Schombs

Essay Structure
Overall essay guidelines:
*Sentences must have at least 8-10 words.
*Paragraphs must have a minimum of five sentences.
*Body paragraphs must have proof, i.e., quotes, details and main ideas must be present.
Opinion must be kept at minimum.
*These guidelines are the minimum requirement for a grade of B. Write more if you want
a better grade.

Paragraph One Introduction Four sentences or more!

Broad -Begin with a general statement about topic.
(If possible, try to catch readers attention: use a startling or interesting fact, pose a
question, use a quote, use an analogy/comparison to something else, etc.)
-From the general statement, introduce essay topic; be specific. Include the TAG
title, author, and genre of your literature if applicable.
Thesis Thesis: The point of entire essay (topic), and will be supported throughout essay.
This is traditionally the last sentence of your introduction. Each body paragraph
must be direct elaboration of your main idea (thesis).

Paragraph Two, three, and four Body Paragraphs Must include details!
Open with a topic sentence
Topic Sentence (t.s.) = links to and expands upon the thesis, and states the main idea of this paragraph
This is the overall format for your paragraph:
Discussion-your own words / be loquacious / say as much as you can about
your topic.
Evidence Direct quote from novel include page number!
Discussion-your own words / / be loquacious / say as much as you can about
your topic.
Evidence Direct quote from the novel include page number!
Discussion-your own words / / be loquacious / say as much as you can about
your topic.
Ensure that the paragraph is unified, coherent, and complete
*Unified = all ideas linked
*Complete = beginning, middle, end (t.s., details, end)
*Coherent = smooth transitions and sentences make sense. Edit carefully.

Paragraph Five Conclusion / Please do not write, in conclusion/

Specific - Restate, not duplicate, the thesis in your own words
- Highlight the major points of the essay find the most important information from
each of your body paragraphs and restate it here. This is your review of the major
points mentioned in the topic sentences.
- General, reflective statement about the essay topic
Broad

*DO NOT introduce new ideas in the conclusion* If you left something out
of your essay rewrite.