Writing a Multi-Paragraph

Essay
Introduction:
Ideas should go from general to
specific.
Paragraph should be four to five
sentences including thesis
statement.

Writing an Introduction
Begin with something to catch
the readers attention, i.e.
feeling or emotional words or
a question/ anecdote /
interesting or provocative
statement / famous quotation,
etc.

Writing an Introduction
Thesis Statement:
Thesis=Answer to prompt + your
opinion
Must include the author & title of the
book.
Thesis shows your opinion about an
arguable topic.
Thesis should go at the end of the
paragraph.

Example Introduction:
Jealousy is a powerful emotion that can
lead to horrible circumstances. Sometimes,
people are not even aware of what they are
doing when they are doing it, but their
emotions take over and make them do
terrible things. In Arthur Millers The Crucible,
jealousy and revenge take hold of young
Abigail Williams causing her to wreak havoc
on an entire town. Ultimately, it is Abigails
actions that result in the witch trials and the
killing of many innocent people.

Terms to Know
Topic Sentence (TS)
- This sentence is the first sentence in
your paragraph and lets the reader
know what the main focus of the
paragraph will be.
Concluding Sentence (CS)
This is the last sentence in your
paragraph. Sums it up and ties back
to the thesis (As a result,)

Terms to Know
Concrete Detail (CD)
This is the stuff from the literature its
the evidence for your commentary!
Plot References/Paraphrasing
facts, examples from story (what happened).

Direct Quote- (DQ)

Include citation
Use the 4-step quote method.

Terms to Know
Commentary (CM)
This is the stuff from inside your
head!
This is the answer to so what?
Your words and explanations.
May be referred to as: analysis,
interpreting, opinion, inference, insight,
reasons, elaboration.

Writing Body Paragraphs

Sent. #1 -Topic Sentence TS
Sent. #2 CD starts with For example
Sent. #3 DQ- From the text, must
be cited.
Sent. #4 2 CM (It also indicates;
This is because; This is important
becauseThis shows that)
Sent, #5 Concluding Sentence CS
Sums it up and ties back to the thesis
(As a result,)

Example of Body Paragraph

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,
Harry is a champion to many of the more
insecure students at Hogwarts. For example,
when Malfoy takes Nevilles Rememberall,
Harry gets on a broom and gets it back. He
simply cannot stand someone who picks on
others. Because of this, Harry becomes a
hero to those less fortunate. In other words,
he has found a place where he belongs, and
he becomes determined to protect the
vulnerable people he has grown fond of.

Writing a Conclusion
Like Intro., just three to five sentences
All CM; no CD
Do NOT repeat your thesis statement or
introductory paragraph, RESTATE it using
different words.
Reflect what your essay said & provide
closure, moving this time from specific to
general.
Try to relate your thesis to the world at large.
Do NOT add any new information!

Quotation Verbs
When introducing a
quotation, choose a
verb that best
reflects what you
want to say with the
material you have
chosen to quote.
The following is a
list of alternatives
to the word states:

demonstrates
objects
adds
defends
maintains
argues
assumes

Quotation Verbs

disputes
remarks
challenges
establishes
shows
claims
specifies
compares
feels
contrasts

concludes
illustrates
suggests
stresses
contends
introduces
questions
justifies

presents
believes

Transition Words
To improve your writing you need to make sure
that your ideas, both in sentences and
paragraphs, stick together or have coherence
and that the gap between ideas is bridged
smoothly. One way to do this is by using
transitions - words or phrases or techniques that
help bring two ideas together. Transitional words
and phrases represent one way of gaining
coherence.

Transition Words
Certain words help continue an idea,
indicate a shift of thought or contrast, or
sum up a conclusion. Check the following
list of words to find those that will pull your
sentences and paragraphs together.

Transition Words
For continuing a
common line of
reasoning:
consequently
clearly, then
furthermore
additionally
and
in addition
moreover

in the same way

following this further
also
pursuing this further
in the light of the... it
is
because
besides that
easy to see that

Transition Words
To change the line of reasoning
(contrast):
however
on the other hand
but
yet
nevertheless
on the contrary

Transition Words
For opening a paragraph
initially or for general use:

admittedly
assuredly
certainly
granted
no doubt
nobody denies
obviously
of course

undoubtedly
unquestionably
generally speaking
in general
to be sure
at this level
in this situation

Transition Words
To restate a point within a paragraph in
another way or in a more exacting way:
in other words
point in fact
specifically

Transition Words
Transitional chains, to use in separating
sections of a paragraph which is arranged
chronologically:
first... second... third...
generally... furthermore... finally
in the first place... also... lastly
in the first place... pursuing this further... finally
to be sure... additionally... lastly
basically... similarly... as well

Transition Words
To signal conclusion in a paragraph or the entire essay:
Therefore
Hence
In final analysis
In conclusion
Lastly
Finally

A Few More Tips!

Do not use first person.
State your position and then defend
it with support.
Describe plot elements using present
tense.
Avoid informal, conversational
expressions that are, u know, like,
well, so, lol, idk, etc.