TEES — the 4-part body paragraph that always works
Topic sentence, Evidence (quote or example), Explanation (what the evidence proves), Significance (why it matters to the thesis). Never write a body paragraph without all 4 parts.
T
Topic Sentence — state the paragraph's main point
E
Evidence — quote, data, or specific example
E
Explanation — analyze how the evidence proves the point
S
Significance — connect back to the thesis/bigger picture
📖 Essay Writing
Thesis = Claim + Reason + So what?
Thesis Formula
The 3-part thesis — arguable, specific, and significant
A thesis makes a claim (not just a fact), gives a reason, and signals why it matters. "Hamlet delays because of self-doubt, revealing Shakespeare's interest in the gap between thought and action."
📖 Essay Writing
"Quote → Explain → Connect" for every piece of evidence
Evidence Integration
Never drop a quote without explaining it — ever
Introduce the quote, present it, then explain what it means and how it supports your argument. "Quote sandwiching" — the quote is the filling, your words are the bread on both sides.
📖 Essay Writing
Counterargument → Concession → Rebuttal
Counterargument Structure
Acknowledging the other side actually strengthens your argument
Raise the opposing view. Concede what's valid about it. Then refute it with your stronger evidence. Skipping this makes your argument look one-sided. Including it shows intellectual rigor.
📖 Essay Writing
Introduction: Hook → Context → Thesis
Introduction Structure
Build every introduction in 3 moves
Hook: grab attention (quote, question, surprising fact). Context: provide necessary background. Thesis: your argument. Never start with "Since the dawn of time" or "Webster's dictionary defines..."
PEEL Paragraph Structure
PEEL paragraph: Point, Evidence, Explain, Link back to thesis
PEEL Paragraph Structure
An alternative to TEES — Point first, then build
Point: state your argument clearly. Evidence: quote or reference a specific example. Explain: analyze how the evidence proves your point (this is where most marks are won or lost). Link: connect back to the essay question or thesis. Never drop evidence without explaining it.
Using the right transition for the relationship you're showing
Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand, yet, although, while. Addition: furthermore, moreover, in addition, also. Causation: therefore, thus, consequently, as a result. Example: for instance, specifically, in particular. Sequence: first, subsequently, finally.
Hedging in Academic Writing
Hedging language: 'suggests,' 'implies,' 'may indicate' — stronger than 'proves' in literary analysis
Hedging in Academic Writing
Choosing verbs that match your level of certainty
Avoid absolute claims ('this proves') in literary analysis — texts don't 'prove,' they 'suggest.' Strong hedges: suggests, implies, demonstrates, reveals. Weak hedges: may suggest, could indicate, seems to imply. Match your verb to your confidence level.
Add: missing evidence, context, or explanation. Remove: repetition, off-topic content, unnecessary words. Move: reorganize paragraphs for better flow, put strongest argument last. Substitute: replace vague words with specific ones, weak verbs with strong ones. Revising ≠ proofreading.
A
Add — missing content or evidence
R
Remove — repetition and padding
M
Move — reorganize for better flow
S
Substitute — vague words for specific ones
Sentence Variety
Sentence variety: mix short punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones. Short sentences hit hard.
Sentence Variety
Varying sentence length creates rhythm and emphasis
Long sentences build complexity and show relationships between ideas. Short sentences land with impact. Using only one type makes writing monotonous. Rule of thumb: if you have three long sentences in a row, add a short one. The contrast creates emphasis.
Writing a Strong Conclusion
Conclusion: restate thesis (don't repeat it), synthesize main points, end with significance (the 'so what')
Writing a Strong Conclusion
The last impression — how to close without just summarizing
Don't just repeat your introduction. Restate your thesis in new words showing how you've proven it. Synthesize (show how your points connect) rather than summarize (list them again). End with the bigger significance: why does this matter beyond the essay?
Coherence and Cohesion
Coherence vs cohesion: coherence = ideas make sense together. Cohesion = language links them.
Coherence and Cohesion
Two distinct qualities of well-organized writing
Coherence: logical organization, ideas flow naturally from one to the next, reader never thinks 'how did we get here?' Cohesion: mechanical linking through transitions, pronouns, repeated key terms, and parallel structure. You need both — cohesion without coherence is just organized nonsense.