how to write an 3 paragraph essay

Three-Paragraph Essay: Clarity in Brevity

Table of contents

• 1 Understanding the Three-Paragraph Essay
• 2 Break Down the Three-Paragraph Essay Structure 
• 3.1 Tips for Selecting a Suitable Topic for a Concise Essay 
• 3.2 Outlining 
• 3.3 Crafting a Clear and Concise Thesis Statement that Guides Your Essay
• 4.1 Crafting a Strong Hook to Engage the Reader
• 4.2 Crafting a Compelling and Relevant Title for Your Essay
• 4.3 Writing a Clear Thesis Statement
• 4.4 Write a Body Paragraph 
• 4.5 Conclusion Paragraph 
• 5 Writing Three Paragraph Essays Is Easy with PapersOwl 

Some students may think writing a three-paragraph essay will not be difficult. However, this misconception will be dispelled as soon as you get down to business. You must plan your essay, study the requirements for academic assignments, follow the structure, and remember to attract the reader’s interest. In this article, we will share nuances and tips regarding the milestones of a three-paragraph essay format.

• You will uncover the essentials of what constitutes a 3-paragraph essay and understand its primary purpose.
• We’ll delve into the basic components that form the structure of a 3-paragraph essay.
• Then, explore the initial steps necessary for beginning a 3-paragraph essay, setting a solid foundation for your writing.
• Finally, we conclude with effective strategies to captivate and maintain your reader’s attention right from the start of your essay.

First, let’s define what a three-paragraph essay is and why it is often used in the university curriculum.

Understanding the Three-Paragraph Essay

The three- and five-paragraph essay is considered the most versatile format for academic papers. Both types of essays imply the presence of three basic structural components: introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion paragraphs. The difference from a five paragraph essay lies in the number of body paragraphs. In a three-paragraph essay, you must condense your main ideas into only one paragraph of the body part. In contrast, the five-paragraph counterpart uses two sections more. 

So, what is the purpose of such a short paper? This task tests the student’s ability to fit a persuasive argument within a limited word length. Unlike writing a longer essay, in 3 paragraph essay format, you have to eliminate unnecessary phrases, remove supporting arguments, and reduce your thoughts to the very essence to fit in only three paragraphs. Such an informative essay is often used for summaries, opinions, and argumentative essays.

Break Down the Three-Paragraph Essay Structure 

The three-paragraph essay has a traditional style of structure consisting of three main parts: the introduction, the body paragraph, and the conclusion. Let’s review the principal elements of each structural component. 

A three-paragraph essay begins with an introduction. This paragraph provides background information to the reader, placing them in the context of the topic. Also, the introduction paragraph should interest the audience in further reading. Use a thesis statement to represent the main idea of the essay. 

The body paragraph consists of only one paragraph. In the second paragraph, you need to reveal the main point regarding the topic, condensing the essence into one paragraph. It should begin with a topic sentence . Make sure each idea is logically connected, representing harmonious integrity.

Most conclusion paragraphs directly relate to the idea presented in the introductory paragraph and reflect the opinion disclosed in the central part. So, it’s vital to restate the thesis from the introduction paragraph to maintain the logical flow of the thoughts. 

Pre-Writing and Planning

If you want to write an essay with deep meaning and the correct format successfully and easily, you need to carry out several preparatory steps. It’s crucial to make a preliminary plan you will rely on as you write a three-paragraph essay. The following guidelines will help you structure your thoughts and simplify the essay writing process.

Tips for Selecting a Suitable Topic for a Concise Essay 

The success of your essay largely depends on choosing the right topic. If you have the opportunity to choose a field yourself, then select a topic that interests you and lies within the area of your professionalism. Take time to brainstorm and pick a topic that does not require extensive discussion in the body parts . The main point of your essay should be relevant in a modern context and allow you to prove yourself as an expert.

Outlining 

It is easier to write an essay when you have a clear plan of action and a rough draft. The essay layout is an integral criterion for the work because the volume is very limited, and you still need to include all the necessary information. Before you start writing your paper, study a 3 paragraphs essay example and make a detailed three-paragraph essay outline for each part of the organizational structure. Using this strategy, you will save a lot of time and make sure not a single critical piece is missing. A three-paragraph essay outline will structure your thoughts into a well-organized action plan. 

Crafting a Clear and Concise Thesis Statement that Guides Your Essay

The thesis statement serves as a guide for those who will read your essay and you. Having the central message of your paper clearly stated is something you need to keep in mind throughout the entire writing process. This way, you won’t be able to stray too far from the topic. A good thesis statement should be short and convey the main message of your essay, connecting with the topic sentence of the second paragraph.

Writing the Three-Paragraph Essay

Now that you have completed all the preparatory steps, you can find out how to write a 3 paragraph essay. Experts of our writing service have compelled several key points that you should remember to write an essay worthy of the highest score. 

