AP Lit Essay Writing

Essay Writing Review and More

Multiple Choice

What is the name that you give your paragraph or essay called?

• Topic

• Title

• Thesis

• Topic Sentence

Multiple Choice

What is the main idea of a paragraph called?

• Topic

• Title

• Thesis

• Topic Sentence

Multiple Choice

What is the sentence that presents the main idea of an essay called?

• Topic

• Title

• Thesis

• Main Idea

Multiple Choice

How many sentences should the thesis statement be?

• 1

• 2

• 10

• 15

Multiple Choice

How many paragraph should an essay contain?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

How many body paragraphs should a four-paragraph essay contain?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

Where do we write the thesis statement of an essay?

• The first sentence of the introduction paragraph.

• The last sentence of the introduction paragraph.

• The first sentences of the conclusion paragraph.

• As the title before the essay.

The Introduction Paragraph

3 Parts

1. Hook

2. Background Information / Bridge

3. Thesis Statement

The Introduction Paragraph

Hook

• 1-2 sentences

• used to grab the reader's attention

The Introduction Paragraph

Background Information / Bridge

• 2-3 sentences

• connects the idea in the hook to the thesis

• gives the reader general information about the topic

The Introduction Paragraph

Thesis Statement

• Must be 1 sentence only.

• Must be simple, direct, clear.

• Must answer the writing prompt.

• Must have two parts:

  • Topic

  • 2 controlling ideas

Example Writing Prompt

What are the benefits of attending SMC?

Possible Thesis Statement

The benefits of attending SMC are the many academic resources and student life.

Possible Thesis Statement

Topic: The benefits of attending SMC are
Controlling Idea 1: the many academic resources
Controlling Idea 2: and student life.

Multiple Choice

Which thesis statement best answers the writing prompt "What are the benefits of learning a new language?"?

• There are two benefits to learning a new language.

• Learning a new language has two benefits which are more job opportunities such as being able to work in a company in foreign country and increased cognitive health by protecting the brain from dementia and other diseases.

• In my opinion I believe that more job opportunities and increased cognitive health are two benefits of learning a new language.

• The major benefits of learning a new language are more job opportunities and increased cognitive health.

Body Paragraph (2)

• Each body paragraph focuses on one of the controlling ideas in the thesis

• Follows paragraph structure

  • topic sentence

  • supporting sentences

  • summary sentence

• 10-15 sentences total

Body Paragraph Topic Sentences

• Each body paragraph has a topic sentence.

• Each topic sentence is related to one of the controlling ideas in the thesis.

• Each topic sentence should start with a complex transitional phrase.

Thesis: The benefits of attending SMC are the many academic resources and student life.

Possible Body Paragraph Topic Sentences

Topic Sentence 1: One major benefit of attending SMC is the availability of many academic resources.


Topic Sentence 2: Another advantage of attending SMC is the student life.

The Conclusion Paragraph

3 Parts

1. Restatement of Thesis (1 sentence)

2. Summary of Main Ideas / Controlling Ideas (2-3 sentences)

3. Final Thought (1-2 sentences)