Survival Guide for Writers!

Introduction Paragraphs for Essays

1) Create interest using three questions, three riddles or three interesting facts. (There are other strategies you could use.)

2) State your topic.

3) Transition to thesis using a subordinating conjunction.

4) Thesis statement with at least two thesis points - each thesis point is at least one body paragraph

Body Paragraphs

1) Add two to three body paragraphs.

2) Use a rich vocabulary. If applicable, include emotions.

3) Be certain that you include transition statements in at least two of your body paragraphs.

4) Make sure that you do not begin any two body paragraphs with the same word or phrase.

Closing Paragraphs for Essays

1) Reword your opening sentence(s). Include passage of time, lessons learned etc.

2) Restate the thesis in specific words. For example, if in the thesis statement, you wrote “a memorable vacation and a gift that was meaningful,” change this to, “my visit to Florida and my teddy bear.”

3) Use a transition word to connect to the last sentence in which you twist by ending with the title of your paper.

Editing Tips for Essays

1) Do not use contractions.

2) Do not use one-cent words.

3) Start off each sentence differently. Also, make sure most sentences begin with a subject or a verb.

4) Use only one “and” per sentence.

5) To avoid “choppy” writing, each sentence should have at least eight words. If not, combine short sentences using a subordinating conjunction or lengthen by using a prepositional phrase or a list of adjectives.

6) Have a three-syllable word in each sentence.

7) Use one simile or one metaphor.

8) Omit the following:

then, a lot, good, fun, stuff, things, great, slang