Schombs
                        Essay Structure


Overall essay guidelines:
*Sentences must have at least 8-10 words.
*Paragraphs must have a minimum of five sentences.
*Body paragraphs must have proof, i.e., quotes, details and main 
ideas must be present.  Opinion must be kept at a minimum.
*These guidelines are the minimum requirement for a grade of B.  
Write more if you want a better grade.

          Paragraph One - INTRODUCTION - Four sentences or more!
-Begin with a general statement about topic.
(If possible, try to catch reader's attention: use a startling or 
interesting fact, pose a question, use a quote, use an analogy / 
comparison to something else, etc.).
-From the general statement, introduce essay topic; be specific.  
Include the TAG, title, author, and genre of your literature if 
applicable.  
-Thesis: The point of entire essay (topic), and will be supported 
throughout essay.  This is traditionally the last sentence of your 
introduction.  Each body paragraph must be direct elaboration of 
your main idea (thesis).

          Paragraph Two - Body Paragraph - Must include details!
Open with a topic sentence.
-Topic Sentence (t.s.) = links to and expands upon the thesis, and 
states the main idea of this paragraph.
-Use specific examples (Details) to support the t.s. 
-Ensure that the paragraph is unified, coherent, and complete.
*Unified = all ideas linked.
*Coherent = smooth transitions and sentences make sense.Edit 
carefully.
*Complete = beginning, middle, end  (t.s., details, end).

          Paragraph Three - Body Paragraph - Must include details!
-Open with a topic sentence.
-Topic Sentence (t.s.) = links to and expands upon the thesis, and 
states the main idea of this paragraph.
-Use specific examples to support the t.s. 
-Ensure that the paragraph is unified, coherent, and complete.

          Paragraph Four - Body Paragraph - Must include details!
-Open with a topic sentence.
Topic Sentence (t.s.) = links to and expands upon the thesis, and 
states the main idea of this paragraph.
-Use specific examples to support the t.s. 
-Ensure that the paragraph is unified, coherent, and complete.	

          Paragraph Five - CONCLUSION
-Restate, not duplicate, the thesis.
-Highlight the major points of the essay. These are found in the 
body paragraphs; review the points mentioned in the topic sentences.
-General, reflective statement about the essay topic.
		*DO NOT introduce new ideas in the conclusion*