Crafting a Strong Hook to Engage the Reader

The reader’s attention must be earned. To get your audience interested in your essay, use a hook in your introduction paragraphs. It could be a surprising idea, a shocking statistic, an interesting quote, or any other technique that can grab attention. However, any information you mention must subsequently be disclosed in the essay. Otherwise, you will only disappoint the reader.

Crafting a Compelling and Relevant Title for Your Essay

No one will want to read an essay with a boring title. Conversely, a good title can attract a broader audience to read your 3 paragraph essay. Choose the most interesting idea from your paper and use it to create a title. You can study an example of a three paragraph essay to get a deeper understanding of a relevant topic.

Writing a Clear Thesis Statement

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the thesis statement. As we mentioned earlier, this sentence should convey the main idea of your essay in a couple of words. The thesis statement needs to be brief and informative. Do not give any extra background information; your further text is based on it.

Write a Body Paragraph 

Your body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence describing the main message of the passage. Furthermore, present your central argument and provide strong evidence and supporting points. This will ensure that your academic essay is informative and logical. Remember that your thoughts must be structured and connected with transition words. Moreover, the body paragraph should also contain a comprehensive process analysis of the topic, ending with a strong transition sentence. 

Conclusion Paragraph 

Your entire essay should form a harmonious element. That’s why it’s necessary to restate the thesis, paraphrasing the main ideas presented in the introduction paragraph to develop a thesis statement in the final paragraph. Its primary purpose is to summarize the key points described in the body paragraph. To provide a logical conclusion to your essay, give a final thought or call to action for the reader in the final paragraph.

Writing Three Paragraph Essays Is Easy with PapersOwl 

Writing a 3-paragraph essay is not difficult if you have an idea of the basic requirements and features of this format. We have shared with you the key factors you should remember when writing a three-part essay. By strictly following the structure, completing all the preparatory steps, and relying on the outline, you will be able to easily organize your introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion and get a high grade.

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How to Prepare a 3 Paragraph Essay (Comprehensive Guide)

If you are wondering how to write a 3 paragraph essay, you’re in the right place. How you have structured your paper matters especially how you have presented your arguments. 

So how do you write a 3 Paragraph essay? To craft a 3 paragraph essay, begin with an introduction to present your topic. In the following paragraph, elucidate your central idea. Finally, in the third paragraph, conclude by summarizing your key points.

This article aims to let you understand how to write a 3 paragraph. In the end, you’ll be able to write an essay that will impress your professor. 

How to write a 3 paragraph essay

• Write an introduction.  The introduction should hook the reader’s attention and introduce your topic. It should also state your thesis statement, which is the main point of your essay.
• Write body paragraphs.  The body paragraphs should develop your thesis statement and provide evidence to support it. Each body paragraph should focus on a different main point.
• Write a conclusion. In the conclusion, you should sum up the key ideas in your essay and repeat your main point. You should also leave the reader with something to ponder.

Pro Tip: In a 3-paragraph essay, stick to one clear idea per paragraph. Start with an introduction, explain your point in the second paragraph, and in the third, wrap it up by repeating your main idea. 

Be ready to learn more. learn how to make each paragraph strong by providing examples and reasons. You’ll soon write a compelling 3 paragraph essay. Keep reading.

How to Start a 3 Paragraph Essay to Win the Reader’s Attention

Here are some tips on how to start a 3 paragraph essay and win the reader’s attention:

1. Use a strong hook.

A hook is a captivating start in writing, designed to grab attention instantly. It could be a question, a surprising fact, or a vivid scene. 

Its role is vital—it draws readers in, eager to read more. Like a tasty appetizer, a hook entices, making them curious about the whole “meal” of your writing, setting the tone for the journey ahead.

Below are different ways of writing a strong hook.:

• Asking a question
• Making a surprising statement
• Telling a story
• Using a quote
• Stating a statistic

2. Provide background information.

Background information in an essay provides context and basics about the topic. It’s like the foundation of a building, giving readers a clear understanding. 

It’s essential as it sets the stage, helping readers unfamiliar with the topic to follow along. As you introduce characters before telling a story, background info primes readers, making your essay more understandable and engaging.

3. State your thesis statement.

The thesis statement is the main idea of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and arguable.

Here is an example of a strong introduction paragraph for a 3 paragraph essay about the importance of education:

Hook : Did you know the average person spends about 13 years in school? That’s a lot of time to invest in something, so ensuring that education is worth it is essential.

Background information : Education remains vital for life’s triumph. It aids mental growth, the acquisition of novel expertise, and the fostering of a comprehensive character. Furthermore, it readies us for employment, enabling access to quality job opportunities.

Thesis statement : In this essay, I will argue that education is the key to a successful and fulfilling life .

This introduction paragraph is effective because it uses a strong hook, provides background information, and states the thesis statement clearly and concisely.

The introduction paragraph’s extent will differ based on the essay’s length. Nevertheless, in the context of a 3 paragraph essay, the introduction must span at most 50-80 words.

How to Create a Stunning Body of a 3 Paragraph Essay

Constructing an impressive body for your 3 paragraph essay requires a strategic approach tailored to the content you’re presenting: Descriptive, Narrative, Argumentative, and Expository.

