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College Essay Resources
Prompts, planning moves, revision checkpoints, and voice-focused guidance for personal statements and supplements.
Alphabetical Directory
Writing support by topic
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Essay Writing Central
Thesis work, evidence, paragraphing, introductions, conclusions, transitions, and revision strategies.
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Ethical Use of AI
Guidelines for using AI responsibly while protecting original thinking, course expectations, and academic integrity.
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Formatting and Style Guides
Support for MLA, APA, citations, works cited pages, formatting expectations, and teacher-specific preferences.
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Organizing Templates
Planning pages, outlines, conference notes, drafting organizers, peer review forms, and revision trackers.
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Scientific Writing
Lab reports, claim-evidence-reasoning, abstracts, methods, results, discussion, and discipline-specific conventions.
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WHS Databases
Research databases, search strategies, source evaluation, database access notes, and librarian-recommended starting points.
Organizing Templates
Essay organizer template
Type into the organizer, then print it or download a Word-compatible copy to keep working.
Essay Writing Central
The writing process
Use these steps to move from prompt to polished response in any subject area.
Step 1
Understand the Task
- Identify the type of writing, such as argumentative, explanatory, analytical, narrative, descriptive, lab report, or reflection.
- Determine the audience and purpose: inform, persuade, explain, reflect, or analyze.
- Highlight or annotate key parts of the prompt or question.
- Note discipline-specific requirements, including evidence, citations, technical vocabulary, and formatting.
Step 2
Plan the Writing
- Brainstorm or mind-map ideas related to the topic.
- Create a working thesis for longer essays or a claim for single-paragraph responses.
- Outline key points or paragraphs.
- Identify evidence, examples, or data to support each point, such as quotes, experiments, historical facts, or mathematical reasoning.
- Use a graphic organizer for reports, compare-and-contrast writing, or cause-and-effect writing.
Step 3
Draft the Response
Introduction
- Hook
- Background information or context
- Clear and specific thesis statement
Body Paragraphs
- Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that makes a claim connected to the thesis.
- Support the claim with relevant evidence and reasoning.
- Include discipline-appropriate analysis, such as interpretation, calculations, comparisons, or reasoning.
- Use transitions to maintain flow.
- End with a concluding sentence.
Conclusion
- Restate the thesis in a new way.
- Synthesize key points.
- End with a concluding thought or implication when relevant.
Step 4
Revise for Clarity and Content
- Does the writing clearly answer the prompt?
- Are ideas organized logically?
- Is the evidence accurate and relevant?
- Are discipline-specific conventions followed, such as citations, scientific terminology, or historical context?
- Are transitions smooth between ideas?
Step 5
Edit
- Proofread for grammar and punctuation.
- Check sentence structure and clarity.
- Review spelling and word choice.
- Confirm consistent formatting, such as MLA, APA, or lab format.
- Check citations and the works cited page or bibliography when required.
Step 6
Submit or Share
- Double-check the rubric or assignment checklist.
- Make sure all parts of the assignment are complete.
- Include name, date, and the proper heading or format.
- Confirm the submission method, such as Google Classroom, Turnitin, or paper copy.
Subject-Specific Considerations
Adjust the process for the class.
English: Literary analysis, rhetorical devices, and narrative craft.
History: Primary and secondary sources, historical context, persuasive evidence, and arguments.
Science: Claim-evidence-reasoning, lab reports, and technical writing.
Math and CTE: Logical reasoning, explanation of steps, and real-world application.
Art and Music: Reflection, critique, and explanation of creative choices.
World Language: Vocabulary, grammar patterns, cultural context, and clear communication.
Essay Writing Central
Writing an effective introduction
A strong introduction engages the reader, identifies the topic, provides essential context, and sets up the thesis statement.
Do
- Write one focused paragraph. Length depends on the complexity of the prompt.
- Write with confidence.
- Begin with a general idea and narrow toward your thesis.
- Write a clear, specific thesis.
- Use quotes wisely as a hook when they directly support the topic.
Avoid
- Writing only one or two sentences.
- Using tentative words such as "like," "may," or "in my opinion."
- Starting with the thesis at the beginning of the paragraph.
- Writing a vague thesis or leaving the thesis out.
- Using cliche quotes.
Component 1
Hook
The hook should set the tone, stay clear and concise, and directly relate to the topic.
