THE PARTS

OF AN

ESSAY

I) Title: Attracts the readers attention, gives a hint of the essays topic. II) Introduction: Opens the essay as the first paragraph and leads the reader into the body of the paper by waiting until the last sentence to state the thesis. A. Hook: First sentence of introductiongrabs the readers attention! B. Topic Development : Two-to-four sentences that set the tone, give some background information on the topic, and help ideas flow from hook to thesis. C. Thesis Statement : Ends (usually) the introduction, tells the main idea(s) of the essays body. This statement can literally organize ones point for the reader by stating the topic of each body (supportive paragraphs), known as subtopics. (i.e.) As he struggles with his new role in the community, Jonas shows bravery, responsibility, and kindness. (*DO NOT USE statements such as My essay is about . . . Im going to talk about . . .) III) Body: Contains three or more supportive/body paragraphs, each including a topic sentence, support details (examples) and clincher. All statements and opinions must be supported with information, examples, and details to help the reader clearly understand your point. A. Topic Sentence: First sentence in a body paragraph, each tells the focus of the paragraph. B. Supportive Details/RACE: The meat of an essay, author includes examples and elaboration to prove each of the topic sentences. The type of information necessary to support the topic sentence will vary depending on the type of essay (i.e. persuasive, narrative, literary-response). Note: In a personal essay, the meat of the essay would be student-generated examples; In a literature-based essay, the meat of the essay comes from the text. C. Clincher: Closes the ideas that are in each body paragraph boldly! (However, it does NOT introduce the next sub-topic). IV) Conclusion: Brings the body paragraphs together, an opportunity to remind the reader of the thesis statement, mention

additional information about the topic, and bring the essay to a powerful close. A. Thesis Restatement : First sentence of a conclusion, quickly reminds the reader of all content by reviewing the thesis. B. Summarize Bodies: Sentence(s) that pull the essay together, reviewing key points. C. Final Point: Final part of the conclusion, closes the entire essay strongly, sends a message.