When writing an essay,
follow these eight basic steps:
- Select a topic:
Be sure the topic is narrow enough to make it
manageable within the space of an essay
- Write a thesis
sentence:
Be sure the thesis statement(or sentence) expresses a
controlling idea that is neither too broad nor too specific to be developed effectively
- Select a method of
development:
Check through all the methods before you finally
settle on the one which will best serve your thesis:
| definition |
example |
| compare
and contrast |
cause
and effect |
| classification |
process
analysis |
- Organize the essay:
Begin by listing the major divisions which the body
paragraphs in your essay will discuss; then fill in
the primary supports that each body paragraph of the
essay will contain
- Write topic sentences
for the body paragraphs of the essay:
For each body paragraph, furnish a topic sentence that
directly relates to the thesis sentence
- Write the body
paragraphs of the essay:
Each body paragraph should develop the primary support
covered in that paragraph's topic sentence
- Furnish a paragraph of
introduction:
An introductory paragraph should state the thesis of
the essay, introduce the divisions in the body
paragraphs of the essay, gain the interest of the
reader
- Write a paragraph of
conclusion:
A concluding paragraph should restate the thesis and
divisions of the essay bring the essay to an
appropriate and effective close without digressing
into new issues.
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