Let’s Write an Essay!

The Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is vital to the organization of the paper. It tells the reader three things. First, it identifies the subject of the paper. Next, it indicates the direction the paper will go. Then, it gives reasons why (we’ll use three) the discussion should go in that direction. An easy way to remember the three parts of a thesis sentence is this formula (S+D+3R) which stands for:

SUBJECT + DIRECTION + THREE REASONS

Below are three examples of a thesis sentence. Underline the subject, put a box around the direction and circle the three reasons in each sentence.

  • Writing is an important skill because it helps people exchange thoughts, it is necessary in a high-tech society, and it increases mental strength in the writer.
  • Swimming is a demanding sport because it requires proper breathing techniques, proper strokes, and proper body conditioning.
  • Marriage is a full-time task because it requires careful listening, it requires patience, and it requires love.

As you can see, the first word in each sentence above is the subject (S) of the thesis sentence. The second part of the thesis sentence narrows the subject to become the direction (D) of thought in the paper. The third part of the sentence gives reasons in support of the topic.

The three reasons supporting the topic should be places in order of increasing importance. In other words, reason 3 should be the best and most important reason in the thesis sentence because it has the last chance to make an impact on the reader.

The thesis sentence should be last sentence in the introductory paragraph.

Practice writing thesis statements on the back of this page

Write a thesis statement for each of the topics below on the lines provided.

  1. Wasco High has a policy that requires students to maintain a C grade average in order to participate in extracurricular activities. What is your position concerning this issue? Write an essay stating your position and support it with convincing reasons.
  1. Wasco High has adopted a dress code that tells students what they can and cannot wear. In your opinion, should our school have a dress code? Write an essay stating your position and support it with convincing reasons.
  1. Wasco High has a rule that prohibits students from using their cell phones at school during school hours. Do you agree with this rule? State your position and support it with convincing reasons.

NOTE: (Do not begin with “I believe” or “I think”) Since this is your paper and you wrote it, it is already obvious that this is your opinion. Therefore, there is no need say it.

  1. ______because

1)______, 2)______,

and 3)______.

  1. ______because

2)______, 2)______,

and 3)______.

  1. ______because

3)______, 2)______,

and 3)______.

The Introduction

After writing a thesis statement to guide your thoughts through your essay, you need to get started. The first paragraph in the essay is called the introduction (or introductory paragraph), and the first sentence in the introduction is called the opener (or hook). The idea is to catch your reader’s attention so that they will want to read on. Read through the models below and then choose one of these ways to start your introductory paragraph.

Go back and look at the three thesis statements that you wrote. Select the one that you feel most comfortable writing about.

Now, write your opening sentence here:

______

______

After you have decided on your thesis statement, and after you have written the opening sentence, you should ask yourself: How is this essay topic important to the reader? (For this particular writing assignment, administrators, students, teachers, and parents could all be potential readers of your essay.)

Give two arguments that persuade the reader to read about your subject:

1: ______

______

2: ______

______

Now you should have an opener, a sentence or two explaining why the topic is important to the reader, and a thesis statement.

Put it all together and write your introduction here:

______

______

______

______

______

Body Paragraphs

Now, you are ready to build the body of your paper. The three reasons that you gave in your thesis statement will become the topic sentences for each of your body paragraphs. Remember to save the best and most important reason for the third body paragraph.

The structure for your body paragraphs should be as follows:

Supporting details can consist of examples, facts, statistics, Illustrations, personal experience, explanations, etc.

Topic Sentence

Supporting Detail

Supporting Detail

Supporting Detail

Concluding Sentence

The concluding sentence should be a final statement about the point that you are making. DO NOT INTRODUCE A NEW TOPIC OR ARGUMENT. It should also serve as a transition into the next body paragraph.

Transition Words and Phrases

Remember that these help you to move from one thought to the next. Make sure you use a variety of transitions in your essay.

  • To add more facts- also, again, another, moreover, in addition, and, furthermore, besides
  • To compare- also, as, in the same way,similarly, equally important, likewise
  • To contrast-but, although, despite, even though, however, instead, yet, on the other hand, otherwise, more important
  • To emphasize-in fact, indeed, of course, certainly, that is
  • To give an example-for example, in particular, including, such as, for instance
  • To define cause and effect-as a result, for this reason, obviously, because, so, therefore, consequently
  • To establish sequence-after, as soon as, before, finally, later, now, until, when, while, afterward, then, next, to begin with, first…second…(and so on)

The Conclusion

The conclusion is where you wrap it all up. This is the time to restate your thesis and recap your main ideas or arguments. DO NOT INTRODUCE A NEW IDEA OR ARGUMENT.