Build your essay first. Create topics for body paragraphs. Visualize how these topics fit together. See how the parts can create a whole idea. Formulate topics into topic sentences. How do these topic sentences come together as a singular idea, a thesis?
It is almost never a good idea to sit down and try to write a paper from beginning to end. That is a time-consuming and often frustrating process. Instead, plan the paper first, and collect the points and quotes you think will serve you, then begin to develop the ideas in paragraphs. It is not necessary to write the introduction first or the conclusion last.
1250-1500 words, MLA
REVIEW
Introduction and Argumentative Thesis
The introduction briefly summarizes the work, sets up the terms of your argument, and narrows the focus of your interpretation. One way to narrow your focus and establish a sense of argument is to acknowledge that the work can be read in another way, but assert that your reading is stronger. A good introduction also begins with a “hook” to get your audience’s attention. Writers often use the title to begin establishing the position of the paper. Create a title that reflects your argument or leads into your “hook”. The intro ends with the argumentative thesis statement. A strong argumentative thesis is specific, narrow, and debatable. It does not sound like a factual statement about the book or the author. Instead, a thesis will make a claim for a meaning that is not obvious, maybe even surprising. NOTE: Your thesis is always the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.
Development of Evidence and Analysis in Paragraphs
Each body paragraph aims to demonstrate and argue in a unique way for your thesis using concrete evidence and analysis. Body paragraphs develop the thesis in greater detail and complicate or deepen our understanding of the work. Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that connects its topic to the thesis. The sentences that develop this topic should include interpretation and support. Use a few concrete details and/or short quotations to back up your argument. Don’t overdo the quotation, however. The emphasis in each paragraph should fall on your interpretation of the details, not the details themselves. Each body paragraph should conclude with a conclusion sentence that reinforces the thesis. Conclusions are drawn from evidence. Therefore, each conclusion sentence should draw from the evidence presented in the paragraph.
Conclusion
The last paragraph is the MOST IMPORTANT statement of your argument about the works. Think of the last paragraph not as a repetition of your points but the opportunity to draw the most significant conclusion for your audience. Based on the ideas explored in the body paragraphs, what must your audience conclude? Return to your “hook” in some way to round out and provide closure