Multi-paragraph
Essay
Overview
Introduction Paragraph:
· Begins with an “attention getter”. This can be an interest grabbing or thought provoking statement or quote (a statement
or quote that gets the reader interested and/or makes them think). This attention
getter should be relevant (have something to do with) the prompt and the text, but should not be from the text.
· Should identify the title of the text, as well as
the author’s name.
· Includes the THESIS STATEMENT, which introduces the
purpose of the essay. (This is the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.)
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Body Paragraphs:
· EACH should begin with a topic sentence related to
the main topic.
· Include specific details and supports for topic sentences.
· Arranged in an effective order (depending on the point
the author wants to make).
o Chronological (in order of time – 1st, 2nd,
3rd, and so on)
o From least important to most important
o By the type of example
· Depending on the topic, the number of body paragraphs
can change
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Conclusion Paragraph:
· Does not summarize the main points of the thesis,
but refers to them
· Shows what the writer has learned about the topic
as a result of writing the essay
o Can include another quote or thought provoking statement that ties what
the writer has learned to the topic of the essay.
