T – Topic Sentence – This is the main idea of the paragraph. There is only one main idea per paragraph.
How to Write a Single Paragraph Essay
Start With T R E E S
TREES is a simple way to remember how to structure a single paragraph essay.
T
R
E
E
S
Topic Sentence
Reason
Evidence
Explain
Summary
Used it for…
TREES Structure
T – Topic Sentence – This is the main idea of the paragraph. There is only one main idea per paragraph.
TREES
EXAMPLE
I believe I deserve a new cell phone.
T – Topic Sentence – This is the main idea of the paragraph. There is only one main idea per paragraph.
R – Reason – This is why you wrote the topic sentence. It explains why you wrote it.
TREES
EXAMPLE
I believe I deserve a new cell phone. I have earned it through hard work and sacrifice.
T – Topic Sentence – This is the main idea of the paragraph. There is only one main idea per paragraph.
R – Reason – This is why you wrote the topic sentence. It explains why you wrote it.
E – Evidence – This is an example that proves your topic sentence is true.
TREES
EXAMPLE
I believe I deserve a new cell phone. I have earned it through hard work and sacrifice. For example, my overall GPA has improved from a 2.8 to a 3.5 because I was vigilant about my homework and doing quality work all marking period.
T – Topic Sentence – This is the main idea of the paragraph. There is only one main idea per paragraph.
R – Reason – This is why you wrote the topic sentence. It explains why you wrote it.
E – Evidence – This is an example that proves your topic sentence is true.
E – Explanation – Explain how your example makes your topic sentence true!
TREES
EXAMPLE
I believe I deserve a new cell phone. I have earned it through hard work and sacrifice. For example, my overall GPA has improved from a 2.8 to a 3.5 because I was vigilant about my homework and doing quality work all marking period. This proves I deserve a new phone because it takes diligence and responsibility to achieve high marks. Hard work should be rewarded.
T – Topic Sentence – This is the main idea of the paragraph. There is only one main idea per paragraph.
R – Reason – This is why you wrote the topic sentence. It explains why you wrote it.
E – Evidence – This is an example that proves your topic sentence is true.
E – Explanation – Explain how your example makes your topic sentence true!
S – Summary (closing sentence)
TREES
EXAMPLE
I believe I deserve a new cell phone. I have earned it through hard work and sacrifice. For example, my overall GPA has improved from a 2.8 to a 3.5 because I was vigilant about my homework and doing quality work all marking period. This proves I deserve a new phone because it takes diligence and responsibility to achieve high marks. Hard work should be rewarded. This is why a new phone is something I feel I definitely deserve!
Here’s What it Looks Like All Together!
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Basketball
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Example of a Single Paragraph Essay Using TREES
T
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Example of a Single Paragraph Essay Using TREES
T
R
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Example of a Single Paragraph Essay Using TREES
T
R
E
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Example of a Single Paragraph Essay Using TREES
T
R
E
E
Playing basketball keeps me in good shape. This is because it is a great workout. For example, before I started playing basketball on a regular basis, I weighed 210lbs., but a year later, I weigh 190lbs. This proves basketball keeps me in good shape because I lost so much weight and feel healthier too! Playing basketball is a great way for me to stay in shape and have fun doing it.
Example of a Single Paragraph Essay Using TREES
T
R
E
E
S
DIRECTIONS�Write a TREES essay on ANY topic you like! Make it funny. Make it interesting. Keep it brief.
�IDEA STARTERS �1. How does it feel to see your classmates again?�2. What is your favorite thing about being in 8th grade?�3. What qualities make a good learner?�4. What is the first thing you like to do with your friends at the start of a new school year?�5. What was your greatest success last year?
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