ESSAY WRITING

101
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN
ESSAY?

To answer a Make a strong

question argument

A chance to
Higher thinking
analyze the facts
skills
you’ve learned
PARTS OF AN ESSAY

Topic sentence

Introduction Thesis statements

Approx. 3 body
paragraphs (number 3 main points
corresponds with ( number can vary)
main points)

Conclusion
INTRODUCTION

Your chance to introduce Smooth set up Includes –

your topic
Topic sentence
Thesis
Main points
TOPIC • Opening sentence
SENTENC • Gives people a preview

E • Grabs your readers attention

• Tells them your topic

• Example
• Throughout history women’s statuses have
varied, but early Egyptian culture was a time
of great opportunity.
 • Directly answers the question you
were being asked
• Road map for the paper
• Structure for your paper
• Your interpretation of the topic
• The argument, point you are going to
THESIS prove using facts
STATEMEN
T • Sentence (can be longer) in
introduction

• Ex- Egyptian women enjoyed

some of the greatest freedoms in
ancient history.
 • Pieces of evidence you plan to use
• Usually three
• The “why” to your thesis statement

MAIN • Ex:
• Thesis: Egyptian women enjoyed some of
POINTS the greatest freedoms in ancient history.

• Main points: Because women could

divorce, own property as well as have
businesses.
WHAT DO WE HAVE SO FAR?

• Introduction:
• Throughout history women’s status in society has varied,
but no culture has given women such great opportunities as
ancient Egypt. Egyptian women enjoyed the greatest
freedoms in ancient history because they could divorce,
own property, as well as have businesses.
 • Content of your paper
• Correspond to main points

• You argue your points with facts that

BODY
you have
PARAGRAPH
S
• Example:
• B1- Information about divorce
• B2- Information about owning property
• B3- Information about women’s busines
WHAT DO WE HAVE SO FAR?

• Throughout history women’s status in society has varied,

but no culture hadsgiven women such great opportunities as
ancient Egypt. Egyptian women enjoyed the greatest
freedoms in ancient history because they could divorce,
own property, as well as have businesses.
• B1- divorce
• B2- property
• B3- business
• Last paragraph CONCLUSION
• Simple, re-say what you already said!
• Mention your thesis, your main points and
wrap it!

• Example: In conclusion, women in Egyptian

society had a lot of opportunities, the most in the
ancient world because….

• Add any closing details you see fit!

SOURCES

ANYTHING YOU USED NEEDS MLA FORMAT

TO BE CITED (EXCLUDING
CLASS NOTES)
REMINDERS

CHECK YOUR SPELL CHECK DOES USE PROPER CHECK THEIR,

PAPERS! NOT GET GRAMMAR THEY’RE AND THERE!
EVERYTHING, DON’T
LOSE EASY POINTS!