TIPS in Writing EASY

I. Introductory Paragraph (2-4 sentences)

 Articulate the issue at hand

 Demonstrate that you understand and the complexities of the issues
(for example, by recognizing competing interests of various factors.
 State your position on the issue (but do not go unto your reasoning or
give examples in this paragraph; see Avoid Inro-it is- in the sidebar at
the bottom of page 19).

Whether __________________________________________ depends on

___________________________________________________________.
In my view, _________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

II. First Body Paragraph (3-5) Sentences

Begin to develop your position with your “chief reason”. Always support your
rationale with at least one or two examples (from your experience,
observations, or readings):
 State your chief reason (one only)
 Provide rationale and evidence to support it
Here’s a sample template for the first body that accomplishes these objectives:

The main reason for my view is ____________________________________.

For example, ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.
Also, _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.
Finally, ________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.

III. Second Body Paragraph (3-5 Sentences)

 State your second reason (one only)

 Provide rationale and /or evidence to support it
 Acknowledge and rebut a counter-argument
 Another reason for my view is __________________________________
Specifically,___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________.
However, ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________.

IV. Optional Third paragraph (3-5 sentences)

 Acknowledge and rebut a counter-argument

 Provide rationale/ or examples that support
 Provide a rebuttal

Some might argue ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________.
Yet, __________________________________________. However, ____________
___________________________________________________________________.

V. Final (Summary) Paragraph (1-3 sentences)

 State the “thrust” or “essence” of your position
 Recapitulate the main points from the body of your essay

In sum, I agree that ___________________________________________________.

However, ___________________________________________________________;
On balance _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________.