ACADEMIC WRITING

Organizing and Developing an Essay

• an essay is very similar to a

paragraph in its organization
and order, but an essay
includes more information
and depth about a topic
 Organizing and Developing an Essay
Comparison of Paragraphs and Essays
Purpose of Parts Paragraph Essay
Introduction Topic Sentence Hook
• gets readers interested Background information
• gives the main idea Thesis statement
Body Supporting Supporting Paragraphs
• organize the main points sentences Topic Sentences
• give supporting
information
Conclusion Concluding Sentence Concluding Paragraph
• signals the end of the
writing
 Introduction (HOOK)
A hook is a sentence or sentences that catch
the reader’s attention.

• question
• observation
• fact
• short story
* A hook is not the main idea or thesis of the essay
Introduction (BACKGROUND INFORMATION)

Background information gives readers the

information they need to understand the
rest of the essay.

• definition of a term
• short history of an event
• setting of an event (time and place)
• explanation/answer to the hook
Introduction (THESIS STATEMENT)
A thesis statement contains the topic and
the controlling idea; it tells the readers the
purpose of the essay.

• main idea
• topic + controlling idea
• opinion/observation which you have to
prove
 BODY (BODY PARAGRAPHS)
A body paragraph supports the thesis
statement, breaks down the essay’s main
idea, and begins with a TOPIC SENTENCE.

Supporting sentences include:

• facts, examples, explanations, personal

stories, and quotes from sources
• who?, what?, where?, why?, how?
 CONCLUSION
Conclusion brings the essay to a close

• opinion
• restatement
• suggestion
• summary
Writing Process: The Seven Steps
1. Choose a topic.
2. Brainstorm
3. Outline
4. Write the first draft
5. Get feedback from a peer
6. Revise the first draft
7. Proofread the final draft