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How To Write An Essay
How To Write An Essay
What is an Essay
A basic essay consists of three main
parts:
INTRODUCTION
3 BODY PARAGRAPHS
A CONCLUSION
The Introduction
The introduction guides the reader into your paper by
grabbing attention and introducing the topic.
It should name the title and author of the piece and give
a brief description of the plot of the piece.
Introduce your essay by having a HOOK!! This is merely
a catchy first sentence that will grab the readers
attention
Make sure to introduce your topic. Provide a brief
synopsis of what your topic is and also remember to
include your reference works (i.e.. John Wyndhams The
Chrysalids)
Where the reader finds the thesis statement, which is
the guide to the entire essay.
BODY PARAGRAPHS
In a basic 5 paragraph essay, there are 3 body
paragraphs that all follow the same structure; but,
discuss and prove different points.
Each body paragraph should discuss one of the points
in your thesis.
You are trying to convince the reader that your point
is right.
Each body paragraph needs a topic sentence, point,
and proof.
Be sure to use transition phrases to connect your
ideas.
Write a closing sentence.
Do this x3
WRITING A PARAGRAPH
Body Sentences:
As Davids best friend, he is the only non-deviant that
David trusts enough to share his secret of telepathy
with. Uncle Axel protects David and the other
Chrysalids from people in the community of Waknuk who
would like to send them to the Fringes. He does this by
keeping Davids secret and by killing Alan, who
threatened the safety of the Chrysalids. Finally, Uncle
Axel gives David advice when he is in trouble and needs
the help of an adult. He is trustworthy and loyal, always
watching out for Davids best interest.
Concluding sentence: Clearly, Uncle Axel is important to
the novel as he is the for the main character
David.
The Conclusion
The conclusion brings together ALL of the main
points of the essay.
It refers back to and RESTATES the THESIS.
The conclusion leaves the reader with a final
thought and a sense of closure by resolving any
ideas brought up in the essay.
How to Begin
The teacher will provide topic
questions which you should
brainstorm about. Brainstorming in
this case includes finding evidence to
support your point. (PROOF)
You cannot make a statement about
something and not provide evidence
that shows that your statement is
correct.
Point:
Uncle Axel is the
advisor to David,
guiding him and
supporting him.
Proof:
Uncle Axel says to
David, There isnt
an easy way out.
you have to come
to terms with it.
Youll have to face
it (80).
Comment:
Therefore, Uncle
Axel supports David
by showing him
how to handle being
different from
everyone else.
Do not use the first or second person (I, my, we, us).
Do not use contractions (cant, wont, doesnt).
Do not use clichs, metaphors or figures of speech.
Avoid saying The essay will discuss... or In my opinion...
Avoid using a lot. If you do use it, take care not to repeat it often.
Avoid redundancy and repetition.
Be specific. Do not use words such as things or many examples. Do not be
vague.
Always follow MLA format (see below)
Always type and double space.
Use size 12 pt font, Times New Roman, and standard 1 margins
EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!
Save your rough work.
When writing about literature, always write in the present tense.
I.e. The Chrysalids is a book about the future not The Chrysalids was a book
about the future.
Essays should be submitted with one staple in the top left hand corner. Do not put
them in folders or duotangs.
MLA Format
Essay written in 12 pt font, 1 margins
No separate title page. In the top left corner of the first page of your
essay, write:
Your Name
Teachers Name Double spaced
Course Code
Date Submitted
Put your last name and page number in the top corner of each page after
the title page.
Italicize the title of the novel
When using quotes, reference the page number in the following way:
First quote, use the authors name in the reference.
I didn't even notice then that it had more than the usual number of toes
(Wyndham 6).
MLA Continued
Second quote from the same source, no need for the authors name.
I didnt even notice then that it had more than the usual number of toes
(6).
Submit a Works Cited page to show the resources that you have quoted
from in your essay.
The format for the Works Cited:
Write Works Cited centered at the top of a new page. (Ensure your last
name and the page number are still included in the top right corner.)
Each entry in the works cited should be in alphabetical order according to
the authors last name.
Last name, First name. Title of Book. City published: Publisher, Year.