The writing resource packet

transition to alert the reader you are done making your points and it MUST INCLUDE A 
REWORDING/REFERENCE TO THE MAIN TOPIC OF THE PAPER (THE FOCUS)!

---

Scott Victor 
Page 24 
last updated: 9/4/2013 
** Note for (TS) & (CS) sentences: if the (TS) is general, the (CS) is specific 
or visa versa. Vary the presentation of the (TS) and (CS)—see essay 
examples. ** (general doesn’t clearly state the pts./specific states the pts.) 
*****KEY NOTE FOR BODY PARAGRAPHS**** 
 
EACH AND EVERY BODY PARAGRAPH MUST HAVE ALL OF THESE PARTS!!! 
THIS IS A MINIMUM OF EIGHT SENTENCES AND SIX PARTS. THE GOAL IS TO 
BE SPECIFIC AND TO CLEARLY SUPPORT AND DEVELOP YOUR IDEAS WHILE 
TYING EVERYTHING INTO YOUR FOCUS. YOU MUST TIE BACK TO THE TOPIC. 
 
►NEVER ASSUME THE READER KNOWS WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO SAY!! 
THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH: 
(Part Three) 
THIS HAS THREE PARTS THAT MUST APPEAR IN THE PARAGRAPH. 
1. Restate thesis in new words (this has three parts: it begins with a transition, it restates the 
thesis in new words/same order, and includes the main topic). 
2. Summarize the main points of the paper (this is an overall opinion on the topic or the overall 
point you’re trying to make in a couple of sentences—look for ideas that will drive your 
point on the topic home—answer: “What is it that I want the reader to understand?”).
3. End with a clincher statement, a comment, idea, observation, quote, or question that leaves 
the reader with something to think about.
Do Not Repeat Your Hook! THIS IS IN 3
rd
 
PERSON ONLY and must reach out to all people! 
TRANSITIONS: 
YOU MUST USE TRANSITIONS IN YOUR BODY PARAGRAPH TOPIC 
SENTENCES AND CONCLUDING SENTNECES. YOU SHOULD ALSO USE THEM 
BETWEEN THE POINTS AND/OR EXAMPLES AS NEEDED TO DRAW 
EMPHASIS, MAKE A CLEAR CONTRAST, OR AS NECESSARY FOR 
CLARIFICATION. SEE THE “TRANSITION USAGE & VARIATION” PAGE _38__.