Descriptive Paragraph

This segment transports readers into your subject. Engage their senses using intricate details and vivid adjectives. 

If discussing a place, for instance, elaborate on its sights, sounds, scents, and textures. 

Descriptive language paints a clear mental picture, making your essay immersive and relatable.

Narrative Paragraph:

Here, you tell a captivating story to convey your message. Introduce characters, set up events, and establish a plot. 

This narrative approach makes your essay more relatable and memorable, as readers connect emotionally with the story.

Argumentative Paragraph

In this section, you aim to present a clear viewpoint supported by substantial evidence. Start by stating your claim or thesis. 

Follow up with factual information, logical reasoning, and examples substantiating your stance. 

This approach encourages critical thinking and helps persuade readers to your perspective.

Expository Paragraph

The expository style involves explaining a concept or idea in-depth. Begin by defining the subject matter. 

Provide examples to illustrate your points and delve into an insightful analysis. This approach equips readers with a deeper understanding of the topic and fosters intellectual engagement.

By skillfully transitioning between these paragraphs, you create a cohesive and coherent body that guides readers through a well-rounded exploration of your topic. 

The varying approaches keep readers engaged as they encounter diverse angles and forms of information delivery.

What Is Special about the Conclusion of a 3 Paragraph Essay?

The conclusion of a 3 paragraph essay is unique in its role. It’s your final chance to make an impact. Here, you sum up the main ideas briefly, reinforcing your message. 

What makes it unique is its brevity—it’s short but powerful. This conclusion neatly wraps up your thoughts, leaving a solid impression. 

Its concise nature ensures your essay’s essence sticks with readers, prompting them to think and feel satisfied with its end.

Here’s a table elaborating on the five methods for creating a strong conclusion in a 3 paragraph essay:

Employing one of these methods elevates your conclusion, leaving a lasting impression on readers and effectively wrapping up your essay.

Facing challenges with your 3 paragraph essay? Our service is here to assist you. If you need help completing your essay, please reach out. We’re ready to support you every step of the way. Place your order here .

What Things Might Help a Student Improve a 3 Paragraph Essay?

Clarity of Purpose : Define a clear thesis. Know your main point, guiding the entire essay. This ensures focused content.

Precise Language : Employ clear, concise wording. Avoid unnecessary jargon or redundancy to maintain reader engagement.

Effective Hooks : Begin with a captivating hook, such as a question or intriguing fact. It grabs attention and sets the tone.

Structured Body: Organize paragraphs logically. Each should present a distinct idea seamlessly connected to the thesis.

Supportive Evidence : Back claims with credible evidence—facts, data, or examples. This lends credibility to your arguments.

Varied Sentence Structure : Mix sentence lengths and styles for a dynamic flow. Short sentences add impact, while longer ones provide depth.

Transitions: Use transitional phrases to link paragraphs smoothly. This maintains coherence and guides readers through your ideas.

Concise Conclusion : Summarize key points, reinforcing your thesis. Opt for a method like a thought-provoking question or a call to action.

Proofreading: Edit for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A polished essay demonstrates professionalism.

Peer Review: Seek feedback from peers or mentors. Others’ insights can provide valuable perspectives.

Revision: Revisit and revise your essay. Refining content strengthens the essay’s overall impact.

Consistency : Ensure consistent tone and style throughout the essay. This promotes a cohesive reading experience.

Where to search for catchy facts?

Finding catchy facts to enhance your writing can be an exciting journey. Here are several places you can explore:

Books and Encyclopedias : Look for reputable books and encyclopedias related to your topic. They contain well-researched and exciting facts.

Online Databases : Utilize academic databases like JSTOR, PubMed, or Google Scholar for reliable and cited information.

News Outlets : News websites, magazines, and newspapers present intriguing and current facts on various subjects.

Government Websites: Official government websites provide data, statistics, and reports that are valuable sources of information.

Research Reports : Reports from reputable research institutions and organizations offer unique insights and data.

Educational Websites: Websites of universities, educational institutions, and research centers provide valuable facts and statistics.

Specialized Websites : Depending on your topic, specialized websites dedicated to that subject contain valuable facts and information.

Documentaries and TV Shows : Educational programs provide well-presented facts on various topics.

Interview Experts: If possible, directly interview experts in the field. Their insights offer fresh perspectives and unique facts.

Social Media: Follow credible accounts on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where experts share insightful and catchy facts.

Podcasts : Listen to podcasts related to your topic. They provide you with exciting information and lesser-known facts.

Fact-checking Websites: Websites like Snopes and FactCheck.org can help verify the accuracy of facts.

Remember to verify the credibility of your sources to ensure the accuracy of the facts you’re using in your writing.

How to Improve the Quality of a 3 paragraph Essay.

Enhancing a 3 paragraph essay involves strategic refinement. Start with a clear thesis and compelling hook for reader engagement. 

Focus each paragraph on a well-supported idea, employing examples, evidence, or anecdotes. 

