How to Write an Essay

Your Handy Dandy Guide to Organizing a

Proper 5 Paragraph Essay

What is an Essay
An essay is defined as a short piece of
writing, which can cover diverse topics
ranging from literary criticism to
political manifestos and observations
of daily life. The author usually
presents his point of view when
reflecting on the topic.

There Are Many Types

Of Essay
1. Academic Essays;
2. Narrative Essay;
3. Philosophical Essay;
4. Science Paper.

There Are Many Types

Of Science Papers
1. Science Essay;
2. Science Term Paper;
3. Science Research Paper;
4. Science Thesis; and
5. Science Dissertation.

What is an Essay Structure

A basic essay consists of
parts:

three main

INTRODUCTION
3 BODY PARAGRAPHS
A CONCLUSION

The Introduction
The introduction guides the reader
into your paper by grabbing attention
and introducing the topic;
It should name the title and author of
the piece and give a brief description
of the plot of the piece;
Introduce your essay by having a
HOOK!! This is merely a catchy first
sentence that will grab the
readers attention;

The Introduction
Make sure to introduce your topic.
Provide a brief synopsis of what your
topic is and also remember to include
your reference works (i.e.. John
Wyndhams The Chrysalids);
Where the reader finds the thesis
statement, which is the guide to the
entire essay;
Remember to have a concluding
sentence in your introduction.

The Thesis Statement

1. A thesis statement is simply an argument
that you are going to prove;
2. It is the roadmap for your essay and
explains to the reader exactly what you
will discuss in your paper;
3. The thesis statement will be the LAST
SENTENCE in your INTRODUCTION
paragraph;
4. A basic thesis statement contains the
topic and the 3 main points to support
the topic.

The Thesis Statement

5. For example, prove that Uncle Axel is
one of the most important characters
in the novel The Chrysalids;
6. Thesis statement:
In the novel The Chrysalids Uncle Axel
is one of the most important
characters as David`s best friend,
protector and confident.
5.

BODY PARAGRAPHS
1. In a basic 5 paragraph essay, there
are 3 body paragraphs that all
follow the same structure; but,
discuss and prove different points;
2. Each body paragraph should discuss
one of the points in your thesis;
3. You are trying to convince the
reader that your point is right;

BODY PARAGRAPHS
4. Each body paragraph needs a topic
sentence, point, and proof;
5. Be sure to use transition phrases to
connect your ideas;
6. Write a closing sentence;
7. Do this x3.

WRITING A PARAGRAPH
A full and complete paragraph consists
of a MINIMUM of 8-10 sentences
and follows a specific format:
TOPIC SENTENCE (1st Sentence)
The topic sentence reflects which
thesis statement point you will be
discussing in the body paragraph;
You must PROVE your POINT by
providing PROOFS (examples) to
support your topic sentence;

WRITING A PARAGRAPH
You must COMMENT on each PROOF to
further your analysis.
Therefore
POINT (topic sentence), PROOF &
COMMENT (x3)
CONCLUDING SENTENCE (last sentence)
Each paragraph should end with a final
statement that brings together the
ideas brought up in the paragraph and
emphasizes the main point one last time.

Write a paragraph using the following

prompt:
Explain why Uncle Axel is an
important character in the novel.
Topic sentence: There are several
reasons why Uncle Axel is an important
character in the novel, he is the
protagonists best friend, protector and
confidant.
The topic sentence is followed by body
sentences that go into greater detail on
the topic.

Writing a paragraph cont

Body Sentences:
As Davids best friend, he is the only
non-deviant that David trusts enough to
share his secret of telepathy with.
Uncle Axel protects David and the other
Chrysalids from people in the community
of Waknuk who would like to send them
to the Fringes. He does this by keeping
Davids secret and by killing
Alan,
who threatened the safety
of the
Chrysalids.

Writing a paragraph cont

Finally, Uncle Axel gives David advice
when he is in trouble and needs the help
of an adult. He is trustworthy and loyal,
always watching out for Davids best
interest.
Concluding sentence: Clearly, Uncle
Axel is important to the novel as he is
the for the main character David.

The Conclusion
The conclusion brings together ALL of
the main points of the essay.
It refers back to and RESTATES the
THESIS.
The conclusion leaves the reader with a
final thought and a sense of closure by
resolving any ideas brought up in the
essay.
#1 RULE IN ANY CONCLUSION YOU
CANNOT INTRODUCE ANYTHING NEW!

How to Begin
The instructor will provide topic
questions which you should brainstorm
about. Brainstorming in this case includes
finding evidence to support your point.
(PROOF);
You cannot make a statement about
something and not provide evidence that
shows that your statement is
correct.

Try Brainstorming In This Way

Uncle Axel is them most important
character in the novel as he advises David,
kills Alan to support the group, and
teaches David about life beyond Waknu

Point:
Uncle Axel is the advisor
to David, guiding him and
supporting him.

Proof:
Uncle Axel says to
David, There isnt
an easy way out. You
have to come to
terms with it. Youll
have to face it
(80).

Comment:
Therefore, Uncle
Axel supports
David by showing
him how to handle
being different
from everyone
else.

Formal Writing Rules

1. Do not use the first or second person (I, my,
we, us);
2. Do not use contractions (cant, wont, doesnt);
3. Do not use clichs, metaphors or figures of
speech;
4. Avoid saying The essay will discuss... or In
my opinion...;
5. Avoid using a lot. If you do use it, take care
not to repeat it often;
6. Avoid redundancy and repetition;
7. Be specific. Do not use words such as things
or many examples. Do not be vague;
8. Always follow MLA format (see below);

Formal Writing Rules

9. Always type and double space;
10. Use size 12 pt font, Times New Roman, and
standard 1 margins;
11. EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!
12. Save your rough work;
13. When writing about literature, always write in
the present tense;
14. I.e. The Chrysalids is a book about the
future not The Chrysalids was a book about
the future;
15. Essays should be submitted with one staple in
the top left hand corner. Do not put them in
folders or duotangs.

MLA Format
Essay written in 12 pt font, 1 or 2
margins
No separate title page.
Italicize the title of the novel
When using quotes, reference the page
number in the following way:
First quote, use the authors name in the
reference.
I didn't even notice then that it had more
than the usual number of toes
(Wyndham 6).

MLA Continued
Second quote from the same source, no need for
the authors name.
I didnt even notice then that it had more than
the usual number of toes (6).
Submit a Works Cited page to show the resources
that you have quoted from in your essay.
The format for the Works Cited:
Use alphabetical order according to the
authors last name.
Last name, First name. Title of Book. City
published: Publisher, Year.