8 pages should be the length.
Introduction Paragraph
A.Attention Getter—Introduces the topic of the essay in an interesting way (perhaps in its own stand-alone pre-introductory paragraph)
B.Background Information—Introduces the topic you’re writing about—establish and define all necessary language and lay out necessary history or context the reader needs before entering your piece
C.Thesis Statement—This is your argument, what you are trying to prove in your essay. There is a math equation that can help to create a Thesis EVERYTIME! (Topic + Opinion = Thesis Statement). Strive for clarity here.
Body Paragraphs
A.Topic Sentence—Introduces the Main Point of the paragraph (this is your logic that drives the argument—the Main Point supports your Thesis Statement)
B.Further explain that Main Point
C.Introduce a piece of Scholarship that supports or illustrates that Main Point
D.Use a Quote/Paraphrase from the text to illustrate your Main Point in your Topic Sentence
E.Explain how this Quote/Paraphrase helps to prove your Main Point and your Thesis
F.Introduce an additional source of Evidence (academic or popular) or perhaps a personal example or observation (this can alternatively be where you introduce a Counterargument)
G.Explain (this is Metacommentary)
H.Conclusion sentence that either ties this paragraph together or links to the next body paragraph if the idea needs to build or continue into an additional paragraph
Conclusion Paragraph
A.Bring us back to your Attention Getter
B.Restate your Thesis Statement
C.Restate your Main Points or provide a “call to action”
D.Make a “broad world connection”—Create an example that illustrates the main point of your thesis statement in a creative and impressive way (the truth of your argument is true not just in your paper, but out in the world (leave the reader saying “WOW!”)