Employ transitions for seamless flow and maintain concise, varied language. Cite credible sources to bolster claims. 

Proofread for errors and seek peer feedback for insights. Eliminate repetition and ensure a consistent tone. 

Conclude with a strong summary or impactful question. Multiple revisions polish your essay, refining content and style. 

You elevate your essay’s quality by addressing each aspect meticulously, making it a powerful communication tool.

How to Proofread Before Handing in your 3 paragraph essay.

Proofreading a 3 paragraph essay before submission ensures it’s polished and error-free. Here’s a detailed process:

1. Review Structure

Check if your essay has a clear introduction, three distinct paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. Ensure each paragraph aligns with the thesis.

2. Grammar and Spelling:

Carefully read your essay, focusing on grammar and spelling errors. Use spell check tools, but also manually review for context-related mistakes.

3. Punctuation:

Verify proper use of commas, periods, colons, and other punctuation marks. Ensure consistency in punctuation style.

4. Word Choice:

Evaluate your word choice for accuracy and appropriateness. Replace vague or repetitive words with precise alternatives.

5. Sentence Structure:

Check for sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and awkward phrasing. Vary sentence length and structure for better flow.

6. Transitions:

Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs. Use transition words to guide readers through your essay’s progression.

7. Thesis Alignment:

Confirm that each paragraph supports your thesis and stays on-topic. Eliminate irrelevant content.

8. Citations and References:

Ensure proper citation formatting (APA, MLA, etc.) if you’ve used sources. Cross-check references with in-text citations.

9. Consistency

Maintain consistency in writing style, tone, verb tense, and formatting throughout the essay.

10. Read Aloud

Reading aloud helps catch awkward phrasing and errors that your eyes might overlook.

11. Fresh Eyes:

Take a break between writing and proofreading. Returning with fresh eyes enhances your ability to spot mistakes.

12. Peer Review:

Have someone else read your essay from a different perspective. They can identify errors you might miss.

13. Grammar Tools:

Use grammar and spell-check tools, but don’t rely solely on them. Manually review suggested changes. Use grammarly.com

14. Formatting:

Check margins, font size, line spacing, and other formatting elements to ensure adherence to guidelines.

15. Final Read-Through

Before submission, conduct a final read-through to ensure all changes are accurate and the essay reads smoothly.

By meticulously following these steps, your 3 paragraph essay will be refined, error-free, and ready to make a strong impression on your audience.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, mastering the art of crafting a professional 3 paragraph essay requires careful attention to detail and a strategic approach. 

You effectively convey your ideas by focusing on a captivating introduction, a well-structured body, and a succinct yet impactful conclusion. 

The key lies in clarity, coherence, and concise expression. With practice and dedication, you navigate the realm of 3 paragraph essays, delivering content that engages, informs, and leaves a lasting impression on your readers. 

How to Write a Three Paragraph Essay

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• 1 - What is a Full Paragraph?
• 2 - Pre-Writing
• 3 - Introduction Paragraph
• 4 - Body Paragraph
• 5 - Conclusion Paragraph
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What is a Full Paragraph?

In elementary school, you probably were told that a paragraph can be three to five sentences. This is true, however, in middle school and beyond a well-developed paragraph should be five sentences at the minimum. In this module, you will learn how to write a well-developed three-paragraph essay.   

Pre-Writing

The pre-writing process is very important because it gives your writing a clear direction and provides organization. To begin the writing process, you must select a topic and three supporting details. More experienced writers will deviate from this pattern; however, this module is here to teach new writers. The first step in the pre-writing process is to select a topic, the second is to add three supporting details, and the last is to give more information about the supporting details. 

Example 

Topic: Working at Walmart was my worst job

Support: Long hours

• I missed holidays with family 
• I did not receive breaks 
• Standing for long amounts of time was hard on my legs   

                Insufficient pay

• all employees start at minimum wage despite work experience or education
• the pay was not enough for the number of responsibilities that the company gave each employee  

                 Inadequate training

• The training was done mostly online and was lacking the real-life experiences 
• Often employees are moved to many different departments without training in that area 

Introduction Paragraph

In your introduction paragraph, you will introduce your topic and briefly discuss your supporting points without going into the details you outlined. Remember, your introduction is to simply gain the reader's attention and introduce the main talking points in a minimum five sentence paragraph.  

Body Paragraph

In the body paragraph, you will discuss the supporting points and all the details you listed in the pre-writing section. It is in this paragraph that you will give the reader the bulk of the information you wish to give to the reader.  

Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion paragraph is the final paragraph. It is at this point you will summarize all your points and conclude your essay. It is important not to introduce any new thoughts, concepts, or issues. The conclusion is just for you to summarize and end the paper.  

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A Guide to Writing a Three-Paragraph Essay

Table of Contents

There is no one method to write an essay. It is optional to create a perfectly formatted five-paragraph paper every time someone writes a piece. It’s possible to write a different type of essay, which may be simpler than the traditional style: A three-paragraph essay.

Read on to learn about 3 paragraph introduction body conclusion style.

