Essay Writing:

1
Essay Writing

• Body Paragraphs
• Topic Sentences, Concrete Detail, Commentary, and
  Concluding Sentences

2
What is a topic sentence?

• The first sentence in a body paragraph
• Must have a subject and an opinion
• Acts like the thesis of a body paragraph
• Like a thesis, organizes and states the focus of
  your body paragraph

3
Samples

• Thesis My favorite season is summer.
• TS The biggest reason is the relaxed change in
  my daily routine.
• Thesis Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.
• TS I love this sport because it is enjoyable for
  me.

4
Practice

• Write a topic sentence for each of the theses.
• Pep assemblies are a good idea.
• ______________________________
• People should drink more water.
• ____________________________
• Now, turn your three reasons into complete topic
  sentences
• _________________________________
• _________________________________
• _________________________________

5
What are Concrete Details (CDs)?

• Specific details that form the backbone of your
  body paragraphs
• May include facts, specifics, examples,
  descriptions, illustrations, support, proof,
  evidence, quotations, paraphrasing, or plot
  references
• Ratio You need to write two sentences of
  commentary (opinion, analysis, reflection, etc)
  for every concrete detail (quote, etc).

6
Concrete Details (contd)

• Often, writers use transitional phrases to
  introduce concrete details (cds).
• For example, In addition, Furthermore, Also,
  Similarly, For Instance, Moreover

7
Samples

• Thesis My favorite season is summer.
• TS The biggest reason is the relaxed change in
  my daily routine.
• CD For example, I have time to sleep in and stay
  up late.
• Thesis Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.
• TS I love this sport because it is enjoyable for
  me.
• CD For instance, I have fun because I am good at
  throwing and catching the Frisbee.

8
Practice

• Write a concrete detail for each of the theses
  and topic sentences.
• Saturday is my favorite day of the week.
• I have a more relaxed schedule
• For example, _____________________________________
  
• Fast food is unhealthy.
• Eating too much fast food can lead to weight
  gain.
• For instance, ____________________________________
  _
• Now, write 2 concrete details for each of your
  reasons (follow the format you copied down
  earlier).

9
What is Commentary (CM)?

• Your opinion or comment about something
• Found throughout an essay
• NOT concrete detail
• May include opinion, insight, analysis,
  interpretation, inference, personal response,
  feelings, evaluation, explication, and
  reflection.
• Reminder There are 2 sentences of commentary for
  each concrete detail.

10
Samples

• Thesis My favorite season is summer.
• TS The biggest reason is the relaxed change in
  my daily routine.
• CD For example, I have time to sleep in and stay
  up late.
• CM There are no emotional and physical demands
  on me.
• CM Because there is less stress in my life, I
  feel more peaceful.

11
Samples

• Thesis Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.
• TS I love this sport because it is enjoyable for
  me.
• CD For instance, I have fun because I am good at
  throwing and catching the Frisbee.
• CM I cant enjoy something Im not good at for
  long.
• CM Furthermore, I feel better about myself when
  I do things well.

12
Practice

• Add a sentence of commentary to each of the items
  from the previous practice.
• Saturday is my favorite day of the week.
• I have a more relaxed schedule
• ______________________________________
• Fast food is unhealthy.
• Eating too much fast food can lead to weight
  gain.
• __________________________________________
• Now, write commentary for your concrete details.

13
What is a Concluding Sentence (CS)?

• Last sentence in a body paragraph
• Gives a finished feeling to the paragraph
• Is ALL commentary
• Does NOT repeat key words

14
Samples

• Thesis My favorite season is summer.
• TS The biggest reason is the relaxed change in
  my daily routine.
• CD For example, I have time to sleep in and stay
  up late.
• CM There are no emotional and physical demands
  on me.
• CM I can recharge my batteries for awhile.
• CS Not having any commitments lets me unwind.

15
Samples

• Thesis Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.
• TS I love this sport because it is enjoyable for
  me.
• CD For instance, I have fun because I am good at
  throwing and catching the Frisbee.
• CM I cant enjoy something Im not good at for
  long.
• CM It makes me feel good to be able to do
  something well.
• CS Being a helpful part of a team lets me enjoy
  participating in a sport.

16
Practice

• Add a concluding sentence to each of the items
  from the previous practice, including your own.
• Saturday is my favorite day of the week.
• I have a more relaxed schedule
• ______________________________________
• Fast food is unhealthy.
• Eating too much fast food can lead to weight
  gain.
• __________________________________________
• Now, write concluding sentences for each of your
  body paragraphs.