Introduction Hook Background information Thesis statement Body Paragraphs

• Introduction – Hook – Background information – Thesis statement • Body Paragraphs – – Topic Sentence Examples, Quotes, Evidence Explanations Transitions • Conclusion – Restatement of thesis – Thesis evaluation – Final statement (figurative language, analogy)

Topic Sentence • Intriguing/shocking statement, anecdote, analogy, or quote that will grab your audience’s attention. • Avoid starting your essay with a question. Examples/Quotes/Evidence • Several sentences of background information. Make this topic relevant for your audience. Never assume they are knowledgeable about your topic. Explanations • Always place this statement at the end of your introduction. Transition/Conclusion • Always place this statement at the end of your introduction.

The traffic light is one of society’s most efficient inventions because it helps manage traffic and conserve fuel. According to Phys. org, synched or connected traffic lights can conserve fuel as much as 20 percent. When traffic lights are properly synched, motorists spend less time idling at red lights which leads to less fuel consumption. In addition to saving fuel, effective traffic light placement also saves lives.

• Topic sentence - a single sentence located at the beginning of each body paragraph that expresses the main idea of the paragraph. • Think of it as a label for the body paragraph. – Readers should know what the paragraph will be about simply by reading the topic sentence.

• A good topic sentence will… ✔be a single, declarative sentence q ✔convey the main idea of the paragraph q ✔be precise – use precise and specific words q ✔be brief – only include important information q ✔be clear q

• A topic sentence is located in the beginning of a body paragraph that expresses the main idea of just the body paragraph in which it is located. • Topic sentences do not need to present an argument. • A thesis statement is a single sentence located at the end of the essay’s introductory paragraph that expresses the main idea of the essay. • Thesis statements should be arguable and spark conversation.

• A poor topic sentence will… ✔be vague and include vague words q ✔include facts or quotes q ✔include information from other paragraphs q ✔be too broad or include generalizations q ✔include phrases like… q q This paragraph will be about… q In this paragraph I will write about…

What makes this a poor topic sentence? The traffic light is a great invention.

What makes this a poor topic sentence? In this paragraph I am going to discuss one reason why the traffic light is a good invention.

The traffic light is one of society’s most efficient inventions because it helps manage traffic and conserve fuel. The traffic light is a great invention. In this paragraph I am going to discuss one reasons why the invention of the traffic light is a good invention.

• A good supporting example will… ✔support the topic sentence and thesis statement q ✔include facts, quotes, and details q ✔be directly related to the main point in which you q are trying to establish

• A poor supporting example will… ✔not be related to the paper q ✔not help you make your point or prove your q argument ✔only restate conventional wisdom q ✔not add any significant value to the paper q

What makes this a poor example? The traffic light is one of society’s most efficient inventions because it helps manage traffic and conserve fuel. There are lots of traffic lights everywhere.

What makes this a poor example? The traffic light is one of society’s most efficient inventions because it helps manage traffic and conserve fuel. In fact, the traffic light helps save lives.

• After you state your topic sentence and provide an example, you will want to explain your example. • The explanation is your own words connecting your example to your topic sentence to provide a point.

• A good explanation will… ✔be written in your own words q ✔link the example to the topic sentence q ✔help link multiple examples together q ✔present the audience with thought-provoking q information

• A poor explanation will… ✔simply restate the topic sentence q ✔not advance your argument/point q ✔only restate conventional wisdom q ✔include words and phrases like… q q This proves that… q This quote shows that…

• Once you have provide adequate examples and explanations, you will complete each body paragraph with either a transition or a closing statement. • Using transitions when you have more body paragraphs to write. • Use a closing statement when you complete your last body paragraph.

• A good transition will… ✔logically link one topic to another q ✔inform the reader that you have additional points q to make q ✔lead into the next body paragraph

• A poor transition will… ✔restate the next body paragraphs’ topic sentence q ✔provide the audience with too much information q