Components of a Three Paragraph Essay

Three-paragraph essays are commonly comprised of three parts: An introduction, a body, and a conclusion .

Despite this type of essay, unlike its five-paragraph counterpart, each section has only one paragraph. Therefore, the three-paragraph paper suits young writers or those already mastering English. 

1. Brief Introduction

A three-paragraph essay begins with an introduction paragraph. In most cases, such sections must introduce the reader to your idea and convince others that this essay is worth reading. Make sure you begin with a good hook to make a powerful introduction. You want readers to engage with your writing so they will engage with it. 

A hook can be anything compelling, such as a powerful quote or an interesting fact. In addition to general background information, introduction paragraphs usually contain details. These details assist readers in understanding your topic, such as highlighting it or explaining an important point. Finally, you will need a thesis statement. Even if your essay is only three paragraphs, there is still a reason behind it. 

2. Body Paragraph

As we have discussed at length, the only body paragraph is the second paragraph. This paragraph is responsible for showing why the thesis statement is true. Your section may take more than one rough draft. Thus, it may only convey some of what you want it to portray. 

Body paragraphs should emphasize the thesis statement. In this body paragraph, create a topic sentence that communicates this and then transitions from the introduction into the body. 

3. Conclusion

An essay usually ends with a final paragraph. Three paragraph essay is no exception. Conclusions can be as long throughout this essay as in the other two sections. They can bring the thesis statement and body paragraph across.

Conclusion paragraphs should restate the thesis differently, as with most conclusion paragraphs. The body paragraph should summarize what has been said and challenge the reader to do or think something .

Benefits of a Three-Paragraph Essay

You could also use the three-paragraph essay to condense your supporting points into one, which is a great exercise. What would you choose if you had to convince readers to agree with you only one way? 

Students can begin composing the essay by performing light prewriting, such as brainstorming or writing a structure. The writing process for academic papers is similar across the board, but the three-paragraph article is unique. The body will take up less space in the finished product. 

Final Thoughts

Remember that you can use this type of essay for just persuasive purposes. You can use this to tell a story by relating the three parts of the story. You relate it to a narrative’s beginning, middle, and end. Using this to write a compelling essay can be helpful.

You should ask yourself if other types of essays, like a process analysis or an evaluation, fit within the three-paragraph essay format. Remember to stick to the structure- 3 paragraph introduction body conclusion .

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Empowering Teachers as the Experts

Writing in Reverse: A strategy to strengthen student writing

Writing in reverse is a strategy that encourages students to actively retrace a writer’s steps backward through the essay-writing process.

In the high school English classroom , one assessment continues to reign supreme: the essay. Informative, argumentative, and narrative essays have stood the test of time and for good reason. Essays allow students to showcase a multitude of skills across the common core, from research to literary analysis, creative writing to conventions. Not to mention the metacognitive skills of essay-planning as students analyze their prompt, brainstorm, research, outline, write, and revise. But what if, instead of writing from start to finish, we wrote in reverse? 

What is Writing in Reverse?

Writing in reverse is a strategy that encourages students to actively retrace a writer’s steps backward through the essay-writing process, from the final draft to the essay’s prompt. First, students study an essay and break it down into a detailed outline. After outlining, students craft a prompt which they believe the essay responded to. Identifying a writer’s main point, delineating their line of thinking, and understanding their reasoning emphasizes the critical role each of those elements plays in the student’s writing.

This strategy is not only a skill-booster but also a boost to confidence and creativity. Students are able to see the variety of essays a single prompt can elicit, which encourages them to trust in their ability to answer any prompt, build an outline, and link ideas together in an essay without doubting their instincts.

The Basic Steps of Writing in Reverse

Step 1. After reading the essay, students determine the essay type: informative/explanatory, argumentative, or narrative. This will inform their outline and prompt!

Step 2:  Next, students analyze the essay and identify its key elements, such as the thesis or claim statement, topics of body paragraphs, cited evidence, and supportive analysis. This is a great place to lay a foundation for practical annotation strategies!

Step 3: Then, students build a detailed outline based on the first two steps. Encourage the classic Roman numeral style and short, brief statements to encapsulate big ideas rather than transferring entire sentences from the essay into their outline. 

Step 4: Finally, students write a prompt! This is a small yet complicated step, and one which requires the most metacognition. If the essay is the answer, what was the question? Ask students to apply at least one action verb in their prompt which they believe the essay accomplished, like argue, explain, summarize, or evaluate.

How Does This Increase Student Outcomes?

I often begin writing units with this exercise because it allows students to evaluate a strong mentor text as an example of what a successful essay might look like. This exercise is also helpful when addressing common writing errors or reinforcing learning scaffolds. 

For example, about halfway through the school year, I noticed that the quality of essays in my sophomore English class was declining. Upon investigation, I found that students were neglecting critical steps in the writing process, often jumping straight to their introduction paragraph, which resulted in meandering and lengthy essays that lacked structure and focus.