Component 2
Background Information and Context
Give focused, relevant information that prepares the reader for the thesis. Include only what is necessary for the claim or argument. In an argument paper, this may include the counterclaim.
Component 3
Thesis
The thesis is the most important part of the introduction. It presents the central argument or main idea, acts as the roadmap for the paper, and should be the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.
Types of Hooks
Choose the opening that fits the topic.
Quote
"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master" (Christian Louis Lang). This is especially true for teenagers, whose constant cell phone use can harm their focus, sleep, and social development.
Anecdote
Last week, a high school student admitted to scrolling through social media for two hours before bed and then oversleeping, missing her first class. Stories like hers highlight the hidden dangers of excessive cell phone use.
Statistic or Fact
According to a survey by Common Sense Media, 68% of teenagers reported keeping their phones within reach at night, and nearly a third say they sleep with their phone in bed.
Description
The glow of a phone screen fills the darkened bedroom as a teenager scrolls endlessly, oblivious to the time passing. Night after night, this habit disrupts sleep, homework, and face-to-face interactions.
Literary
Human nature is not a predetermined quality, but is shaped by experience and environment. John Locke's philosophy of the "blank slate" argues that humans are born without inherent ideas or morals, and that knowledge and morality develop through experience. In William Golding's Lord of the Flies, this concept appears in Ralph, whose early behavior on the island demonstrates reason and a natural sense of order.
Sample Introduction
Cell phone use and teenagers
In today's digital age, it is nearly impossible to imagine life without a cell phone. Teens use these devices to stay connected, complete homework, and access endless information at the tap of a screen. While cell phones can offer convenience and safety, their constant use has serious consequences. Some argue that cell phones are beneficial because they provide organizational tools, safety, and educational resources. However, these advantages do not outweigh the risks. Frequent cell phone use negatively affects students by causing distraction in class, disrupting sleep patterns, and interfering with healthy social interactions. Understanding these impacts is essential to promoting both academic success and overall well-being among young people.
Introduction Checklist
Before moving on, check the parts.
- My hook is engaging and related to the topic.
- My background information is relevant and transitions smoothly to my thesis.
- My thesis presents a clear claim and identifies the main points I will prove in my essay.
Essay Writing Central
Writing an effective thesis statement
A thesis is a clear, specific, and arguable statement that guides the entire piece of writing.
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis communicates the main idea of a piece of writing. It tells the reader what the writer is trying to prove, explain, or explore and how the writer will do it.
Every paragraph should connect back to and support the thesis. A strong thesis is specific, meaningful, debatable, and rooted in evidence.
Do
- Answer the prompt or question posed.
- Take a position or make an argument.
- Be clear and specific.
- Provide an overview of the key claims or themes that will be explored.
Avoid
- Being vague or too broad.
- Asking a question or writing "I believe" or "I think."
- Writing a run-on sentence.
- Including specific evidence; save that for body paragraphs.
Thesis Formula
What argument are you making, and why does it matter?
Subject + position + reasons why
A thesis acts as a roadmap for the major points that will be discussed, while specific evidence belongs in the body paragraphs.
Interdisciplinary Writing
How a thesis works across subjects
Argumentative Writing
The thesis states the writer's stance on an issue and provides a roadmap for the argument.
Literary Analysis
The thesis presents a clear and defensible interpretation of one or more literary elements of the text.
Historical Analysis
The thesis answers a historical question and takes a defensible, evidence-based stance. Sometimes specific documents are provided as evidence.
Research
The thesis presents the central conclusion that comes from reading and synthesizing several sources.
Scientific Writing
The thesis states the hypothesis or central finding, which is based on data.
Examples
Thesis statements by writing type
Argumentative Writing
Attendance incentive programs fail to meaningfully improve attendance. Instead, they encourage sick students to come to school, destroy intrinsic motivation, and undermine the school's mission that students should attend to learn, not to chase rewards.
Literary Analysis
Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain's Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American ideals, one must leave "civilized" society and go back to nature.
Historical Analysis
Overall, the New Deal was a success because although it failed to bring about a full economic recovery, it expanded the power of government to provide direct aid, created more opportunities for groups lacking a voice in society, and offered leadership that helped the country maintain confidence in a time of crisis.
Research
Although nursing is a demanding profession characterized by high levels of stress and burnout, it remains a vital and rewarding career due to job and wage stability, opportunities for specialization, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient lives.
