The%20Elements%20of%20an%20Excellent%20Essay%20(3.5)

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The Elements of an Excellent Essay (3.5)

• English II
• Design by C. Wallace
• Written by J. Overley

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Title

• Conveys the main point of the essay in 10 words
  or fewer.
• Find a creative way to attract the readers
  attention and interest.
• Capitalize the first/last words and all the
  important words that follow (no articles or
  prepositions unless first/last)

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Introduction

• Begin with a topic sentence that captures the
  readers attention.
• Give background information on the topic.
• Enhance the paragraph with an interesting
  example, surprising statistic, or other hook.
• Include the thesis statement.

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Thesis Statement

• States the main idea of the essay.
• More general than the supporting material.
• May mention the main point of each of the body
  paragraphs.

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Body Paragraph 1

• Begin with a topic sentence that states the main
  point of the paragraph and relates it to the
  thesis statement.
• Fill with well-organized examples, quotations,
  comparisons, analogies, and/or narrations.
• May end with a transition.

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Body Paragraph 2

• Begin with a topic sentence that states the main
  point of the paragraph and relates it to the
  thesis statement.
• Fill with well-organized examples, quotations,
  comparisons, analogies, and/or narrations.
• May end in a transition.

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Body Paragraph 3

• Begin with a topic sentence that states the main
  point of the paragraph and relates it to the
  thesis statement.
• Fill with well-organized examples, quotations,
  comparisons, analogies, and/or narrations.
• May end with a transition.

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Conclusion

• Echo the thesis statement without simply
  repeating it.
• May pose a question for the future thought or
  suggest a course of action.
• Include a detail or example from the introduction
  to tie up the essay.
• End with a strong image or a bit of wit.