1000 words English Essay

PARTS OF THE ESSAY

1) INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Grabs the reader’s attention and entices them into reading the essay

States the main SUBJECT of the essay

Hints at the MAIN POINTS to be made (the content)

2) BODY PARAGRAPHS (CONTENT)

Divides the subject into smaller units of discussion (in a 5 paragraph essay each body paragraph discusses one Main Point)

Develops/ defends/ supports/ explains/ elaborates on the MAIN POINTS (MAP)

Uses SPECIFIC, CONCRETE facts and details

3) CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH

Summarizes the THESIS and MAIN POINTS made (the CONTENT)

Wraps up discussion of the subject

Gives reader a sense of closure/ provides a lasting thought

THE PARAGRAPH

LENGTH:

“Long enough to deliver a SINGLE message clearly, completely, and convincingly, without repetition.”

Short: COMMON ideas, SIMPLE information Long: COMPLEX ideas, DETAILED explanations, serious ARGUMENTS

GENERAL RULE: A MINIMUM of FOUR sentences A MAXIMUM of 3/4 of a page

KINDS: Introductory paragraph(s), Body paragraphs, Concluding Paragraph(s)

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH(s)

GRABBER: (first 3-6 sentences)

PURPOSE: To grab the readers attention and focus it in a specific direction - makes the subject interesting and relevant - a general discussion that narrows down to a specific Thesis Statement

WARNING: Questions: 3 or less. Rhetorical only. End with a buffer. Definition: Full sentence. Interesting. Comment on it. Story: Keep it short. End with a buffer that ties story to your Thesis.

THESIS STATEMENT: (last 1-2 sentences)

PURPOSE: Introduce subject, claim, and (3) main points. - MAP provides a focused guide for the body paragraphs

WARNING: Make sure it reads well (makes sense) Keep all three Main Points in the same sentence. Make them parallel. Make it interesting.

THE BODY PARAGRAPH

INTRODUCTION: (1 sentence - TOPIC SENTENCE)

- Introduce the GENERAL topic of the paragraph (the MAIN POINT)

- make a POINT about the topic

- this is the point you will defend/ explain in the following sentences of the paragraph - this point must be supportable in ONE paragraph

- TRANSITION to the previous paragraph (LB - look back transition) or indication of the existence of other paragraphs (an INITIAL transition)

BODY: (3-10 sentences) Supports/ explains/ defends/ develops the idea expressed in your TOPIC SENTENCE (TS)

SIMPLE PARAGRAPHS:

TOPIC SENTENCE supported be a number of body sentences, each of which presents 1-2 new details

COMPLEX PARAGRAPHS:

TOPIC SENTENCE supported by 2 + pieces of PRIMARY SUPPORT (PS) PS sentences supported by 1 or more pieces of SECONDARY SUPPORT (SS)

PRIMARY SUPPORT: A single piece of evidence SECONDARY SUPPORT: Specific examples/ details of primary support (elaboration)

CONCLUSION: (1 sentence - a Concluding Statement - CnSt)

- wraps up discussion of the topic of the paragraph (the MAIN POINT)

- reinforces (but doesn’t echo) the Topic Sentence (return to the MAIN POINT)

SIMPLE PARAGRAPH OUTLINE

TS - One of the most frustrating consequences of throwing a party is the amount of work one is responsible for.

- inviting the guests - purchasing supplies - preparing the location - supervising the party - preventing people from dancing on tables - being the last one to leave

CnSt - Thus, while inviting people over can be exciting, it is certainly not for those looking for a relaxing weekend.

COMPLEX PARAGRAPH OUTLINE

TS - Aside from being physically exhausting, parties involve a massive amount of cleanup for the host.

PS: Initial Clean Up SS: beer bottles, wine glasses, snack bowls PS: Deep Cleaning SS: muddy floors, wine stains on the carpet, vomit on the bathroom floor PS: Repairs SS: bent lampshades, ripped curtains, broken chairs

CnSt - In conclusion, hosting a party creates an absurd amount of unnecessary work.

CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH

SUMMARY: (1-3 sentences)

PURPOSE: To reinforce the MAIN POINTS

- briefly recalls the main points without repeating the Thesis Statement - no need to retain the order of the points - stress the big picture (i.e. the relationship between the Main Points and your Thesis Statement)

EXAMPLE: Although most people begin to exercise for their bodies, they often find that the benefits to their self-esteem and their social life are what help them maintain a fitness program.

CLOSER: (2-4 sentences)

PURPOSE: To make reader feel satisfied (gives a feeling of closer)

- offers a memorable comment or thought - gives subject completion/ ending

USE: - echo question(s) - prediction/ recommendation/ solution - tie back to the grabber

NOTE: Summary does not have to tie back to grabber