This document provides guidance on writing an effective essay. It emphasizes that an essay should have a clear thesis statement that introduces the topic and controlling idea. The thesis statement should be supported by evidence in the body paragraphs. It also recommends developing an outline or plan before writing to organize ideas. Proper essay structure includes an introduction with the thesis, body paragraphs with topic sentences and details, and a conclusion that restates the main points.

1. Writing the Essay
“Without words, without writing, and
without books there would be no
history, and there could be no concept of
humanity.”

2. Explore Topics
O Use knowledge and personal experience
O Think about your purpose
O Inform, Entertain, Persuade

3. Thesis Statements
O Similar to a topic sentence in a paragraph
O Introduces the topic of the essay and
arouses the readers’ interest

4. Characteristics
O Expresses the main topic of the essay
O Contains a controlling idea
O A complete sentence that usually appears
in the essay’s introductory paragraph

5. Effective Thesis Statements
O Ask yourself…
O Is my thesis statement a complete
statement with a controlling idea?
O Does my thesis statement make a valid
and supportable point?
O Can I support my thesis statement in an
essay?

6. Let’s Practice!
O All teachers have a class favorite.
O The streets are becoming more
dangerous.
O How to use a digital camera.

7. The Essay Plan
O Helps you organize your thesis statement
and supporting ideas before you write a
draft
O Examples: p. 184-187

8. Organization Template
Thesis Statement
I. Topic Sentence
I. Supporting Detail
II. Supporting Detail
II. Topic Sentence
The Writer’s Desk pg. 187

9. The Introduction
O Introduces the subject of your essay
O Contains the thesis statement
O Lead-Ins
O Quotation
O Surprising, Provocative Statement
O Question

10. Introduction Styles
O Give general or historical background
information
O Tell an interesting anecdote
O Present a vivid description
O Present the opposing position
O Give a definition

11. The Conclusion
O Final paragraph
O Rephrases the thesis statement and
summarizes the main points of the essay
O Close with a
prediction, suggestion, quotation, or call to
action
O David’s Conclusion – p. 191

12. The Essay Title
O Write after you’ve completed your essay
O Brief; Depict the topic and purpose; Attract
the reader’s attention
O Center on the page; Capitalize first words
(not prepositions or articles)
O Descriptive Titles
O Titles Related to Writing Patterns