This document provides instructions for organizing and writing an effective essay. It explains that an essay has an introduction with a thesis statement, several body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting details, and a conclusion. The introduction should catch the reader's interest and state the main topic and controlling idea. Each body paragraph focuses on one aspect of the topic and is unified with transition words. The conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the main points.

1. WRITING SKILL:
ORGANIZING AND DEVELOPING AN
ESSAY
SarahWarfield
VCU ELP
Spring 2016

2. ANALYSIS ESSAY
An analysis essay examines a topic
by breaking it down into smaller
parts.

3. PARTS OF AN ESSAY
Every essay contains
an introduction
one or more body paragraphs
a conclusion

4. INTRODUCTION
The reader should be interested

5. INTRODUCTION
a “hook”
background information
general statements
a thesis statement
topic and controlling idea
Tells the reader the purpose of the essay

6. HOOK
catches the reader’s attention

7. THESIS STATEMENT
topic and controlling idea
controlling idea: a specific idea of
an opinion about the topic

8. THESIS STATEMENT
A role model inspires people to do
their best.
TOPIC = role model
CONTROLLING IDEA = inspires
people to do their best

9. THESIS STATEMENT
The “data model” is a powerful tool
for management feedback and
strategic planning.
TOPIC:The “data model”
CONTROLLING IDEA: a power
powerful tool for management
feedback and strategic planning

10. THESIS STATEMENT
People in the past spent a great
deal of effort protecting themselves
from witches.
TOPIC: People in the past
CONTROLLING IDEA: spent a great
deal of effort protecting themselves
from witches

11. THESIS STATEMENT
There are many reasons why
pollution in ABCTown is the worst
in the world.
TOPIC: pollution in ABCTown is the
worst in the world
CONTROLLING IDEA: many ideas

12. THESIS STATEMENT
To be an effective CEO requires
certain characteristics.
TOPIC: to be an effective CEO
CONTROLLING IDEA: requires
certain characteristics

13. BODY PARAGRAPHS
Topic sentence
Supporting sentences
TransitionWords

14. BODY PARAGRAPHS
Topic sentence
Introduce the topic and the
controlling idea

15. BODY PARAGRAPHS
Supporting sentences
All relate to or develop the topic
Create unity
Organize the sentences for
coherence

16. BODY PARAGRAPHS
Supporting sentences

17. BODY PARAGRAPHS
TransitionWords
first
in addition
for example
show the relationship between
supporting ideas

18. CONCLUSION
Ends the essay
Restate the thesis in different words
and/or summarize the main points
Remind the reader why they are reading
the essay
Help the leader look beyond the essay or
think about other ideas