5 STEPS IN THE ESSAY FORMAT

Essay Outline

Essay Outline Introduction

Grabber/Attention-Getter○ Begin your essay with an interesting sentence or two.

○ Engage the interest of your readers.

○ Try using a dramatic quote, a definition, a surprising statistic, or use an interrogative or a humorous approach.

○ The opening statement(s) must not be “too” casual and must relate to your essay topic.

Essay Outline Introduction

Thesis Statement 

○ Thesis Statement consists of stating your topic and providing a preview of several points or aspects of your discussion (usually three or four points for a brief essay 350-450 words).

○ The Thesis Statement may be one sentence or several sentences. The Thesis Statement is the heart of your essay. It is the MAP of your essay.

○ If you don’t provide it, your readers will be lost before they even begin to read your essay.

○ The Thesis Statement is the most important structural component of an essay.

Essay Outline

BODY PARAGRAPH #1:Topic Sentence introducing the main point

of your body paragraph must be provided.

○ Provide two to three supporting points to develop your paragraph discussion.

○ Provide a concluding or transitional sentence as you move on to the next paragraph.

Essay Outline

BODY PARAGRAPH #2:Topic Sentence introducing the main point

of your body paragraph must be provided.

○ Provide two to three supporting points to develop your paragraph discussion.

○ Provide a concluding or transitional sentence as you move on to the next paragraph.

Essay Outline

BODY PARAGRAPH #3: Topic Sentence introducing the main point

of your body paragraph must be provided.

○ Provide two to three supporting points to develop your paragraph discussion.

○ Provide a concluding or transitional sentence as you move on to your conclusion.

Essay Outline

CONCLUSION:Restate/Summarize the central argument

(which is essentially the Thesis Statement – your topic and three or four key points)

○ But don’t repeat the exact wording of your Thesis Statement in the Introduction.

○ After all, by this time, your reader should have a pretty clear sense of what you’ve been trying to prove/explain.

Essay Outline

Memorable/Closing Statement/Clincher must wrap up your

essay.

○ Try to compose a sentence or two which suggests implications (either positive or negative).

○ The Memorable Statement should be thought provoking, carefully crafted and not too casual (general/semi-formal level).