psy paper

The Anatomy of an Essay

Structure to be used in writing papers other than Paper 4

Introduction

􀂉Begins (“introduces”) your essay

􀂉Contains your Thesis Statement: one sentence that states clearly what position you will take in the essay

􀂉Introduces reasons/evidence that you will discuss in detail in the body paragraphs

Body Paragraphs

􀂉All sentences are related to ONE main idea

􀂉The TOPIC SENTENCE:

o Supports the Thesis Statement of the essay

o Introduces the idea that guides the paragraph and lets the reader know what to expect

o Should be a specific idea that needs to be proven

􀂉SUPPORTING SENTENCES:

o Related to topic sentence and controlling ideas

o Offer evidence, to support, describe, or define the topic

o Can answer the questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why, or How (a.k.a. the “5 W’s”)

􀂉CONCLUDING SENTENCE:

o Re-states the main idea, offers a solution or prediction, answers any unresolved questions

Conclusion

􀂉Signals the end of the essay and leaves the reader with a final thought

􀂉Can be a call to action (What do you want the reader to do?)

􀂉Can be a final point that ties together all the ideas in the essay

􀂉Can ask a question that leaves the reader with a final problem to think about