controversial, and does it make a claim?

Quick Tips

• The thesis statement addresses the topic and presents the reader's point

   of view.
• Think of different thesis statements, and see which one best fits your

   paper.

• Revise / alter your thesis to fit your paper, even if your original ideas

   change.

What is a Thesis Statement?

It is a statement that presents an idea:

It is the unifying idea that lays the foundation for the rest of the paper. It is the reason you are writing and thus the
most important part of your paper!

It is a proposition that one attempts to support and ultimately prove in the paper. It is the main tool by which one
can affect and influence an audience.

What Does It Consist Of?

A successful thesis should contain:

• Your topic

• Your point of view on that topic

• Some supporting reasons for that view

Body Paragraphs

Also see Using Transitions

Your body paragraphs are where you make your argument. Each paragraph argues one aspect of your overall
thesis. Your paragraphs must be arranged to logically flow from one idea to the next (think chronological order;
what do we need to know next?)

1. Does each paragraph begin with a topic sentence?

2. Does the topic sentence argue one aspect of your argument? (Note that a

    reader should be able to read your thesis and your topic sentences and

    have a clear idea of your argument.)

3. Is each topic sentence followed by a discussion (in your own words) of

    the argument?

4. Does your paragraph answer how and why? (How is your claim true? Why

    is it true?)

5. Do your quotations come in only after you have discussed your argument
    in your own words using your own examples?

6. Are your quotations brief and to-the-point?

7. Are your quotes introduced?

8. Are they cited correctly?

9. Could you remove all your quotes and still have a clear argued paper?

Conclusion:

This is where you answer the question "so what?" Make sure you are looking at the bigger picture, and challenging
your readers to do the same.

Writing an effective concluding paragraph:

Concluding paragraphs are used to tie up an essay in a cohesive and concise summary of the thesis and key points.
Although this may sound intimidating, formulating a conclusion can be broken down into helpful tips that will lead
to an accomplished ending.

Do not simply restate the thesis. Summarizing and supporting the thesis and main points will lead to a focused
essay. Recounting on what was written in the thesis will suggest to the reader that the writer accomplished what
he or she set out to accomplish.

Writing the introduction and conclusion paragraphs after the body of the essay has been written might help you
accomplish this task.

Frame the paragraph by reminding the reader of something you referred to in the introduction that will remind the
reader of your thesis.

Conclusions can also be a place to suggest further research if applicable, make a prediction or comparison, and
analyze what the argument of the paper means.

Finally, end on a strong note. Make sure to stray from cliche phrases, bringing up new ideas and identical wording
used in the introduction or throughout the essay. Instead try these suggestions:

Include a compressed summary of the main points of the essay and recount why they are important and how they
connect to each other.

Ask a question or use a quotation that may invoke a response from the reader.

Suggest solutions or consequences.

Keep in mind that an effective concluding paragraph will leave a lasting impression on the reader and remind them
of the purpose of the essay. It is also an opportunity to check that essay remained focused and proved and / or
supported the thesis.

Composition Writing Steps

Brainstorming

* Storm your brain for ideas.

* Write them down very quickly.

* Write words or short notes

* Don't write sentences.

Also See:

Sample Essay Template

Essay Outline Example

Paper Format and Indentation

Put Your Ideas in Order

* Look through your notes.

* Use numbers to put them in the order you want to mention them in writing.

* You don't need to use all your ideas.

* You can add more if you want to.

Drafting

* Now you really begin writing. Write away!

* Don't worry about spelling, grammar, punctuation or the best wording.

* Write on every other line.

* Leave a wide margin. You can use this space for additions, comments...

* Push yourself to the end of the first draft. Don't stop to correct yourself.

* If unsure of the spelling of a word, put a ? above it and go on.

* If unsure of punctuation, put a dash (-) and go on.

* If unsure about which word to use, write two or three words, or write the

   words in your main language, and go on.

If you run out of ideas:

a. Look back at your preparation notes.

b. Read what you have written so far.

c. Put your writing away for a while.

Revising

The revising stage is where you check that:

* You have said what you wanted to say.

* You have said it in a clear and appropriate way.

* You have said it in a way that will interest your reader.

Here are some changes you may want to make when revising.

* Changing the order of the parts (use arrows)

* Taking out parts that are not necessary (cross over)

* Adding parts (use your margin, write them after and put an arrow)

* Saying something in a better way.

* Combining two or three sentences into one.

* Making long sentences into two or three shorter ones.

Proofreading

Proofreading is very important in the writing process. You should give it some time and attention in all your
writing. See proofreading details.

* Changing parts that aren't good.

* Substituting one word for another. (correcting vocabulary)

* Correcting grammar, punctuation and spelling.

* Use high quality vocabulary. (use your dictionary)

At this point, you have done the hardest part and you don't want to lose points / quality for simple mistakes. Put
some effort in this last stage. It is one of the easiest stages but a very important one.