Created by the Student Success and Tutoring Center, this workshop was designed to assist students with constructing a thesis statement and the parts of a 5 paragraph essay.

1. Writing Essays
Presented by the
Student Success and
Tutoring Center

2. Sample Paragraph
 In the 1990’s, there were various types of popular music:
pop, rock, soul, country, and hip-hop. That decade saw the
end of hair metal bands and the beginning of the rap
revolution. Simultaneously, it was a time when the rock
world rejuvenated itself with a brand new sound. At the
forefront of this musical onslaught were Nirvana, The
Smashing Pumpkins, Mudhoney, Soundgarden, and Pearl
Jam. Even though each band had their own distinctive
sound, there were still some analogous characteristics. For
instance, the bands Nirvana and Pearl Jam are similar
because of their music styles, geography, and fame.
 In the 1990’s, there were various types of popular music:
pop, rock, soul, country, and hip-hop. That decade saw the
end of hair metal bands and the beginning of the rap
revolution. Simultaneously, it was a time when the rock
world rejuvenated itself with a brand new sound. At the
forefront of this musical onslaught were Nirvana, The
Smashing Pumpkins, Mudhoney, Soundgarden, and Pearl
Jam. Even though each band had their own distinctive
sound, there were still some analogous characteristics. For
instance, the bands Nirvana and Pearl Jam are similar
because of their music styles, geography, and fame.

3.  Introduction: The Funnel System
 Thesis
 Body
 Conclusion
Essay Development

4.  Introduces the topic of the essay
 Creates an interest for the reader
 Provide background information for context
 Clearly identifies the main idea
 Previews the rest of the essay
Introduction

5.  Conveys the main purpose and the points of
development
 Three-pronged thesis statements help organize main
ideas
 Thesis statements usually appear at the end of the
introduction
 Be direct and concise
 Think of the thesis at the “road map” of the essay
Thesis Statements

6.  Base: Interesting hook and background information
 Middle: Narrowing sides=narrowing content
 Point: The funnel ends at a point, same as your
introduction. This point can also be known as your thesis
statement.
The Funnel System

7.  Brainstorm and create an outline
 It’s key to chronologically organize your body paragraphs
according to your thesis statement.
 Topic sentences that establish the basis for the paragraph
 Expansion of ideas
 Examples/evidence/supporting details
 “They say, I say.”
 STAY ON POINT
 Closing sentences that transition to the next paragraph
Body

8. Sample Body Paragraph
 The first thing both Nirvana and Pearl Jam had in common was
the style of music they made. Both bands wrote and performed
what is now called Grunge music. At the time, it was just
considered alternative rock; however, it soon became known
as Grunge when the bands developed popularity, and the
media needed a way to differentiate it from bands such as REM
and The Pixies. Grunge music consists of heavy cords, haunting
lyrics, and teenage angst; both Nirvana and Pearl Jam utilized
these characteristics in all of their songs. Clearly, both bands
had enough in common to include them into an entirely new
musical genre. Not only was the music of Nirvana and Pearl
Jam similar, they were also located in the same geographical
location.

9.  Sums up the information in the body paragraphs
 Clarifies what’s been learned through writing
 DOES NOT INTRODUCE NEW MATERIAL
 Leaves reader with final thought/question
 Provides lasting impression on reader
Conclusion

10. Sample Conclusion
 Nirvana and Pearl Jam each put their mark on the changing
musical landscape of the 1990’s. Within the chaos produced by
the hurricane of one-hit wonders and come-and-go artists like
Vanilla Ice, Wreckx N Effects, 4 Non Blondes, and Rednex, these
two bands have been able to retain their individuality. Even
though Nirvana is no longer together due to the untimely death
of lead singer Kurt Cobain in 1994, the music still lives on, and
drummer Dave Grohl’s post-Nirvana band Foo Fighters remains
on the charts. Pearl Jam is keeping the Grunge revolution alive
because they are still together and making music. While clearly
withstanding the test of time, both of these exceptional bands
have, and will continue to inspire and influence musicians for
years to come.

11.  Brainstorm before writing in paragraph form
 Don’t focus on length requirement; just write!
 Edit for grammar after the writing process
 Struggling with the introduction? Try starting with the body,
or even the conclusion!
 Unsure about the topic? Do some research for guidance.
 Always ask the professor for specifics regarding the
assignment
 The SSTC has an Online Resource Center that has more
helpful information related to writing. Check them out!
Misc. Tips

12. Cheeseburgers

13. Please Contact Us
Conway 349-7872
Grand Strand 477-2113
Georgetown 520-1455
Email: sstc@hgtc.edu
Website: http://www.hgtc.edu/sstc