Essay Format

A topic sentence is

• the closing of a paper

• what the paper is about

• a transition sentence

• a detail

How many main ideas should you have in the body of the essay?

• 1

• none

• 5

• 3

Which part of an expository essay comes last?

• introduction

• body

• conclusion

• topic sentence

An expository essay is

• a fairytale

• an informational paper

• a story about a moment in your life

• a fictional paper

Where would you find transition words and phrases?

• body

• conclusion

• introduction

• topic sentence

Check all of the following that are types of examples you can use in your essay.

• A detailed story that IS NOT related to your topic.

• A list of general examples without details.

• A personal story that relates to the topic.

• Text evidence from the articles you read.

Answer explanation

Be sure your examples are RELATED to your topic. Provide DETAILS and make sure your examples are SPECIFIC. It is better to have one VERY CLEAR example than to have a list of general items without an explanation.

Where should your thesis statement go?

• The very first sentence your essay.

• The first sentence in your BODY paragraph.

• The last sentence in your introduction.

• The very last sentence in your essay.

Answer explanation

The thesis statement should always be the FINAL sentence in your introduction!

What should be in your INTRODUCTION? Check all that apply.

• Your thesis statement.

• A very detailed explanation of your topic.

• A HOOK--something to get your audience's attention.

• A transition statement that gives general information about the topic and is the bridge between your hook and your thesis.

Answer explanation

Yes...Hook, Bridge (transition), and THESIS. Remember, sometimes your transition is right there in your prompt. Also, if your prompt has a quote, don't be afraid to use that as your hook. (This is one case where you CAN use their words!)

How long should your thesis statement be?

• 1 sentence

• 2-3 sentences

• 5-7 sentences

• It really doesn't matter!

Answer explanation

Keep your thesis statement short and to the point. It should be ONE sentence, in this format: This Topic is my Position because Support #1 and Support #2.

What should the TOPIC of your first body paragraph be focused on?

• Whatever you think.

• Your first support in your thesis statement.

• Something that hooks your audience.

• All of the supports in your thesis statement.

Answer explanation

Remember, let your THESIS STATEMENT guide you--your FIRST SUPPORT will be what your ENTIRE FIRST PARAGRAPH is focused on!