Name: __________________________________

Essay Brainstorming
You will fill out the following pages with information to help you create an outline and some structure for
your essay. Be sure to complete each step thoroughly and completely.

Your Prompt:
You don’t need to rewrite it, you can just put the number or a general summary of the one you chose.
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Step 1: Brainstorm
What are some examples/thoughts that come to mind for your prompt? Use the following chart to help you.

Topic:_____________
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Step 2: Thesis Statement

Your thesis should set up your paper for you. It can be one or two sentences that tells your reader what your
paper will be about. It should be where you state your thoughts about the prompt you chose. Think of this
as the “A” (Answer) in an ACES paragraph. Come up with a thesis statement (or multiple) below.
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Step 3: Opening Paragraph
A good introduction paragraph should contain each of the following elements. Use the space below to come up with
some potential ideas for your essay. It’s okay if you re-word them as you’re writing your actual essay, but this will
give you a good start.
 Hook – quote, fact, story, etc. that brings the reader in and grabs attention
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 Bridging Sentences – introduces the topic, provides relevant history/author information
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 Thesis Statement- tells the audience the specific purpose of the essay (A in ACES paragraph)
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Step 4: Add Elaboration

Look back at your brainstorming from Step 2. Choose 3-5 of your strongest examples, and list them below. How do
these examples support your thesis statement? Think of this as the “C” and “E” in an ACES paragraph. Remember
that you need parenthetical citations, so you should jot down page or paragraph numbers for each example you give.

EXAMPLE EXPLANATION PAGE #

Step 6: Add transitions between your body paragraphs.

Body ¶ Body ¶ Body ¶

Step 7: Add a Closing Paragraph

 Restate thesis differently
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 Sum up your effects briefly

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 Concluding sentence
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