A thesis sentence is a core to your essay that offers a
concise summary of the main point and contains an idea. Usually, it is written in one sentence as the conclusion of the introduction. After reading the thesis statement, the reader should have a clear understanding of the 3 main supporting points found in the body paragraphs. EXAMPLES: Homeless people should be guaranteed camping shelters, regular food, and public restrooms. Consuming alcohol at a young age exposes an individual to health risks, such as liver complications, heart diseases, or even weight gain. Kids should be taught to love reading because it improves their imagination, comprehension skills, and focus. THE HOOK It is the first sentence of your essay introduction. It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting. In other words, the hook captures the attention/ interest of the reader and sets the tone for your essay. EXAMPLES OF HOOKS: QUOTATION HOOK “I know that I am intelligent because I know I know nothing “ STATIC HOOKS According to the world health organization, consumption of tobacco kills about 5million people every year, which makes it more than the death rate from HIV AIDS, TB and malaria all together. QUESTION HOOK Just how much screen time is too much for elementary school aged children? INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH The introductory paragraph introduces the main idea of your essay, captures the interest of your readers, and tells why your topic is important. Elements in the introductory paragraph: Hook Narrow your focus: move from general ideas to topics specific to your thesis statement. Thesis statement EXAMPLE “A dog is a man’s best friend.” The common saying may contain some truth, but dogs are not the only animal friends whose companionship people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make excellent house pets as they are good companions, they are civilized members of the household, and they are easy to take care of. BODY PARAGRAPHS (3) A. TOPIC SENTENCE Each new paragraph should begin with a sentence designed to specify the contents of the paragraph and to keep the momentum of the essay moving. Topic sentences help to keep the reader focused on the point of your paragraph. Each of your 3 topic sentences will state a support point. B. EVIDENCE Used to support the topic sentence. C. OPPOSITION/ REBUTTAL You should anticipate the opposing arguments your readers might be making and refute each, one by one. D. SMOOTH TRANSITION Finish the paragraph (and begin the next paragraph) with a sentence, that leads the momentum of the essay onto a new point. Readability is an important part of a good essay. EXAMPLE Body paragraph 1- Firstly, people enjoy the companionship of cats. Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? If they’re not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. Similarly to dogs, they love to chase balls and feathers, or just about anything dangling from a string. They especially love playing when their owners are participating in the game. Contrary to popular opinion, cats can be trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid unwanted behaviour or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch! Body paragraph 2- Secondly, cats are civilized members of the household. Unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don’t even meow very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don’t often have “accidents.” Mother cats often train their kittens to use the litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time on. Even stray cats often understand the concept when shown the box and will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and owners must make provisions of this. A tall scratching post in a favourite cat area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be declawed. BODY PARAGRAPH 3- Lastly, one of the most attractive features cats as house pets is their ease of care. Cats do not have to be walked. They get plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and they do their business in their litter box. Cleaning a litter box is a quick, painless procedure. Cats also take care of their own grooming. Bathing a cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary circumstances cats clean themselves. Cats are more particular about personal cleanliness than people are. Additionally, cats can be left home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some pets, most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone. They are content to go about their usual activities until their owners return. CONCLUSION The conclusion gives the readers a summary of what they read. Is that really its full purpose? The conclusion is something far greater than just a summary. It completes the essay, leaves readers without the doubt writer has answered question. This is the writer’s last chance to emphasize on and defend their ideas. Conclusion gives the author the chance to think outside the box, embrace boldness, and answer the question “So what?” Gives the readers a completely new perspective on things, leaves a lasting impression. Structure: Reiterate thesis statement. (Reword thesis) Summarize supporting points from body paragraphs. Defend your ideas, show creativity in this paragraph be bold you are at liberty to interpret your topic without providing evidence. The final impression made is everything. The last thing a reader reads is the first thing they remember. End with something captivating like a call to action and/or a strong emotional appeal. EXAMPLE Cats are low maintenance, civilized companions. People who have small living quarters or less time for pet care should appreciate these characteristics of cats. However, many people who have plenty of space and time still opt to have a cat because they love the cat personality. In many ways, cats are the ideal house pet.