Name ______

Teacher ______

Class ______

Date ______

Writing Paragraph One of an Essay

►1st Paragraph: Introduction

There are 5parts to remember that make up ______sentences. (You will be quizzed on these.)

  1. ______(Also called an Attention Getter) One sentence
  2. ______One sentence
  3. ______Four sentences
  4. ______One sentence
  5. ______Most importantOne sentence

►1st: Attention Getter or Hook

  • Never a ______.
  • A Few Choices:
  • Interesting Comments/Factswith good verbs
  • Quotes are great too but difficult during testing unless the source is available.
  • Anecdotes are short stories that make a point.
  • Drop the Reader into a Scene

►2nd: Introduce the Topic

  • This should always be a ______.
  • Take it right from the prompt. If not in question form, write it down in the form of a question.

►3rd: Explain the Issue & Both Sides

  • Two sentences are needed, one for each side.
  • Use wording like:
  • Some people think…
  • Others believe…
  • You will need two more sentences here on background.
  • (______sentences total)

►4th: Lead Sentence

  • Should start with a weak transition word.
  • Examples: ______, ______, ______
  • This leads your reader to your side gently.

►5th: CLAIM (Thesis) STATEMENT

  • Needs a ______+ Answer to ______+ ______.
  • Needs to be explicit (Exact answer to question asked.)
  • Must take a side and have three reasons to back it up. ______
  • If there is no Thesis or Claim, there is no essay!

Example:

Question: Which is better, dogs or cats?

Thesis/Claim: Evidently, dogs surpass cats because they offer more play, affection, and protection.

The 3 reasons will become your reasons or warrants for your body paragraphs.

►Claim’s/ Thesis’ Purpose

  • Is ______a nice detailed sentence. Only one.
  • IT IS ______.
  • TAKES ______of the ISSUE! Never more!
  • Shows three explicit reasons that are discussed separate in paragraph two, three, and four.

►Example Paragraph:

"A meat grinder is what you want: to squeeze us, press us, make us squirm,” said by an anonymous student (Isaacson 156). What is better for a school, strict or relaxed dress codes for students? Some people think that obtaining a strict dress code for their school should be necessary. Others believe that students should be able to express themselves. The state is now deciding on this issue. Schools are either for or against this issue. Perhaps, it is strict uniforms that overwhelm students into leaving school. Facts indicate, a relaxed dress code is needed in schools because they provide comfort, freedom, and cost benefits.

►DO NOT

  • Start your paper with: "In this essay I will explain why Rosa Parks was an important figure.“ NEVER use the words “in this essay/paper.”
  • Use the word “stuff” or “things”
  • Use any informal terms such as
  • I, me, my, you, your(s), mine, we, us, our(s), & etc…
  • Use SLANG, texting abbreviations, or emojis

►ALWAYS DO THESE:

  • Spell Check
  • Grammar Check
  • Read it OUT LOUD to yourself and another person if you are not in a testing environment.
  • Then read it again.
  • And again.