Introduction Paragraph (three to four sentences)
1. Introduces the topic and includes a clearly worded thesis statement, which will be defended in the body paragraphs. The thesis should include a position and a summary of supports for the position. For example, �The Germans contributed to their own defeat in World War II [The position] by failing to defeat the British at Dunkirk, by attacking the Soviet Union in 1941, and by spreading their forces over too many fronts [Summary of three reasons].�
Three Body Paragraphs (eight to ten sentences each)
1. Defends the thesis statement through factual and analytical statements. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence or theme, which summarizes the paragraph. For example, �By failing to attack the British at Dunkirk, the Germans allowed the British army to escape and defend the British skies in the Battle of Britain.�
2. The body paragraphs also include facts and analysis. A fact would be something that has been proven true. For example, �The Germans failed to advance on Dunkirk for three days.� Analysis would explain why a fact is important, its relevance, or highlight a relationship, usually cause and effect. For example, �Without these men, Britain would have had not army to defend against German bombardment or invasion.� You must reference where you obtained your facts using MLA format.
Conclusion (three to four sentences)
1. Draws the essay to a close through a final discussion of the thesis. Does not present any new arguments.
The steps for writing an essay include choosing a topic, researching the topic in the Library or on the Internet; choosing a position and writing a thesis statement; writing three body paragraph topic sentences; collecting facts and analysis that support the thesis and topic sentences; writing the essay; proofing for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and logic; peer-review; and final edit.
After completing the research stage, the easiest way to begin writing an essay is to first design the thesis statement and three related topic sentences; together these sentences will form the framework for your thesis. The thesis will serve as the general theme for your essay and the focal point of the introducion paragraph. The topic sentences will serve as the first sentence for each of the body paragraphs and the themes for those paragraphs.