Because this was an issue for a majority of students, I began our next summative writing assessment with the writing in reverse strategy. I printed two different mentor essays and divided them among six student groups. First, students completed steps one and two individually, then collaborated in their small groups on steps three and four. 

The discussion around converting the mentor essay to an outline resulted in students reinforcing the critical elements of essay-writing, like, “Where is this writer’s thesis? It should be at the top, in the introduction paragraph,” or, “That can’t be the topic of the second paragraph because we decided it’s the topic of the third.”

Similarly, student collaboration around creating a prompt elicited key conversation about the essay’s purpose: “We shouldn’t use the verb argue because they’re actually describing something. What about evaluate ?”

Each group wrote its outline and prompt on a large piece of chart paper and displayed its work around the room for a gallery walk. Students evaluated the outlines and prompts produced by peers with the same mentor essay and took notes of key similarities and differences. Then, in groups of three students from each group with the same essay, students shared their observations and reflected on the changes they would apply to their upcoming essay.

After implementing the writing-in-reverse strategy, I saw an increase in student agency and success throughout the essay-writing process because they no longer viewed the writing process steps as redundant tasks to be skipped over.

Why Write in Reverse?

The skills of essay writing don’t only serve a practical purpose. Often overlooked but equally important are the twenty-first-century skills gained from essay-writing that students will use nearly every day in their adult lives as they wade through the news with their morning coffee, decide whom to vote for, resolve conflicts with loved ones, or frantically google ways to help their newborn sleep in the middle of the night. Essays support media literacy, collaboration, problem-solving, adaptability, analytical thinking, creativity, innovation–the list goes on.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that many standardized tests (looking at you, SBAC) apply the writing in reverse strategy to their style of questions. If a student has little experience forecasting an essay’s argument based on the claim or selecting the strongest introduction based on the conclusion, then they may struggle with this reverse-thinking.

When we consider the hallmarks of accomplished teaching, like encouraging student self-efficacy, offering choice, self-reflection, and fostering a positive and collaborative environment where students are a part of a learning community that encourages risk-taking and exploration, this exercise accomplishes those things, and more!

Alternate Essay Exercises 

Writing in reverse is really just a blanket term for playing with the order in which we teach writing, and it can take many different and exciting forms! Here are other writing exercises that you can add to your teaching toolkit and spice up the writing process.

The Fifth Step : As an extension to the four-step strategy detailed above, consider step five: students write a new essay in response to their own prompt that they constructed during the exercise. This would replace writing in response to a teacher-provided prompt. 

Fill-in-the-Paragraph : Provide students with a nearly-complete mentor essay that is missing either a conclusion or introduction paragraph and ask them to write one. To simplify this further, you could ask students to craft a missing thesis or claim for the introduction paragraph to a completed essay.

Guided Research : Give students a mentor essay that only provides a single topic sentence for each body paragraph, missing the evidence and supportive analysis. Ask students to conduct their own research, cite their own evidence, and craft the supportive analysis for each body paragraph in a way that aligns with the purpose of the essay. To simplify the research step, you could also provide them with a works cited page and have them cite evidence from each source.

Red-light Green-light : Provide groups of approximately four-five students with a prompt and offer them ample time to brainstorm. Ask them to begin writing their essay until they hear a sound of your choosing–I might select an upbeat song to keep this exercise light and reduce anxiety–at which point, they pass their essay to the left. Continue this process until essays are complete, preferably when they arrive back at the original author. Give students an opportunity for structured reflection as they read through their essay, then share their expectations and outcomes in a discussion. Positive classroom culture is key! Students must be comfortable learning and being vulnerable together to get the most out of this exercise. 

How to Roll This Out!

So, you’re interested in trying this strategy but aren’t sure how to begin rolling it out? Start small! Practice one step at a time, treating each one as its own lesson. Once students do this full process thoroughly and with guidance, they will become more independent and skilled as they gain more experience. You’ve got to go slow to go fast!

Begin with a lesson on examining and annotating an essay to determine its style and purpose. with a list of guiding questions to help your students through the process. They are detectives aiming to uncover the key characteristics of this essay, what kinds of questions should they be considering while annotating? Things like: “In the introduction, is there a claim statement or a thesis? How do I know?” “What are the topics of each body paragraph?”

Then, provide your whole class with the same strong sample essay and use the “I do, you do, we do” strategy. Model for your students using this strategy, taking them through every phase of the process, from reading the essay and making minor annotations to examining the essay in the context of the guiding questions. Intermittently, pause and guide your students to model themselves. For example, you can model with the introduction and first body paragraphs; then your students can take the second and third body paragraphs independently and come together as a class to discuss. Together, you complete the conclusion paragraph as a class and discuss.

Now that students have this model distribute the two to three mentor essays that you would like them to write in reverse . Ask them to annotate either in small groups or pairs when you are first rolling this out. Their collaboration will likely take them further than they could go on their own!

Treat the next two phases of the writing in reverse strategy, outlining and writing a prompt, with this much focus the first time through. Model in a way that students now have an example to use in the future, and encourage them to work in pairs or small groups to complete the outline and prompt. I would not recommend having your students collaborate on writing an essay in response to their new prompt, as this would be a great launching point for you to formatively assess their skills as the pre-assessment to the writing unit.

