|
Step 4: Organize essay |
|
|
There are other methods for organizing this essay; however, you can’t go wrong with this one.
|
|
|
Causes Essay |
Effects Essay |
|
Introduction Paragraph
|
|
|
Attention grabber is the first sentence of the introduction. Lead from a general discussion of the topic to the main point of the paper, the thesis statement sentence. Thesis statement is the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.
|
|
|
Thesis statement: My famous chocolate chip cookies burned because of too much flour, too much heat, and too much time. |
Thesis statement: As a result of burning my famous chocolate chip cookies, they tasted horrible, I wasted time and money, and I ruined my reputation.
|
|
Body Paragraphs
|
|
|
Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that at least alludes to the main point of that paragraph. Then follow up with concrete and specific details to provide “evidence” and support the point.
|
|
|
Body Paragraph # 1 Topic Sentence for Point 1: The primary reason the cookies burned is from too much flour. - Detail 1: Ran out of eggs, so I didn’t add them. But forgot to scale back on flour - Detail 2: Too much flour, in turn, makes dry out faster and more apt to burn
Body Paragraph # 2 Topic Sentence for Point 2: On top of too much flour, they cooked too long. - Because they had more dry than wet ingredients, should have set the timer back a few minutes - Then, I also forgot about them, so they cooked even longer
Body Paragraph # 3 Topic Sentence for Point 3: Finally, they burned due to too much heat. - Although the normal setting is 350 degree, should have set a little lower to compensate for extra flour - The texture I was going for called for lower heat, but did not see it on the recipe until it was too late
|
Body Paragraph # 1 Topic Sentence for Point 1: The obvious result of burning the cookies is that they were inedible. - Detail 1: Soot and chimney taste - Detail 2: Hurt teeth to try to chew
Body Paragraph # 2 Topic Sentence for Point 2: Furthermore, burning the cookies proved to be a waste of time and money. - Detail 1: Time wasted in shopping, preparation, baking, and cleanup. - Detail 2: Money wasted in ingredients
Body Paragraph # 3 Topic Sentence for Point 3: The most important outcome of burnt cookies is my ruined reputation. - Detail 1: To illustrate, won cookie baking contest three years in a row - Detail 2: Now, people call me Charcoal Cookies
|
|
Conclusion Paragraph
|
|
|
Conclude essay with a rewording of the thesis statement and place as the first sentence of the conclusion paragraph. Move from that specific point of the essay out to a general discussion of the topic. Look to the introduction for ideas on what to include in the conclusion.
|
|