Eng 3A Unit 4 Explanatory Essay Planning Guide

To type in your own copy of this, click file-->make a copy. You will turn in this document
into the dropbox with your final draft essay portfolio.

Let’s start with what an explanatory essay is. The purpose is for the writer to provide an
explanation or clarification of a particular topic or subject. This type of assignment is
used to inform or educate readers about a specific concept or idea. The focus is to offer
a clear and comprehensive understanding of a topic, without arguing about a particular
point of view.

Let’s look at the prompt together. When you analyze a writing prompt, you need to
figure out what the prompt is asking you to do. Start by identifying the most important
words in the prompt, and then think about what feelings and ideas you associate with
these words.

The words “change” “growth” and “difficult” stand out.

Use the template below to start jotting down your ideas! You can add
rows if you need to.

Reasons Change is In what ways do people Examples of Difficulties

Necessary experience personal in Life
growth?

You become better Improving their mentality people

Staying the same is bad Working out health

New perspectives Overcoming addiction finances

May improve life or Getting better at a hobby Mental health

whatever your doing

It improves your view of Learning something new addictions

something

Now that you have some notes down, it is time to write your thesis statement. Review
the definition of a thesis statement below.
Let’s look at the prompt again and make sure we have all of our points ready. Write an
explanatory text (essay) about why change is necessary for personal growth even
though life changes are difficult.
Here is a sentence starter if you would like to use it.

THESIS: Change is necessary for personal growth even though life changes are
difficult because _____________, ______________, and _________________.

You will fill in the blanks with the three reasons/points you will be making in the body of
your essay.

Next, you can make an outline to draft out your paper! Here is a suggested outline that
you can fill in.

●​ Introduction
❖​ Background information on the topic. You can use some of your notes
about change in general if you like.
❖​ Thesis statement.
●​ Body Paragraph 1
❖​ Topic sentence with your first point you made in your thesis statement.
❖​ Evidence or examples to support this point.
❖​ Explanation of evidence provided.
❖​ Concluding statement.
●​ Body Paragraph 2
❖​ Topic sentence with your second point you made in your thesis statement.
❖​ Evidence or examples to support this point.
❖​ Explanation of evidence provided.
❖​ Concluding statement.
●​ Body Paragraph 3
❖​ Topic sentence with your final point you made in your thesis statement.
❖​ Evidence or examples to support this point.
❖​ Explanation of evidence provided.
❖​ Concluding statement.
●​ Conclusion
 ❖​ Summarize your main points.
❖​ Restate your thesis statement.
❖​ Call to action or final concluding thought.

Final Draft Essay Portfolio Instructions

Now you are ready to complete your essay. Remember that your final draft should be in
MLA format, with a check my work link. Open a separate Google doc or Word
document. You will turn in THIS planning sheet AND your final draft essay. (2 FILES)
Your formatting should be MLA. Font can be Arial or Times New Roman, 12 point size.
Be sure your spacing is set at “Double” Remember that you need a proper heading.
Check out the example below.

Your Name

English 3A

Your Teacher’s Name

Date in this format Day Month Year 27 June 2024

Your Title Should Be Centered Here

​ Be sure you indent! Start with a hook to get the reader interested in your topic.

Include any general background information about your topic in the introduction

paragraph. You will want to be sure you have a good foundation for your essay. This

intro paragraph should be a minimum of 5 sentences, including your thesis. Once you

have included all of the introductory information, then you will type your thesis

statement. The thesis statement should be the last sentence in your introduction and

include your three main points.

​ Each paragraph needs a topic sentence telling the reader what the paragraph will

be about. The first sentence should include the first point you are making from your
thesis statement. This is your opportunity to provide your reason and also support your

thoughts with evidence. In some cases your evidence might be from your own

experience, and other times you may have brought in research or other facts that

support your position on the prompt. Once you have provided all of your reasons and

support for your first point, include a final sentence to wrap up your thoughts on this

section.

It is a good idea to start your body paragraphs with topic sentences that include

transition words. For example, you could have used the word “Next” or “Secondly” or

“Another” or any other transition word you think is appropriate. The main thing to keep in

mind is every body paragraph must start with a topic sentence. For this paragraph your

first sentence should include the second point you are making from your thesis

statement. Be sure to follow with your reason and support your thoughts with whatever

type of evidence you have to prove what you are saying is accurate and true. Once you

have provided all of your reasons and explained the connection to your second point,

include a final sentence to wrap up your thoughts on this section.

Lastly, you have one final body paragraph to cover. The first sentence should

include the final point you are making from your thesis. Don’t forget to provide your

reason and explain the connection, supported by relevant evidence. By this point in

your paper, you are further showing that you have a strongly supported essay that not

only gives the reader an explanation of your thoughts on the matter, but you have also

supported your claims with proof that your reasoning is solid and supported. Once you

have added all of your remaining evidence, include a final sentence to wrap up your

thoughts on this section.

 In conclusion, it might seem obvious to state that you are wrapping up your

essay, however, by using the transition phrase “In conclusion,” you are clearly stating to

the reader that you are coming to the end of your ideas and thoughts. Remember you

can summarize your thoughts here and refer back to the thesis. If there is any other

information that you haven’t included yet, or that you have “saved for last”, now is a

good time to include it. You want to leave your reader with a sense of finality and

purpose.

Check My Work Link

Follow the instructions HERE to submit your work to generate a check my work link.

Paste the link on the bottom of your essay as verification that you are confident your

writing is authentic and free of plagiarism.