Writing Notes This is the general shape of

Writing Notes This is the general “shape” of an essay Introductory Paragraph Body Paragraphs Concluding Paragraph

Introductory Paragraph Has the ‘shape’ of an inverted triangle Starts off broadly and narrows down to your thesis sentence Three purposes: to get the reader’s attention to introduce your subject(s) to let the reader know what your paper is about (thesis) Ways to start include: *use a quote from a book or a famous person *ask a question *state a fact Ends with your thesis sentence

Thesis Sentence • Your thesis is a statement that tells what your entire paper is about – – gives your opinion what you are comparing/contrasting what you are going to be proving etc. what you are going to be giving information about • Indicates to the reader what you are going to prove or show • Should be the last sentence in your introductory paragraph.

Thesis Examples This paper is about the way Rosa Parks stood up for her rights and influenced the civil rights movement. Do not say “This paper is about…” Simply state what it is about. Try this: Rosa Parks stood up for her rights and influenced the civil rights movement.

Thesis Examples I’m going to tell you about the many ways Nelson Mandela was affected by apartheid. Do not say “I’m going to tell you about…” Simply state it. Try this: Nelson Mandela was affected by apartheid in many ways.

Thesis Examples In my opinion, Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest heroes for civil rights. Do not say “In my opinion…” (or I think, or anything else that includes you or your thoughts!) Simply state it. Try this: Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest heroes for civil rights because he advocated nonviolent means of protest, and he was willing to sacrifice for his beliefs.

Thesis Examples Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks were alike and different. Be more specific in your thesis about exactly what you are going to show. Try this: While Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks lived in different countries, they faced similar problems and were willing to stand up for what they believed.

Body Paragraphs (or single paragraph responses) • this is where you provide the details that support your thesis in a multi paragraph essay • may include facts, opinions, proof, textual support, details, descriptions and so on, depending on the purpose of your paper. • begins with a topic sentence • contains all your support • ends with a concluding sentence

Body Paragraph Starts with a topic sentence ! ! t r po p u s d n a f o o Pr Ends with a concluding sentence Has a rectangular “shape” because it is describing or supporting one aspect of your paper. It is fairly specific all the way through and should not contain any broad, introductory information.

Topic Sentence • Tells the reader what that particular paragraph is about • Should reflect part of your thesis • Comes at the beginning of a body paragraph Concluding Sentence • Draws a conclusion about the topic sentence • Closes out the paragraph • Comes at the end of a body paragraph

Details and Support • Explain, support, and prove your topic • Should contain textual evidence when the essay is about a piece of literature • Should only be about the subject described in the topic sentence • Fills up the middle of a body paragraph

Concluding Paragraph Has the “shape” of a triangle Starts with a restated thesis (NOT repeated!)—draws a conclusion about the overall thesis Broadens out to more general statements Closes out the paper No new information or details should be added here