Introduction to Writing an Essay

The Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the most important sentence in your essay. It states the main idea of your essay, often states or implies your attitude or opinion about the subject, and gives your essay direction. The thesis statement is usually placed at the end of your introductory paragraph.

  1. Example of a thesis with points listed at the beginning:

Action, an exciting plot, and strong characters are essential ingredients for any movie.

  1. Example of a thesis with points listed at the end of the statement:

I enjoy fishing because it relaxes me, it challenges me, and it occasionally feeds me.

  1. Be sure that your thesis statement does not overlap.

Taking out an auto loan has helped me to be responsible in making payments, to handle money wisely, and to obtain reliable transportation that I could not otherwise afford.

*Notice that point one and point two are saying very similar things.

The Topic Sentence

A topic sentence does two things. First it tells the general topic of the paragraph. Second it makes a specific point about the topic. In your essay, the topic sentences should be in the same order as they were listed in the thesis statement.

Examples

topic specific point about the topic

Carrying a homemade lunch instead of eating out has had unexpected benefits.

topic specific point about the topic

Knowing how to research using a computer is an essential skill in college.

Do not make the topic sentence too broad. Ex: Computers have changed modern society. This sentence promises more than one paragraph can deliver.

Do not make the topic sentence too narrow. Ex: My computer had a CD drive and a USB port. This is a dead end statement and it does not open a door for discussion.

Characteristics of an Effective Paragraph

  1. Direction: The paragraph has a strong topic sentence that states the main idea and sets the course that the paragraph will follow.
  2. Unity: means that the paragraph makes one main point and sticks to that point.
  3. Coherence: The ideas in the paragraph are logically connected and easy to follow.
  4. Support: The paragraph contains specific and detailed discussion of the idea stated in the topic sentence.

The Introductory Paragraph

The beginning of any good essay should include an introduction that catches the reader’s attention, provides background, introduces the subject, and states the thesis of the essay.

The Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph discusses ONE aspect of your thesis. The topic sentence of each paragraph tells which thesis point the paragraph will develop.

The Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion paragraph sums up the points you have made and lets your reader know that you have ended the essay. Never introduce new information in the conclusion and remember to keep the goodbye short and sweet.

Transitional Words and Expressions

Time: after, during, later, suddenly, previously, immediately, next, before…

Space: above, around, behind, beside, between, in, near, toward, under…

Addition: also, finally, furthermore, in addition, next, first, another…

Contrast: although, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, yet, in spite of

Cause and Effect: because, consequently, since, thus, therefore, as a result

Illustration or Example: for example, for instance, including, such as

When using transitional expressions, remember that less is more. Weave in a few but avoid overwhelming your audience with them.

Writing your essay

  1. Prewrite or freewrite
  2. Prewriting is sorting through your thoughts on a topic to find out what you have to say about that topic. Gathering information; brainstorm.
  3. Freewriting is nonstop writing on a topic for a set time. The point of freewriting is that your flow of words never ceases; your pen never stops moving. If you have nothing to say, repeat your last thought again until a new thought replaces it. Do not worry about spelling, about clarity, or about whether your thoughts are logically connected. Just write.
  4. Plan
  5. Outlining is a great way to plan your essay.
  6. Thinking maps are also effective tools for planning an essay.
  7. Draft
  8. Think about your title. It should concisely convey the topic of the essay.
  9. This is where your begin writing the actual essay. Take all of the ideas you came up with in the prewriting and planning and organize them into a cohesive essay.
  10. Revise
  11. Does the essay look balanced with three body paragraphs approximately equal in length?
  12. Are the paragraphs framed by an introduction and conclusion that are shorter than the body paragraphs?
  13. Sometimes it is helpful to have a peer or someone else take a look at your paper. A fresh set of eyes may see something that you missed.
  14. Proofread
  15. Correct any errors in grammar or spelling.
  16. When all of this is done, you are ready to submit your final draft.