Scientific Writing
Schools with later start times allow for increased optimal levels of sleep for secondary students, resulting in higher grade point averages.
Thesis Statement Checklist
Before drafting body paragraphs, check the claim.
- Does the thesis directly respond to the assignment, prompt, or question?
- Does the thesis reflect the purpose of the writing: to analyze, explain, argue, or report findings?
- Does it express a main idea that is specific, clear, and easy to understand?
- Does it take a position or make an argument that can be debated and supported?
- Does it show how the paper will progress without introducing specific evidence?
Essay Writing Central
Thesis statement vs. claim
Teachers may ask for a thesis in one assignment and a claim in another. Knowing the difference helps make writing clearer and stronger in every class.
Whether you are writing an essay in English, answering a document-based question in social studies, or explaining your thinking in science, claims and thesis statements help you communicate ideas effectively and with confidence.
Big Argument
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is the central argument or main idea of a longer essay, typically one that includes multiple paragraphs, such as a five-paragraph essay or DBQ.
- Used in longer, multi-paragraph essays.
- Clearly states the writer's argument or perspective.
- Often includes several supporting ideas or reasons that will be developed in body paragraphs.
- Provides a roadmap for the essay's structure.
Focused Argument
What is a claim?
A claim is a focused statement that expresses a specific argument or idea in a short response, single paragraph, or quick reflection.
- Used in short responses or paragraph-length writing.
- Expresses one clear argument or idea.
- Supported by textual evidence and reasoning.
- Often follows the CER method.
CER Method
Claim, evidence, reasoning
C - Claim
State your main idea or answer.
E - Evidence
Provide supporting evidence such as facts, data, or quotes.
R - Reasoning
Explain how the evidence connects to the claim and why it supports your point.
Think of it this way
The thesis is the big argument. Claims prove it piece by piece.
Thesis: The introduction ends with the overall argument.
Claims: Each body paragraph starts with a smaller argument that supports one part of the thesis.
Together: All of the claims add up to prove the overall thesis.
Example
School uniforms
Thesis Statement
School uniforms should be required because they reduce negative peer interactions, improve focus in the classroom, and create a stronger sense of community.
Body Paragraph 1 Claim
School uniforms reduce negative peer interactions by limiting visible economic differences between students.
This proves the first reason in the thesis: reducing negative peer interactions.
Body Paragraph 2 Claim
Uniforms improve academic focus as students are less distracted by clothing choices and peer comparison.
This proves the second reason in the thesis: improved focus.
Body Paragraph 3 Claim
Wearing uniforms creates a stronger sense of community by promoting equality and school pride.
This proves the third reason in the thesis: an increased sense of community.
Notice how each claim focuses on one reason, matches one part of the thesis, and works with the other claims to prove the overall argument.
When claims clearly connect to the thesis, writing feels organized, logical, and convincing.
Essay Writing Central
Writing an effective body paragraph
A body paragraph section with separate tools for building stronger topic sentences, evidence, explanation, and closing moves.
Subsection 1
Sentence Frameworks
Use academic writing moves to shape analysis, organize evidence, and connect ideas within a body paragraph.
Analogy
Connects things or ideas based on common elements to illustrate similarities or differences.
Cause and Effect
Explains causes, effects, or both; useful when showing why something happened or what it led to.
Comparison and Contrast
Examines similarities and differences to help the reader compare, contrast, and evaluate ideas.
Subsection 2
Using Transitions
Transitions are words, phrases, or sentences that show how ideas are connected. They help readers follow your thinking as you move from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph.
To use transitions correctly, first identify the connection or relationship you are trying to express. Once you understand the relationship, choose a transition that matches your purpose.
Do
- Organize your thoughts and ideas first.
- Choose transitions based on the relationship between ideas.
- Use simple and clear transitions.
- Use transitions to make your thinking and evidence clearer and more compelling.
- Use transitions to connect ideas in complete, properly structured sentences.
Avoid
- Assuming transitions will make up for a lack of organization.
- Adding transitions because every sentence feels like it needs one.
- Using complicated vocabulary or overly dramatic transitions.
- Using transitions alone in place of strong ideas or support.
- Using transitions to string multiple ideas into one long, run-on sentence.
Transition Bank
Choose transitions by purpose.
This bank is not exhaustive. Use it as a starting point.
