How to Write an Essay

Your Handy Dandy Guide to Organizing a Proper 5 Paragraph Essay

What is an Essay
A basic essay consists of three main parts: INTRODUCTION 3 BODY PARAGRAPHS A CONCLUSION

The Introduction
The introduction guides the reader into your paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic. It should name the title and author of the piece and give a brief description of the plot of the piece. Introduce your essay by having a HOOK!! This is merely a catchy first sentence that will grab the readers attention Make sure to introduce your topic. Provide a brief synopsis of what your topic is and also remember to include your reference works (i.e.. John Wyndhams The Chrysalids) Where the reader finds the thesis statement, which is the guide to the entire essay. Remember to have a concluding sentence in your introduction.

The Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is simply an argument that you are going to prove. It is the roadmap for your essay and explains to the reader exactly what you will discuss in your paper. The thesis statement will be the LAST SENTENCE in your INTRODUCTION paragraph.

A basic thesis statement contains the topic and the 3 main points to support the topic.
For example, prove that Uncle Axel is one of the most important characters in the novel The Chrysalids. Thesis statement: In the novel The Chrysalids Uncle Axel is one of the most important characters as David`s best friend, protector and confident.

BODY PARAGRAPHS
In a basic 5 paragraph essay, there are 3 body paragraphs that all follow the same structure; but, discuss and prove different points. Each body paragraph should discuss one of the points in your thesis. You are trying to convince the reader that your point is right. Each body paragraph needs a topic sentence, point, and proof. Be sure to use transition phrases to connect your ideas. Write a closing sentence. Do this x3

WRITING A PARAGRAPH
A full and complete paragraph consists of a MINIMUM of 8-10 sentences and follows a specific format: TOPIC SENTENCE (1st Sentence) The topic sentence reflects which thesis statement point you will be discussing in the body paragraph. You must PROVE your POINT by providing PROOFS (examples) to support your topic sentence. You must COMMENT on each PROOF to further your analysis.

ThereforePOINT (topic sentence) PROOF & COMMENT (x3)

CONCLUDING SENTENCE (last sentence) Each paragraph should end with a final statement that brings together the ideas brought up in the paragraph and emphasizes the main point one last time.

Write a paragraph using the following prompt: Explain why Uncle Axel is an important character in the novel. Topic sentence: There are several reasons why Uncle Axel is an important character in the novel, he is the protagonists best friend, protector and confidant. The topic sentence is followed by body sentences that go into greater detail on the topic.

Writing a paragraph cont

Body Sentences: As Davids best friend, he is the only non-deviant that David trusts enough to share his secret of telepathy with. Uncle Axel protects David and the other Chrysalids from people in the community of Waknuk who would like to send them to the Fringes. He does this by keeping Davids secret and by killing Alan, who threatened the safety of the Chrysalids. Finally, Uncle Axel gives David advice when he is in trouble and needs the help of an adult. He is trustworthy and loyal, always watching out for Davids best interest. Concluding sentence: Clearly, Uncle Axel is important to the novel as he is the for the main character David.

The Conclusion
The conclusion brings together ALL of the main points of the essay. It refers back to and RESTATES the THESIS. The conclusion leaves the reader with a final thought and a sense of closure by resolving any ideas brought up in the essay. #1 RULE IN ANY CONCLUSION YOU CANNOT INTRODUCE ANYTHING NEW!

How to Begin
The teacher will provide topic questions which you should brainstorm about. Brainstorming in this case includes finding evidence to support your point. (PROOF) You cannot make a statement about something and not provide evidence that shows that your statement is correct.

Try brainstorming in this way

Uncle Axel is the most important character in the novel as he advises David, kills Alan to support the group, and teaches David about life beyond Waknuk.

Point: Uncle Axel is the advisor to David, guiding him and supporting him.

Proof: Uncle Axel says to David, There isnt an easy way out. you have to come to terms with it. Youll have to face it (80).

Comment: Therefore, Uncle Axel supports David by showing him how to handle being different from everyone else.

Formal Writing Rules

Do not use the first or second person (I, my, we, us). Do not use contractions (can t, won t, doesn t). Do not use clichs, metaphors or figures of speech. Avoid saying The essay will discuss... or In my opinion... Avoid using a lot . If you do use it, take care not to repeat it often. Avoid redundancy and repetition. Be specific. Do not use words such as things or many examples . Do not be vague. Always follow MLA format (see below) Always type and double space. Use size 12 pt font, Times New Roman, and standard 1 margins EDIT, EDIT, EDIT! Save your rough work. When writing about literature, always write in the present tense. I.e. The Chrysalids is a book about the future not The Chrysalids was a book about the future . Essays should be submitted with one staple in the top left hand corner. Do not put them in folders or duotangs.

MLA Format
Essay written in 12 pt font, 1 margins No separate title page. In the top left corner of the first page of your essay, write: Your Name Teacher s Name Double spaced Course Code Date Submitted Put your last name and page number in the top corner of each page after the title page. Italicize the title of the novel When using quotes, reference the page number in the following way: First quote, use the author s name in the reference. I didn't even notice then that it had more than the usual number of toes (Wyndham 6).

MLA Continued
Second quote from the same source, no need for the author s name. I didn t even notice then that it had more than the usual number of toes (6). Submit a Works Cited page to show the resources that you have quoted from in your essay. The format for the Works Cited: Write Works Cited centered at the top of a new page. (Ensure your last name and the page number are still included in the top right corner.) Each entry in the works cited should be in alphabetical order according to the author s last name.
Last name, First name. Title of Book. City published: Publisher, Year.