Chapter 3: Building a Framework: Thesis and Organization

1. Chapter 3:Building a Framework: Thesis and Organization Structure of an Essay • Title • Briefly states the topic of the essay. • Introduction • Begins with an interesting opening sentence. • Introduces the topic. • Ends with a thesis that presents the main idea and that may list the points that will be covered. • First Body Paragraph • Begins with a topic sentence that introduces the first point of discussion. • Presents examples and details that develop the second point. • May close with a summary sentence that restates the first point.

2. Chapter 3:Building a Framework: Thesis and Organization • Second Body Paragraph • Begins with a topic sentence that introduces the second point of discussion. • Presents examples and details that develop the second point. • May close with a summary sentence that restates the second point. • Third Body Paragraph • Begins with a topic sentence that introduces the third point of discussion. • Presents examples and details that develop the third point. • May close with a summary sentence that restates the third point.

3. Chapter 3:Building a Framework: Thesis and Organization • Conclusion • Provides a two- to four-sentence ending for the essay. • May sum up the points made in the essay. • Ends on a note of completion.

4. Chapter 3:Building a Framework: Thesis and Organization Constructing a Thesis Statement • A thesis statement presents the main ideas of an essay. • A thesis statement may list the points in an essay; the points should be discussed following the same order in the essay as they are presented in the thesis statement. • Advantages of a thesis with points listed: 1. Listing thesis points forces you to plan your essay carefully. 2. Listing thesis points gives the impression of careful organization. 3. Listing thesis points aids clarity by giving the reader a “road map” to the development of your essay. 4. Listing thesis points keeps you on track by acting as a mini-outline for you to follow while you write.

5. Chapter 3:Building a Framework: Thesis and Organization Writing a Thesis Statement • When you write the thesis statement, you can write the statement in the following ways: 1. List the points at the end of the thesis statement. 2. List the points at the beginning of the thesis statement. 3. List the points in a separate sentence. Evaluating Your Thesis Points • Thesis points should not overlap. • Avoid ideas that are too broad. • Avoid ideas that are too narrow.

6. Chapter 3:Building a Framework: Thesis and Organization Organizing Your Essay • Emphatic order (order of importance) • Emphatic order uses the most convincing idea as the last point. These points are discussed in body paragraphs. • Reverse emphatic order • Begin with the most important point, and end with the least important point. • Sandwich order • When not all of the points are equally strong, place a weaker point between two stronger points. • The first and last body paragraphs should be the strongest. • Chronological order (time order) • List points in the order in which they have occurred.