Step #3—Fill out the Essay Planning Sheet

ESSAY PLANNING SHEET

^{First list your support paragraph topic names in the order you decided on in Step #2.}

^{Let’s try this order} ò

Dryer’s Ice Cream

Goat’s Milk

Brazilian Flavorings

Note: The ¶ symbol is the symbol for a paragraph.

¶^{1—The thesis sentence is a one-sentence statement of your essay’s point. It is usually a good idea to place it at the end of the introductory paragraph (Paragraph #1). This paragraph is also referred to as the thesis paragraph and consists of lead-in sentences followed by the thesis sentence.}

^{Now let’s write our thesis sentence only. (We’ll add the introductory sentences later.)}

Two types of Thesis Sentences:

Choice #1 is what’s called an Analytical Thesis Sentence because it lists the names of the support paragraph topics.

Here’s our essay’s thesis stated in the analytical thesis sentence format ¤

$ The perfect gourmet milkshake requires Dryer's ice cream, goat's milk, and Brazilian Syrups.

OR

Choice #2 is what’s called an Inferential Thesis Sentence because it does not list the names of the support paragraph topics. (The support is inferred, hence the name inferential.)

Here’s our essay’s thesis stated in the inferential thesis sentence format ¤

$ The perfect gourmet milkshake requires special ingredients.

E Next we draft the support paragraphs using our topic sentences and the reorganized list of details

¤

¶^{2—Supporting Point #1 with the details listed in order. (This is labeled} ¶^{2 (Paragraph #2) because} ¶^{1 (Paragraph #1) is our introductory or thesis paragraph.)}

Topic Sentence ¤

The first ingredient is ice cream.

List of Supporting Details ¤

DRYER’S ICE CREAM PARAGRAPH

Carries message

Satin-smooth

Blendable but taste doesn’t disappear

Go with Dryer’s Satiny Vanilla for first try

ESee the actual paragraph

¶^{3—Supporting Point #2 with the details listed in order}

Topic Sentence ¤

The second ingredient is goat's milk.

List of Supporting Details ¤

GOAT’S MILK PARAGRAPH

Texture

Aroma

Layers of flavor

Freshness date important—no preservatives

ESee the actual paragraph

¶^{4—Supporting Point #3 with the details listed in order}

Topic Sentence ¤

The final ingredient is the flavoring syrup.

List of Supporting Details ¤

BRAZILIAN FLAVORINGS PARAGRAPH

Not “extracts” like those in U.S.

U.S. crystals don’t all absorb

No residue when mixed

More expensive but worth it

ESee the actual paragraph

Next, let’s write our conclusion