Cause or Effect Essay Structure Guidelines (copy)

What is an essay?

A group of paragraphs that talk about one topic.

What are the three major parts of an essay?

Introduction paragraph, Body paragraph(s), Concluding paragraph.

What is a Hook in an introduction paragraph?

An attention-getter that captures the reader's interest, placed at the beginning.

Length of a Hook.

One sentence is fine.

Types of Hooks.

Ask a question, give a surprising fact, tell a short story, or give a quote.

What is Background Information in an introduction paragraph?

Information that provides context about the topic and leads from the Hook to the Thesis.

Length requirement for Background Information.

Three to four sentences.

What should a Thesis Statement include?

It should include the topic, focus on causes or effects, and specify main ideas.

What are the three parts of a Thesis Statement?

Topic, Focus, Main Ideas.

What is a Topic Sentence?

It gives the main idea of the paragraph and is usually the first sentence.

Length requirement for a Topic Sentence.

One sentence only.

What are Supporting Sentences?

Sentences that explain the main idea and provide examples, studies, or related information.

What is the purpose of a Concluding Sentence?

It rephrases the topic sentence or the main idea of the paragraph.

What are the three structural components of a conclusion paragraph?

Restatement of the Thesis Statement, Summary of Main Ideas, Closing Thought.

What is the purpose of Restating the Thesis Statement?

To say the thesis again but in a different way.

Length requirement for a Summary of Main Ideas.

Two sentences, one for each main idea.

What can a Closing Thought include?

Your opinion, advice, recommendation, solution, or a question, quote, or moral lesson.