Essay Structure
What is the introduction?
This part of the essay introduces the controversial issue and ends with the thesis statement.
What is a fact?
"Solar panels allow users to get energy from sunlight."
What is "Some say big cars are powerful"?
"Some say big cars are powerful, but small cars are future-proof." *Underline the counter-argument.
What is "Many young people frequently use mobile devices"?
Correct this sentence: "Kids these days are always on their phones."
What is checklist item #1?
This checklist item asks: "Does the introduction include a hook and thesis?"
What are supporting sentences?
These sentences in the body paragraphs provide reasons, facts, and explanations.
What is an opinion?
"Online courses are easier than classroom courses."
What is "Homework causes burnout and limits creativity"?
Rebut this counter-argument in 10 seconds: "Homework is essential for learning."
What is "E-books are popular; however, many prefer paper"?
Add a connector to show opposition: "E-books are popular. Many prefer paper."
What are details or explanations?
A paragraph with only 2 sentences likely needs more of these.
What is a counter-argument and refutation?
The final body paragraph must include this opposing viewpoint and its rebuttal
What is "Pollution affects many ecosystems"?
Rewrite this overgeneralization: "Pollution affects everything."
What is arguing against "children need siblings to be happy"?
Identify the refutation: "Only children have fewer fights and more social contact."
What is "A lot of"?
Choose the correct quantity expression: "___ creativity is needed for tech jobs."
What is "a little money"?
Find the missing quantity expression: "Students have money left for fun."
What is persuasive language?
The conclusion should restate the thesis using this type of language.
What is "Most cats hate water"?
Turn "Cats hate water" into a valid statement using a quantity expression.
What is "Some argue sports prioritize competition over teamwork"?
Write a counter-argument for: "Sports teach no life skills."
What is "engage in conflicts"?
Replace "get into fights" with formal language.
What is a weak conclusion lacking a prediction/warning?
Identify the error: "Sports teach teamwork. Conclusion: Sports are good."
What is hook → thesis → counter-argument → refutation → conclusion?
Arrange these parts in order: hook, counter-argument, thesis, refutation, conclusion.
What is "This shows global cooperation is possible for scientific progress"?
Interpret this fact to support an opinion: "Many nations collaborate on the International Space Station."
What is "This claim ignores studies showing sports improve leadership and resilience"?
Fix this weak refutation: "That’s just wrong because I said so."
What is "A few places where sea levels are rising"?
Fix this sentence: "A little places where sea levels rise."
What is "No—it only states the counter-argument without rebutting it"?
Does this essay include a refutation? *Provide evidence.