Writing a Multi-Paragraph Essay

Introduction:• Ideas should go from general to specific. • Paragraph should be four to five

sentences including thesis statement.

Writing an Introduction

• Begin with something to catch the reader’s attention, i.e. “feeling” or “emotional” words or a question/ anecdote / interesting or provocative statement / famous quotation, etc.

Writing an Introduction

Thesis Statement:• Thesis=Answer to prompt + your opinion• Must include the author & title of the book.• Thesis shows your opinion about an arguable

topic. • Thesis should go at the end of the paragraph.

Example Introduction:

Jealousy is a powerful emotion that can lead to horrible circumstances. Sometimes, people are not even aware of what they are doing when they are doing it, but their emotions take over and make them do terrible things. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, jealousy and revenge take hold of young Abigail Williams causing her to wreak havoc on an entire town. Ultimately, it is Abigail’s actions that result in the witch trials and the killing of many innocent people.

Terms to Know

• Topic Sentence (TS)- This sentence is the first sentence in your

paragraph and lets the reader know what the main focus of the paragraph will be.

• Concluding Sentence (CS) – This is the last sentence in your paragraph.

Sums it up and ties back to the thesis (As a result,…)

Terms to Know

• Concrete Detail (CD)– This is the stuff from the literature – it’s the

evidence for your commentary!– Plot References/Paraphrasing

• facts, examples from story (what happened).

Direct Quote- (DQ)• Include citation • Use the 4-step quote method.

Terms to Know

• Commentary (CM)– This is the stuff from inside your head!– This is the answer to “so what?”– Your words and explanations.– May be referred to as: analysis, interpreting,

opinion, inference, insight, reasons, elaboration.

Writing Body Paragraphs

• Sent. #1 -Topic Sentence – TS• Sent. #2 – CD –starts with “For example”• Sent. #3 – DQ- From the text, must be cited.• Sent. #4 – 2 CM – (It also indicates…; This is

because…; This is important because…This shows that)

• Sent, #5 – Concluding Sentence – CS – Sums it up and ties back to the thesis (As a result,…)

Example of Body Paragraph

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry is a champion to many of the more insecure students at Hogwarts. For example, when Malfoy takes Neville’s Rememberall, Harry gets on a broom and gets it back. He simply cannot stand someone who picks on others. Because of this, Harry becomes a hero to those less fortunate. In other words, he has found a place where he belongs, and he becomes determined to protect the vulnerable people he has grown fond of.

Writing a Conclusion

• Like Intro., just three to five sentences• All CM; no CD• Do NOT repeat your thesis statement or

introductory paragraph, RESTATE it using different words.

• Reflect what your essay said & provide closure, moving this time from specific to general.

• Try to relate your thesis to the world at large.• Do NOT add any new information!

Quotation Verbs

When introducing a quotation, choose a

verb that best reflects what you want to say with the material you have chosen to quote.

The following is a list of alternatives to the word

states:

• demonstrates• objects• adds• defends• maintains• argues• assumes

Quotation Verbs• disputes• remarks• challenges• establishes• shows• claims• specifies• compares• feels• contrasts

• concludes• illustrates• suggests• stresses• contends• introduces• questions• justifies• presents• believes

Transition Words

• To improve your writing you need to make sure that your ideas, both in sentences and paragraphs, stick together or have coherence and that the gap between ideas is bridged smoothly. One way to do this is by using transitions - words or phrases or techniques that help bring two ideas together. Transitional words and phrases represent one way of gaining coherence.

Transition Words

• Certain words help continue an idea, indicate a shift of thought or contrast, or sum up a conclusion. Check the following list of words to find those that will pull your sentences and paragraphs together.

Transition Words

For continuing a common line of reasoning:

• consequentlyclearly, thenfurthermoreadditionallyandin additionmoreover

• in the same wayfollowing this furtheralsopursuing this furtherin the light of the... it is

• becausebesides thateasy to see that

Transition Words

To change the line of reasoning (contrast):

• howeveron the other handbutyetneverthelesson the contrary

Transition WordsFor opening a paragraph

initially or for general use:

• admittedlyassuredlycertainlygrantedno doubtnobody deniesobviouslyof course

• undoubtedlyunquestionablygenerally speakingin general

• to be sureat this levelin this situation

Transition Words

To restate a point within a paragraph in another way or in a more exacting way:

• in other words• point in fact• specifically

Transition Words

Transitional chains, to use in separating sections of a paragraph which is arranged chronologically:

• first... second... third...generally... furthermore... finallyin the first place... also... lastlyin the first place... pursuing this further... finallyto be sure... additionally... lastlybasically... similarly... as well

Transition WordsTo signal conclusion in a paragraph or the entire essay:• Therefore• Hence• In final analysis• In conclusion• Lastly• Finally

A Few More Tips!

• Do not use first person. • State your position and then defend it with

support. • Describe plot elements using present tense.• Avoid informal, conversational expressions

that are, u know, like, well, so, lol, idk, etc.