SEVEN-STEP
ESSAY PROCESS
1. Read and analyze the
question
q What is the question asking?
q What is the question asking
you to do?
[Know key words of the prompt]
2. Collect and Sort information
q Brainstorming, categorizing,
generalizing
[creating categories]
3. Create your thesis statement
Ø Fully addresses the question
(prompt) asked
Ø Takes a position with regard
to the question asked
Ø Provides organizational
categories that will be used in the essay
4. Introductory Paragraph
q Lead in sentence (explains
event(s) that shows an understanding of chronology
q Thesis
q Topic sentences from thesis
categories
q One transitional sentence
that ties opening paragraph together
5. Body Paragraphs
q One paragraph for each
category in the thesis
q Begin with topic sentence
Ø Explains main idea of
paragraph
Ø Supports thesis
Ø
q Fact and Details (3 things)
Ø Interpreting/analysis/commentary
q Clincher sentence (answers
so what?)
6. Conclusion
Ø Reinforce thesis
Ø Synthesis clincher sentences
Ø Addresses the question So What? [assigns importance]
Ø Exit sentence – explains what
the topics leads into next (puts essay in historical perspective)
7. Proofread essay