Miss Grammes
Below is a list of criteria which will be very helpful for you and your parents when you are organizing and drafting your essays for English class.
Introduction
Paragraphs:
The introduction paragraph should always include three items:
1. Attention getter- startling statistic, quote, question
2. Background information- necessary information for the reader
3. Introduction of topic- introduce the topic of the essay
Example:
(1) Until 1982, thousands of innocent dolphins were being killed every day. (2) The tuna industry relies on dolphins in order to locate its prey, however it often sacrifices the lives of these friendly creatures to catch the tuna swimming below. (3) Because of the tuna industry's careless fishing methods, countless dolphins have plunged to their deaths throughout the years.
Body
Paragraphs:
Each of the body paragraphs need to have three items:
1. Topic sentence- introduces the topic of the paragraph
2. Supporting sentences- provide detailed information about the topic
3. Closing sentence- summarizes the topic of the paragraph
Example:
(1) In order to have a successful year, it is essential that all students remain organized. (2) First and most importantly, every student should maintain a notebook. Rather than simply placing all papers in this notebook, the papers should be filed properly. Also, going through papers each week will help to clean out items that are no longer necessary to keep. In addition, keeping an assignment notebook helps to make all students successful. Recording assignments, projects, and tests in an assignment book will remind students of their future responsibilities and allow them to budget their time accordingly. Finally, keeping a clean locker will help students to easily locate the items that they may need on a daily basis. In order to maintain a locker though, students must clean it out pretty regularly. (3) Keeping organized throughout the school year will certainly help to make any student's year a great success.
Closing
Paragraph
The closing paragraph should always include three items:
1. Closure statement- "In closing," "In conclusion," etc.
2. Review topic- summarize the essay
3. Clincher- keep the reader thinking of your topic
Example:
(1) In conclusion, (2) everyone should make the time to work out. It just takes a little bit of energy, determination, and time. (3) After all, living a healthy life could ultimately lead to living a long life.
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