STEP 1:  THESIS STATEMENT

A)  Definition-The statement that contains the central idea and the author's attitude toward that idea; in addition it may delineate the topics that will be discussed to communicate that idea clearly.

B)  Function-The thesis is the focus of your introduction acting as a "road map" for your reader; it tells what intend to accomplish and how you are going to achieve that purpose.

C)  How to write the thesis:

1. The central idea of the essay is the grammatical subjects of the thesis statement.

2. The topics in the predicate of the thesis statement become the subjects of the topic sentences for the paragraphs of the essay.

STEP 2:  CHOOSE TYPE OF ORDER

A)  The topics in the predicate in your thesis need to be written in logical order so that the reader knows what will be covered as well as when.

B)  The topic sentence for each paragraph and the supporting details should also be arranged in logical order.

Types of Order

1.  Chronological- Details or events are arranged in the time-order in which they occur.

2.  Sequential- Steps in a process, events occurring first, second, third...

3.  Spatial-Details are arranged according to space relationships (left to right, right to left; top to bottom, bottom to top; inner to outer, outer to inner etc...). Remember, you as writer, are the camera's eye and your view is limited by your position.

4.  Climactic-Details are arranged according to order of importance (least important to most important; least  noticeable to most noticeable; least significant to most significant; specific to general). (Of course, all of these may be vice versa.)

STEP 3: TRANSITION

A.  The relationship the supporting details within each paragraph have toward each other also needs to be communicated to the reader. The type of order sometimes provides the transition; when it doesn't the writer must supply one.

B.  The relationship between the individual paragraphs needs  to be communicated, too. The transitions give the sense of unity and continuity to your essay.

Transitional Words and Phrases

1. To refer to something already mentioned: (the personal and demonstrative pronouns) he, she, it, they, that, those, these, etc. Caution: each pronoun must have a clear antecedent.

2. To show time: then, while, meanwhile, after, soon, afterward, later, eventually, finally, at last, by this time, at first, at this point, presently, next, etc.

3. To show number or order: first, second, in the first place, secondly, etc.

4. To continue the same line of thought: also, furthermore, moreover, likewise, besides, similarly, for example, in fact, for instance, and, again, further, in addition, etc.

5. To limit or contradict: but, nevertheless, still, however, yet, on the other hand, on the contrary, although, instead, in contrast, and yet, otherwise, at the same time, etc.

6. To state degree of certainty: certainly, undoubtedly, presumably, indeed, perhaps, possibly, anyhow, anyway, in all probability, in all likelihood, etc.

7. To show summary or consequence: therefore, consequently, according, hence, thus, as a result, so, in conclusion, finally, for this reason, in short.

STEP 4: CONCLUSION

Final statement of a one-paragraph essay or the final paragraph of a multi-paragraph essay

1.         Gives closure (wraps it up)

2.         Restates your points, stressing the proof of your thesis

3.         Summarizes the importance and/or the significance of your main idea and points.

Copyright ©2003 Theresa Meyer