When writing an
essay, follow these eight basic
steps:
- Select a topic:
Be sure the topic is narrow
enough to make it manageable
within the space of an essay
- Write a thesis
sentence:
Be sure the thesis
statement(or sentence)
expresses a controlling idea
that is neither too
broad nor too specific to be
developed effectively
- Select a method of
development:
Check through all the methods
before you finally settle on
the one which will best serve
your thesis:
| definition |
example |
| compare
and contrast |
cause
and effect |
| classification |
process
analysis |
- Organize the essay:
Begin by listing the major
divisions which the body
paragraphs in your essay will
discuss; then fill in the
primary supports that each
body paragraph of the essay
will contain
- Write topic
sentences for the body
paragraphs of the essay:
For each body paragraph,
furnish a topic sentence that
directly relates to the thesis
sentence
- Write the body
paragraphs of the essay:
Each body paragraph should
develop the primary support
covered in that paragraph's
topic sentence
- Furnish a paragraph
of introduction:
An introductory paragraph
should state the thesis of the
essay, introduce the divisions
in the body paragraphs of the
essay, gain the interest of
the reader
- Write a paragraph of
conclusion:
A concluding paragraph should
restate the thesis and
divisions of the essay bring
the essay to an appropriate
and effective close without
digressing into new issues.
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