This document outlines the typical parts of a traditional essay, including an introduction paragraph with a thesis statement, three or more body paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details, and a concluding paragraph. It explains that the introduction should grab the reader's attention and introduce the topic and purpose through the thesis statement. The body paragraphs each focus on proving one part of the thesis with evidence and transitions between paragraphs. The conclusion restates the thesis in different words and leaves the reader with a final thought.
2. Parts of a Traditional Essay
1. Introduction Paragraph
a. Thesis Statement
2. Body Paragraphs (at least 3)
a. Topic sentences
b. Supporting details
c. Transitions between paragraphs
3. Concluding Paragraph
3. Introduction
•The first paragraph introduces the topic and purpose of the
essay.
• Grab the reader’s attention and explain your topic.
•End the paragraph with the thesis statement.
•Thesis statement—a complete sentence that
communicates the topic and controls the overall purpose
of the essay.
• All topic sentences relate to the thesis
4. Thesis Statements
•The thesis should be narrow and focused and communicate
the essay’s plan of development.
• Author’s point or purpose and plan of
Topic development
• The inconvenience of going out, the temptations
of the theater, and the behavior of some patrons
are reasons for me to wait and rent the DVD.
While I love
movies as
much as ever,
5. Body Paragraphs
•The body paragraphs are the main part of the essay.
•They provide organized evidence to prove the thesis
statement.
•Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence and develops
only one main idea—one part of the thesis statement.
•Between paragraphs, use transition words and phrases.
6. Conclusion
•The conclusion ends the essay and leaves the reader with
a final thought.
•Restate the thesis, but do not use the same words as
your thesis.
•Often much shorter than the other paragraphs, but
still substantial.