This will be a wonderful strategy for students to understand the purpose of the steps of the writing process, as well as build their metacognitive and social-emotional learning toolkits as they work together to crack the codes of these essays!

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Christine Banko

Christine Banko has a master’s degree in teaching and is a National Boards Certified educator of... More by Christine Banko

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what to expect from the writing part of the act.

I'm taking the ACT with the Writing section next month and I'm a little nervous. What should I expect for the writing part and does anyone have any tips or resources they could share?

The writing section of the ACT, also known as the ACT Essay, is an optional section that you can choose to take along with the four mandatory sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science). The writing section is designed to assess your ability to understand and respond to a given prompt, develop a clear and coherent argument, and demonstrate strong writing skills. Here's a general overview of the ACT Writing section and some tips to help you prepare:

1. Format: The ACT essay is based on a single prompt that presents a debatable issue, along with three perspectives on that issue. Your task is to evaluate the perspectives, form your own opinion, and write an essay that presents a clear and cogent argument.

2. Duration: You will have 40 minutes to write your essay response. Time management is an essential skill for this section, so make sure to practice writing essays within this timeframe before taking the actual test.

3. Scoring: The essay is scored on a scale of 2-12, with four domains being assessed: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions. Two trained graders will read your essay and assign it a score in each domain. The scores are then added together, and the final score will be the average of the four domain scores.

Tips for preparation:

1. Familiarize yourself with the format: Review sample prompts and read example essays to get an understanding of the structure and expectations for the ACT Writing section.

2. Practice responding to prompts: Set aside time to practice writing essays under timed conditions, ideally using actual ACT prompts. This will help you develop your pacing and improve your confidence in formulating strong arguments.

3. Focus on clarity and coherence: Make sure your essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a single point, and your ideas should flow logically from one paragraph to the next.

4. Incorporate evidence: Support your argument with specific examples and evidence from your own experiences, readings, or observations. This will help strengthen your argument and demonstrate critical thinking skills.

5. Proofread: Leave some time at the end of the 40-minute period to review your essay and correct any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

6. Utilize resources: Free online resources, such as ACT's official website, can provide helpful tips, example prompts, and essay samples. For a more structured approach, consider using prep books or attending a test prep course that focuses on the ACT Writing section.

Best of luck on your ACT, and remember that practice is key to improving your performance on the writing section!

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Gig workers are writing essays for AI to learn from

• Companies are hiring highly educated gig workers to write training content for AI models .
• The shift toward more sophisticated trainers comes as tech giants scramble for new data sources.
• AI could run out of data to learn from by 2026, one research institute has warned. 

As artificial intelligence models run out of data to train themselves on, AI companies are increasingly turning to actual humans to write training content.

For years, companies have used gig workers to help train AI models on simple tasks like photo identification , data annotation, and labelling. But the rapidly advancing technology now requires more advanced people to train it.

Companies such as Scale AI and Surge AI are hiring part-timers with graduate degrees to write essays and creative prompts for the bots to gobble up, The New York Times reported . Scale AI, for example, posted a job last year looking for people with Master's degrees or PhDs, who are fluent in either English, Hindi, or Japanese and have professional writing experience in fields like poetry, journalism, and publishing.

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Their mission? To help AI bots "become better writers," Scale AI wrote in the posting.

And an army of workers are needed to do this kind of work. Scale AI has as many as tens of thousands of contractors working on its platform at a time, per the Times.

"What really makes the A.I. useful to its users is the human layer of data, and that really needs to be done by smart humans and skilled humans and humans with a particular degree of expertise and a creative bent," Willow Primack, the vice president of data operations at Scale AI, told the New York Times. "We have been focusing on contractors, particularly within North America, as a result."

The shift toward more sophisticated gig trainers comes as tech giants scramble to find new data to train their technology on. That's because the programs learn so incredibly fast that they're already running out of available resources to learn from. The vast trove of online information — everything from scientific papers to news articles to Wikipedia pages — is drying up.

Epoch, an AI research institute, has warned that AI could run out of data by 2026.

So, companies are finding more and more creative ways to make sure their systems never stop learning. Google has considered accessing its customers' data in Google Docs , Sheets, and Slides while Meta even thought about buying publishing house Simon & Schuster to harvest its book collection, Business Insider previously reported.

Watch: Nearly 50,000 tech workers have been laid off — but there's a hack to avoid layoffs

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The Atonement Theories

“The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 .

As Catholics, the belief that Christ atoned for the sins of mankind is paramount. If human beings are to have any hope of being freed from sin and thereby obtaining eternal life, it can only be because Christ has paid the price incurred by sin.

For the purpose of this paper, I will define atonement as the satisfaction of a demand. In a limited sense, it is taken to mean the reparation of an insult. This occurs through a voluntary performance that outweighs the injustice done. (See Ott, Ludwig. Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma . Tan Books, 1992).

