Some teachers are resistant to a "formula" for writing an essay. My approach is practical, and I hope, logical. Young writers struggle with the steps involved in writing an essay. I offer "formulas,"; my suggestions are starting points for those who feel helpless and do not know how to structure their writing. This formulaic writing is simply a roadmap. When you feel more comfortable and become more sophisticated writers, you may move away from this approach/structure. A formulaic approach is a good skeleton and this method lessens student anxiety.
Formula for the Argumentative Essay
Opening paragraph--(no more than four or five sentences); a general hook/lead (not the typical quote or rhetorical question--this is unsophisticated). I use the metaphor of the camera panning a larger scene, then zooming into more focused details. The lead sentence should be followed by two sentences that are specific to the texts/topic that you have read--perhaps creatively mentioning names or details (without elaboration in the introduction) that you have picked up from reading the text as a segue to the final sentence, or two. The end of the introductory paragraph is where a strong definitive thesis statement appears. The thesis statement must be focused on the prompt, utilizing key words or synonyms.
First body paragraph--Evidence from the text (either quoted or paraphrased) with a citation in parentheses (an abridged title of the article is sufficient). What is most important is that your elaboration/critical thinking/statements support and substantiate your particular thesis (two to three sentences of elaboration is always needed). The first body paragraph may also include a second example with a good transition sentence, and additional proof (quoted or paraphrased text with elaboration as above). Never begin any paragraph with a quotation. Your voice/ideas/opinion should be primary in the topic sentence of each paragraph.
Second body paragraph--another supporting example and elaboration as above. Remember to get citations from multiple texts/sources. This paragraph may be a great opportunity to also include an inspired example of your own with excellent elaboration (although not required).
Third body paragraph--Introduce the counterclaim(s) and rebut them with excellent elaboration/critical thinking/logic. All elaboration should be two to three sentences. Again, this paragraph might be another opportunity to include an inspired original example to rebut the counterclaim.
The concluding paragraph should be a synthesis of the main ideas of the essay, reiterating/rehashing your main argument in an original, creative way. And never introduce a new idea in the conclusion. Both the conclusion and introduction need not be longer than four sentences. A good essay "comes full circle," back to your main argument at the end.
You should mostly ignore parts of texts/sources that do not correlate with your main idea/thesis/prompt/argument.
Your body paragraphs should be at least six sentences and your quotations should be brief. If your paper has more quotations than your own original sentences, it is a bad essay.
