Essay Structure
Introduction
What does an introduction start with?
An "Opening Strategy"
What is a thesis statement?
A sentence that shows what you want to argue.
What does each body paragraph start with?
Where are sources listed?
Throughout the essay and in the Works Cited Page
How many body paragraphs should an essay have?
3 or more (Always aim for more)
Give an example of an "Opening Strategy"
Answers may vary. Some examples: Anecdote, they say, statistic, etc.
Where does the thesis go?
Last sentence of the introduction.
What is a topic sentence?
A sentence that tells your reader what that specific body paragraph is about.
What do we need to include in an in-text citation
Author's last name, the title (if not already introduced), and the page number. EX: "....." (Smith 1).
What is the final paragraph called?
Conclusion
What comes after the opening strategy?
Background information/context
What are the two components of a thesis statement?
Topic + assertion
How do we generate topic sentences?
How are the sources listed on the Works Cited Page?
Alphabetically by last name
What comes at the end of an academic essay? (After the essay is completed. This starts on a separate page)
Works Cited Page
How many sentences does the introduction need to be?
No set limit. Aim for minimum 7-8 sentences.
What do we mean by topic?
The central idea of the paper that the argument is based off of. (Ex: Growth mindset)
How many examples/pieces of evidence should be in each body paragraph?
While there is no set number, aim for 1-2 for each paragraph. Any more and there isn't enough room to explain the significance of each.
What is the difference between an Annotated Bibliography and a Works Cited Page?
An AB contains a detailed paragraph with a summary, author's credentials, and relevance to the paper. A Works Cited Entry is just the bare information about the author, publisher, container, date, page number, etc
What is needed for MLA formatting?
12-point font
Times New Roman
Double-Spaced
Header at the top left of the page including: You name, the class, the profs name, and the due date)
What is the last sentence of the introduction called?
The thesis
What do we mean by assertion?
The argument about the topic. (Ex: A growth mindset is helpful for students because...)
If I am introducing a source for the first time, do I need to have it in my topic sentence?
NO! Do not include a source in a topic sentence. Topic sentences detail your sub-argument and what the paragraph will be about. Save the outside source for the middle part of the body paragraph.
How long can quotes be?
No longer than three lines in your own paper. Otherwise, they become block quotes, which are generally not used for essays shorter than 15 pages.