The document outlines the key elements of an effective essay, including an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting evidence, and a concluding paragraph that restates the thesis. Each body paragraph should have concrete examples and references to prove the topic sentence and be coherent, ordered, and unified around the topic sentence.

1. ELEMENTS OF AN ESSAY
G INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
§ Attention-getter
§ Sufficient background information; appropriate context
§ Focused subject
§ Clear, explicit thesis statement
G EACH BODY PARAGRAPH
§ ONE TOPIC SENTENCE
o An opinion statement
o A generalization or abstraction
§ CONCRETE SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT
o Specific statements of fact
o Detailed reasons
o Concrete examples
o Quotations from authorities (with citations)
§ SUFFICIENT SUPPORT T0 PROVE THE TOPIC SENTENCE
o Several facts, details, or examples per paragraph
§ UNITY
o Every sentence directly or indirectly supporting the topic sentence
§ COHERENCE (MAKING SENTENCES AND PARAGRAPHS STICK
TOGETHER)
o Clue words (or glue words)-however, in addition
o Parallel sentence structure for coordinate ideas
o Clear use of pronouns
o Topic sentence a part of thesis statement
o Transition devices at beginning of paragraph
§ ORDER
o Statement in some logical order
o Body paragraphs in some logical order

2. G CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
§ Brief statement of summary
§ Reference to statements) in introduction
§ Application of thesis to the future, to other people to something broader than the
examples in the essay
G Title
§ Attention-getter
§ Concise
§ Related to subjects