INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
Attention-getter
Sufficient background information; appropriate context
Focused subject
Clear, explicit thesis statement
EACH BODY PARAGRAPH
ONE TOPIC SENTENCE
o An opinion statement
o A generalization or abstraction
CONCRETE SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT
o Specific statements of fact
o Detailed reasons
o Concrete examples
o Quotations from authorities (with citations)
SUFFICIENT SUPPORT T0 PROVE THE TOPIC SENTENCE
o Several facts, details, or examples per paragraph
UNITY
o Every sentence directly or indirectly supporting the topic sentence
COHERENCE (MAKING SENTENCES AND PARAGRAPHS STICK
TOGETHER)
o Clue words (or glue words)-"however," "in addition"
o Parallel sentence structure for coordinate ideas
o Clear use of pronouns
o Topic sentence a part of thesis statement
o Transition devices at beginning of paragraph
ORDER
o Statement in some logical order
o Body paragraphs in some logical order
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
Brief statement of summary
Reference to statements) in introduction
Application of thesis to the future, to other people to something broader than the
examples in the essay
Title
Attention-getter
Concise
Related to subjects