Writing a Good Essay

Paragraph 1 – The Introduction

An introduction lets the reader know what question you are doing without restating the question. The intro should pull the reader in with a power statement, a key quote, a rhetorical question, etc. The paragraph ends with your thesis statement.

Paragraph 2-4 – The Body

The body of the paper may be several paragraphs in length. This is the support to the thesis statement. You use specific examples, quotes, etc., to explain and develop the idea you are trying to convey through your thesis statement (basically the answer to the essay).

Paragraph 5 – The Conclusion

Refers back to your thesis statement and restates on of your power statements with more depth since the reader has heard your developed explanation in the body of your paper.

Your introduction and conclusion give you a chance to be creative and an opportunity to put your spin on the question you selected.

Avoid using “for example, “like when”, or “I believe or think.” Talk to the reader in a direct manner by stating your opinion of what is going on in your analysis without stating it as “in my opinion”.