2010-2011 student handbook - El Camino College Compton Center

3. Make sure all of the important pieces of the essay are in
place. Every essay should include:
• An Introduction, with a “hook” to lure the
reader in, a strong thesis statement, and a brief
preview of what you will cover in your essay.
• Body Paragraphs: Think of each body paragraph
as a brick with which you will build your essay. In
order to be strong, a body paragraph must begin
with a clear topic sentence connecting the
information in each paragraph to your thesis
statement, important facts to support the topic
sentence, and a smooth transition sentence
leading the reader seamlessly to the next topic.
• A Conclusion: Here is your chance to drive home
your argument with gusto. Make sure you restate
your thesis statement in the conclusion (in
different wording, of course!) to remind the
reader what you have just proven.
Your thesis statement should be simple and specific enough to
keep your essay from drifting out of focus, but complex enough
so as to require at least three key pieces of evidence for support.
Each one of your body paragraphs will present and expand upon
information that supports your thesis: the specific details to
support your evidence.
Is my thesis statement suitable?
To answer this, as yourself the following questions:
a. Is my thesis significant? Y / N
b. Is my thesis clear? Y / N
c. Is my thesis specific? Y / N
d. Is my thesis detailed? Y / N
e. Is my thesis disputable? Y / N
Remember, the keys to writing a good essay are
Clarity and Support.
• Know what you are trying to say.
• Know why you are trying to say it.
• Say it clearly and simply.
• Support every idea you use with facts.
What’s a thesis statement?
Think of the thesis statement of your essay as the argument that
you are trying to prove in your essay. An essay is very much like a
criminal court proceeding: it requires evidence to make the case,
and specific details to support the evidence. Your thesis
statement is the main idea that holds your case together.
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