Steps for an essay

1. Read and analyze the question
● What is the question asking?
● What is the question asking you to do?
[Know key words of the prompt]
2. Collect and Sort information
● Brainstorming, categorizing, generalizing
[creating categories]1. Read and analyze the question
● What is the question asking?
● What is the question asking you to do?
[Know key words of the prompt]
2. Collect and Sort information
● Brainstorming, categorizing, generalizing
[creating categories]
3. Create your thesis statement
An effective thesis will have all these components-
● Fully addresses the question (prompt) asked
● Takes a position with regard to the question asked
● Provides organizational categories that will be used in the essay
4. Introductory Paragraph
● Lead in sentence (explains event(s) that shows an understanding of chronology ● Thesis
● Topic sentences from thesis categories
● One transitional sentence that ties opening paragraph together
5. Body Paragraphs
● One paragraph for each category in the thesis
● Begin with topic sentence
● Explains main idea of paragraph
● Supports thesis
●
● Fact and Details (3 things)
● Interpreting/analysis/commentary
● Clincher sentence (answers so what?)
6. Conclusion
● Reinforce thesis
● Synthesis clincher sentences
● Addresses the question So What? [assigns importance]
● Exit sentence – explains what the topics leads into next (puts essay in historical perspective)
7. Proofread1. Read and analyze the question
● What is the question asking?
● What is the question asking you to do?
[Know key words of the prompt]
2. Collect and Sort information
● Brainstorming, categorizing, generalizing
[creating categories]
3. Create your thesis statement
An effective thesis will have all these components-
● Fully addresses the question (prompt) asked
● Takes a position with regard to the question asked
● Provides organizational categories that will be used in the essay
4. Introductory Paragraph
● Lead in