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A Writer's Handbook

Essay Writing Organization

Writing is a process that everyone does differently, but an outline will help you with development of ideas.

I.  Choice of introduction and linking sentences

A.  Catching opener

B.  Linking Sentences

C.  Thesis

II.  Topic Sentence One with Transition, Link to Thesis, and Topic of paragraph mentioned

            A.  Transition, and mention of first subtopic

  1.  Example, quote, illustration of subtopic
  2. Explanation of the example, quote, or illustration of subtopic
  3. If there is only one subtopic, the paragraph will need an additional example(s), quote(s), or illustration(s) and additional explanation(s)

            B.  Transition, and other subtopic, if applicable

  1. Example, quote, illustration of subtopic
  2. Explanation of the example, quote, or illustration of subtopic

III.  Topic Sentence Two with Transition, Link to Thesis, and Topic of paragraph mentioned

A.  Transition, and mention of first subtopic

  1. Example, quote, illustration of subtopic
  2. Explanation of the example, quote, or illustration of subtopic
  3. If there is only one subtopic, the paragraph will need an additional example(s), quote(s), or illustration(s) and additional explanation(s)

            B.  Transition, and other subtopic, if applicable

  1. Example, quote, illustration of subtopic
  2. Explanation of the example, quote, or illustration of subtopic

IV.  And so on for as many body paragraphs as needed

V. Conclusion

            A.  Restate idea

            B.  Sum up main points of all main ideas within

            C.  Clincher