
1 sentence SUMMARY of your ENTIRE paper

Found in the first paragraph
› Example: Although an essay may sound
complete without a thesis, a thesis is necessary
because it tells the reader what to expect,
summarizes the whole paper and shows that the
author has a plan and purpose.
First Paragraph:
Introduction
Background info
Thesis
Middle Paragraphs:
Body of the essay
Details and Facts
Final Paragraph:
Conclusion
Restate your thesis
First Paragraph:
Introduction
Background info
Thesis
Middle Paragraphs:
Body of the essay
Details and Facts
Final Paragraph:
Conclusion
Restate your thesis
Everything that you
write AFTER the thesis
MUST relate to the
thesis!!!
Concessive Clause (in an argument paper)
+
position
+
approximately 3 reasons
+
optional: forecasting statement

A concessive clause is used to concede
(to give credit to the other side).

Examples: Though, although, even
though, while, and even if.

Why is it important to give credit to the
OPPOSITE argument in your paper?
Stating your main idea as FACT
 Example:

› Dogs make the best pets.
› Hip Hop is the coolest music.
› The French Revolution was the bloodiest revolution
of its time.
› Mrs. Thomsen’s class is the most interesting class at
DHS.
Even if it is not true, you are stating it as fact to
persuade your reader!

You need to let the reader know what
you are going to prove in your essay!

The more reasons you give to back up
your position, the BETTER!!

Each reason mentioned in your thesis
needs to be discussed in your paper!

1.
Good thesis or bad?
Dogs are great pets, I think they are the
best.

Good thesis or bad?
Dogs are great pets, I think they are the
best
BAD!!!
1.
Why?
1.
Example: Dogs are great pets, I
think they are the best.
There are no factual reasons to
back it up!
 It is missing the concessive clause
 It is written in 1st person (this is only
ok when it is an opinion paper)

1.
Dogs are great pets, I think they are the
best
Better example:
 Dogs are the best pets because they
offer protection, they are fun, and they
can help you get exercise.
OR
 Even though cats are easy to care for,
dogs are better pets because they offer
protection, they are fun, and they can
help you get exercise.
_____________(position statement)________________
because ______________________
_______(reason 1)__________,
_______(reason 2)__________,
______(reason 3)___________.
and
Advanced: Quick and Easy Formula
Although _____(opposite argument)_________,
_____________(position statement)________________
because ______________________
_______(reason 1)__________,
_______(reason 2)__________,
______(reason 3)___________.
and
Practice

Question/topic:
What is the best kind of music and why?

Formula:
________________ is the best kind of music
because ______________, _______________,
and __________________.
* This was adapted from: Writing Process
Resources. The Writing Program, Univ. of
Southern California. 28 Sept. 2000