Sequence and Order
First, second, next, then, subsequently, following, afterward, finally
Time
Earlier, later, meanwhile, simultaneously, at the same time, subsequently
Purpose
To, in order to, so that
Emphasis
Indeed, in fact, clearly
Cause and Effect
Therefore, thus, as a result, consequently, accordingly
Contrast and Opposition
However, in contrast, but, whereas, yet, although, nevertheless, conversely, on the other hand, on the contrary
Similarity
Similarly, likewise, in the same way
Comparison
Compared to, in comparison, by comparison
Additional Information
In addition, furthermore, moreover, also
Examples and Explanation
For example, for instance, to illustrate, in other words
Concession
Although, though, while, granted, it is true, of course
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, to summarize, overall, in sum, ultimately
Subsection 3
Embedding Evidence in a Paragraph
Embedding evidence means using your own words to lead into a quote or fact from a source instead of dropping evidence into a paragraph so that it stands alone.
Tip: Never start your sentence with quotation marks.
Do
Lead into your quote or evidence with your own words.
In his letter to Ponyboy, Johnny explains, “I’ve been thinking about it, and that poem, that guy that wrote it, he meant you're gold when you're a kid, like green. When you're a kid everything's new, dawn. It's just when you get used to everything that it's day” (Hinton 178).
The author emphasizes the importance of hope when she writes that “even in the darkest moments, people search for light.”
Avoid
Letting the quote or evidence stand alone in your paragraph.
Johnny writes a letter to Ponyboy and leaves it in his copy of Gone with the Wind. “I’ve been thinking about it, and that poem, that guy that wrote it, he meant you're gold when you're a kid, like green. When you're a kid everything's new, dawn. It's just when you get used to everything that it's day” (Hinton 178).
The author emphasizes the importance of hope in her writing. “Even in the darkest moments, people search for light.”
Signal Phrases
Tips for leading into evidence
Use context to explain who is speaking or where the evidence comes from. Then choose a signal phrase that smoothly introduces the evidence.
- According to the article...
- Research shows that...
- In the text, the narrator states...
- Nelson Mandela writes...
- [Character] reflects on ___________ when he says...
- [The author] emphasizes ___________ when she writes...
Essay Writing Central
Writing an effective conclusion
A strong conclusion reinforces the thesis, summarizes the key points, and leaves the reader with a clear final impression.
Do
- Restate your thesis in a new and unique way that does not change its meaning.
- Briefly summarize your main points.
- Write with confidence and authority.
- End with a final insight, takeaway, or, for argument writing, a call to action.
Avoid
- Copying and pasting your thesis.
- Introducing new evidence, examples, ideas, or arguments.
- Sounding uncertain or using words such as "I think," "maybe," or "in my opinion."
- Ending abruptly or vaguely with a sentence like "This shows that the theme is true."
Component 1
Transition
Choose a meaningful transition to begin the paragraph. Avoid simply stating, "In conclusion..."
Component 2
Restated Thesis
Reaffirm your original thesis in different wording. Make sure it reflects the evidence and argument already developed in the essay.
Component 3
Synthesize the Key Points
Briefly revisit the main idea from each body paragraph without overwhelming the reader with details or introducing new evidence.
Component 4
Final Thought
Leave the reader thinking by showing the broader significance of the topic or connecting it to real life, the future, or a larger issue.
Closing Strategies
Choose the ending that fits your purpose.
You may choose a closing strategy based on the purpose of your writing.
Call to Action
Schools and families must work together to set healthy boundaries around cell phone use.
Broader Implication
If these habits continue unchecked, the long-term effects on students' mental health and academic success could be severe.
Echo Your Hook
Just as the glowing phone screen disrupts sleep at night, it also disrupts students' ability to learn during the day.
Reflection
Understanding the consequences of technology use is the first step toward using it more responsibly.
Sample Conclusion
Cell phone use and teenagers
Ultimately, while cell phones play an important role in modern life, their constant presence in students' lives creates more problems than benefits. Distraction in class, lack of sleep, and weakened social interactions all show how excessive phone use interferes with academic success and well-being. Students, families, and schools must take these concerns seriously and work to promote healthier habits that allow technology to support learning rather than undermine it.
Conclusion Checklist
Before submitting, check the ending.
- I restated my thesis in a new way.
- I summarized my main points without introducing new information.
- I included a final thought that explains why the topic matters, invites reflection, or includes a call to action that matches the essay's purpose.
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