Multi-paragraph Essays

Objectives:

1) To make a clear argument in writing.

2) To think critically and analytically about a topic.

3) To organize your writing into a clear and thoughtful essay.

Parts of an Essay

How many parts in a Multi-paragraph essay?

What are they?

• Introduction
• Body Paragraphs (at least 2-3)
• Conclusion

Introduction

An introductory paragraph has…

1. Attention Getter: It could be a quote, a definition, a comment, a question, or a statement that gets the reader’s attention.

Introduction

Att. Getter continued…

*It always comes first in the essay.

*It should be a general statement. In other words, don’t give specific information away too soon in the essay- focus on the “big” idea first.

Example: Topic- Who is your hero and why?

Thesis: My hero is Martin Luther King, Jr.

Att. Getter: Superman. Wonder Woman. Spiderman. These are all famous superheroes, but the real heroes walk amongst us every day.

Introduction

3. Write att. getters for the following topics:
• Your feelings about starting high school.
• The most impactful event in your life to this point.

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• Note: One of these att. getters can not be a question!!

Introduction

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What else is in the introductory paragraph that follows the att. getter?

• The Thesis Statement:
• *The main point of the essay.
• *The point or purpose of the essay is to prove this statement.
• *Should be an opinion, not a fact. In other words, it could be argued.
• *Stated as if it is a fact.
• No “I think...” or “I believe...”, etc.

Introduction

What are good examples of thesis statements?

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Topic: The advancement of technology in our society.

• Thesis: “The advancement of technology has had a positive effect on our society.”
• Create a thesis statement for the topic you chose earlier (high school or event).

Introduction

• Transition Sentences:
• 1-3 sentences that take us from the attention getter to the thesis.
• Can help “explain” or elaborate on the attention getter. Goes into more detail about the attention getter.
• Gradually become more specific, leading us to the most specific sentence: the thesis.

Introduction

• Attention Getter: Superman. Wonder Woman. Spiderman. These are all famous superheroes, but the real heroes walk amongst us every day.
• Transition Sentences: Firefighters, paramedics, teachers, and doctors are just a few real-life heroes. They help and serve people every single day.
• Thesis: My hero is also someone who served others and his name was Martin Luther King, Jr.

Practice:

• Create transition sentences that connect your attention getter to your thesis.
• Don’t forget about using transition words when it applies.

Introduction

A Plan of Coherence is:

• Always written as the last sentence in the introductory paragraph
• This last sentence has three or more parts listed in a series like “a, b, and c.”
• This offers at least 3 main ideas that will be covered in the body paragraphs. All points should help support the thesis.
• Create a POC for the paragraph in progress.

Homework: Due Tuesday, September 15 (15 points)

• Using one of the following 4 topics, write a complete introduction paragraph. DO NOT WRITE AN ENTIRE MULTI-PARAGRAPH ESSAY!!
• Topics to choose from: 1) school cliques 2) technology in the schools 3) year-round school 4) your favorite school subject
• It should include att. getter, transition sentences, thesis statement, and POC.
• Please type, double space, and print the paragraph.

Body Paragraphs:

• Body paragraphs supply the supporting information for your thesis.
• You should have at least 3 body paragraphs, which correspond to the main ideas in your POC.
• Each body paragraph will consist of a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence.

Topic Sentences:

*Introduces the main idea of the paragraph. This refers to the 1st reason in your POC.

Thesis: One of the most impactful events in my life was the decision to attend Gustavus Adolphus College after high school.

Topic Sentence Example: One of the reasons my college choice was such an impactful event in my life is because I was able to play college athletics.

*On your outline, write the topic sentence for your first body paragraph. Refer to your first point in your POC for this.

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Details:

*After your topic sentence, you should supply details and explanation for that particular reason.

Detail #1: Playing a sport in college allowed me to meet so many new people and lifelong friends. I will always cherish those friendships and had I not been a part of a team in college, I may never have formed these relationships.

Detail #2: Playing college tennis also taught me to learn so much about the game, which has allowed me to continue playing and coaching long after I graduated from college. Tennis has become a major part of my life.

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Outline:

Add 2 details to your outline.

Concluding Sentence:

*Each body paragraph should come to a natural close, so you don’t leave the reader hanging. It can refer back to the topic sentence as well.

Example: In conclusion, my college decision impacted me greatly because had I made a different choice, I would not have been able to experience the joy of playing college athletics.

*Add a concluding sentence to your outline.

Conclusion Paragraph Outline:

1) Use a transition word or phrase (In conclusion, etc.) and then restate your thesis in different words.

2) Review your main reasons you stated in the body paragraphs. 1-2 sentences

3) Clincher statement- this could be a restatement of your attention getter in different words.

Example Conclusion:

Making the decision to go to Gustavus Adolphus College was such an impactful decision for me. (restatement of the thesis) I was able to meet so many great friends, expand my knowledge of the sport and take those skills with me throughout the rest of my life. (review of main reasons from body paragraphs) Our lives are full of impactful and meaningful events, which help to shape us. Acknowledging those events is an important step in living a fulfilling life. (clincher statement)