How was this done? How did Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection effect our atonement?  

In this essay, I will examine three of the most widely accepted theories of how Christ’s death paid the price for the sins of so many.

Penal Substitution Theory

The penal substitution theory dates to the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. Its most notable proponents include Martin Luther and John Calvin. Calvinist theologian Charles Hodge is credited with providing a concrete formulation of the theory. More recently, Wesleyan theologian William Lane Craig has argued in support of it. 

The theory itself can be understood from its name. Penal means “related to punishment for offenses,” and substitution means “the act of a person taking the place of another.” Within the context of Christian theology, penal substitution argues that Christ acted as the substitute for humanity and took upon Himself the punishment owed to human beings for sin. 

Penal substitution can be viewed as building on the scapegoating mechanism found in the Old Testament. Chapter sixteen of the Book of Leviticus describes how the Israelites’ high priest would place his hands over the head of a goat and confess the sins of the Israelite people. In so doing, the people’s sins were “transferred” to the goat, who was then banished from them. This was done to satisfy God’s justice. Still, the scapegoating (and the various other sacrifices) were temporary and imperfect. As such, the perfect justice required by God for the propitiation of sins could not be effected. 

According to the doctrine of penal substitution, Christ is the scapegoat par excellence. Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied God’s requirement for justice. God’s mercy allows Jesus to take the punishment we deserve for our sins. As a result, Jesus’ sacrifice is a substitute for anyone who accepts it.

Christus Victor Theory

In 1931, the Lutheran theologian Gustaf Aulen published a book on atonement titled Christus Victor (Christ the Victor). In a sense, Christus Victor is a recapitulation of a much older hypothesis, known as the ransom theory of atonement.   

The ransom theory posits that, due to original sin, all of humanity was held captive to the power of the Devil. To free human beings from this captivity, God offered His only Son “as a ransom for many.” The ransom theory further argues that God “tricked” the Devil into accepting Christ’s death as a ransom to free humanity. Once the Devil accepted Christ’s death as a ransom, Divine justice was satisfied. The “trick” is that death could not hold Christ, and His resurrection completes Christ’s victory.

In formulating the theory, the Catholic Church does not go so far as to imply that the ransom was paid to the Devil, only that Christ’s death freed humanity from the bonds of sin. (See Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 601 ).

Satisfaction Theory  

The most widely accepted theory in Catholic theology is the satisfaction theory of atonement, also known as vicarious atonement. Saint Anselm is generally considered the Father of the satisfaction theory. In his seminal work, Cur Deus Homo (Why God became man), Anselm formulates a mostly ontological argument as to why and how Christ saves humanity.

First, the redeemer must be divine (possess a divine nature) since finite humans can not satisfy the debt incurred by infinite sin. However, in order to satisfy divine justice, the redeemer must also be able to provide sufficient sacrifice for the atonement of sins. Therefore, the redeemer must also have a human nature. This means that the satisfaction theory begins with the incarnation. Nevertheless, because sin incurs the penalty of death ( Romans 6:23 ), the redeemer who takes upon himself sin must also suffer death. 

So, in dying on the Cross, Christ is the preeminent Paschal sacrifice. He accomplishes the definitive redemption of human beings while simultaneously ushering in the New Covenant, which allows believers to return to communion with God.

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous.’ By his obedience unto death, Jesus accomplished the substitution of the suffering Servant, who makes himself an offering for sin ’ , when ‘he bore the sin of many,’ and who ‘shall make many to be accounted righteous,’ for ‘he shall bear their iniquities.’ Jesus atoned for our faults and made satisfaction for our sins to the Father.” (See Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 615 ).

It is quite common when speaking of atonement to conclude that we are saved by Jesus Christ. This is, of course, entirely appropriate and accurate. However, Catholicism asserts that God is triune. It seems fitting, therefore, to conclude this essay by examining what role the Holy Trinity plays in atonement.

The Role of the Trinity in Atonement

In order to speak meaningfully of the Holy Trinity, one must attribute certain activities and properties to particular members of the Trinity. Within Catholic theology, this practice is called appropriation. This is exceedingly difficult, as the three divine persons share one divine essence. For example, one can speak of God the Father as the efficient cause (that which creates), the Son as the exemplary cause (the model for humanity), and the Holy Spirit as the final cause (that for which everything tends toward).

Suffice it to say that the salvation made possible by Christ cannot be deracinated from the Holy Trinity. The Father’s love and providential care, the Son’s sacrificial atonement, and the Holy Spirit’s transformative work collectively contribute to the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The Trinity’s salvific mission underscores the interconnectedness of divine grace and mercy. 

In this essay, I have endeavored to provide a brief summary of the three most prominent theories of how Christ effected the salvation of mankind. I have also indicated that the salvific work belongs essentially to all three members of the Holy Trinity.

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• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

• Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
• Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
• Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
• Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
• Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
• Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

• Make a claim
• Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
• Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
• Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

• Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
• Cite data to support your claim
• Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
• Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

• Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
• Highlight the problems with this position
• Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
• Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

• Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
• Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
• Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
• Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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