Ms. Gigowski:
English 11

Elements of an Excellent Essay - Text Only

•Title

  • Conveys the main point of the essay in 10 words or fewer
  • Find a creative way to attract the reader’s attention and interest
  • Capitalize the first word and all the important words that follow

Introduction

  • Begin with a sentence that captures the readers attention
  • Give background information on the topic
  • Enhance the paragraph with an interesting example, surprising statistic, or other “hook”
  • Include the thesis statement

Thesis Statement

  • States the main idea of the essay
  • More general than the supporting material
  • May mention the main points of each of the body paragraphs
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Body Paragraph 1

  • Begin with a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph and relates it to the thesis statement
  • Fill with well-organized examples, quotations, comparisons, analogies, and/or narration
  • May end with a transition

Body Paragraph 2

  • Begin with a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph and relates it to the thesis statement
  • Fill with well-organized examples, quotations, comparisons, analogies, and/or narration
  • May end with a transition

Body Paragraph 3

  • Begin with a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph and relates it to the thesis statement
  • Fill with well-organized examples, quotations, comparisons, analogies, and/or narration
  • May end with a transition

Conclusion

  • Echo” the thesis statement without simply repeating it
  • May pose a question for future thought or suggest a course of action
  • Include a detail or example from the introduction to “tie up” the essay
  • End with a strong image or a bit of wit •

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