Writing an Essay

1.  Analyze the essay prompt; determine what is required.

a.  With a highlighter, note important words that define the topic.

b.  Then organize your plan

For example, you have been given this writing prompt:

The American dream means something different to each character in A Raisin in the Sun. Discuss these differences and how they conflict with one another.

The objective is to write an essay about the differences between the characters’ American dream

The subject is a The American Dream
The three main subtopics are:

·  The fact that it means something different to each character

·  What the differences are

·  How they conflict with one another

Outline your five paragraph essay; include these elements:

Introductory Paragraph
General Topic Sentence: American Dream
1.  Subtopic One: It means something different to each character (maybe discuss why?)
2.  Subtopic Two: What the differences are
3.  Subtopic Three: How they conflict with one another
(Transition)
First Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic One
Supporting Details or Examples
Transition / Second Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic Two
Supporting Details or Examples
Transition / Third Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic Three
Supporting Details or Examples
Transition
Closing or Summary Paragraph
Synthesis and conclusion of the thesis
rephrasing main topic and subtopics.

Write the essay!

Think small; build the full essay gradually.
Divide your essay into sections and develop each piece separately and incrementally.

The Introductory Paragraph

·  The opening paragraph sets the tone
It not only introduces the topic, but where you are going with it (the thesis). If you do a good job in the opening, you will draw your reader into your "experience." Put effort up front, and you will reap rewards.

·  Brainstorm to find the best supporting ideas
The best supporting ideas are the ones about which you have some knowledge. If you do not know about them, you cannot do a good job writing about them. Don't weaken the essay with ineffective argument.

Original Prompt: The American dream means something different to each character in A Raisin in the Sun. Discuss these differences and how they conflict with one another.

Example Thesis:

The American dream means something different to each character in A Raisin in the Sun; for

some it’s about making money, for others it’s about becoming their full potential, and for others it’s about just being able to be with family.

The bold is my thesis, and the underlined are my supporting ideas that I will use to show how my thesis is true.

Supporting Paragraphs

·  Write a transition to establish the sub-topic
Each paragraph has to flow, one to the next. It’s awkward when one paragraph ends and the next paragraph seems to have nothing to do with it. Make sure the last sentence of the ending paragraph the first sentence of the next paragraph flow together with a transition.

·  Write the topic sentence
The transition can be included in the topic sentence.

·  Supporting ideas, examples, details must be specific & come from the text!
Use specific examples from the text to prove the validity of your supporting ideas. If I’m trying to convince my reader that for some characters the American dream is about making money, then I need to find specific examples (quotes, actions, etc.) from the text that supports this idea.

The Ending or Summary Paragraph
This can be a difficult paragraph to write effectively.
You cannot assume that the reader sees and understands your point

·  Restate the introductory thesis/paragraph with originality
Do not simply copy the first paragraph

·  Summarize your argument with some degree of authority
this paragraph should leave your reader with no doubt as to your position or conclusion of logic

·  Be powerful as this is the last thought that you are leaving with the reader.