How to Write an Essay in Accordion Format
As its name indicates, an accordion essay is a type of essay wherein each paragraph is linked together with topics and transitions. Accordion essays focus on analyzing and explaining a topic, such as a scientific research paper, or an essay critiquing a book or play. The paragraphs that make up the body of your accordion essay must begin with a topic statement that focuses on one specific point, followed by two to four supporting facts.
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Instructions
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Write the introduction for your essay, which must include a thesis statement either as the first or last sentence of the paragraph. The introduction must make the topic of your essay clear to the reader.
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Write the first paragraph of the body, which is a topic sentence that explicitly states the first point you are trying to make. For example, a topic sentence for a paper on gun control may focus on issues of guns in schools, while the topic sentence for another paragraph might be on what the Constitution says about gun control. Write the rest of the paragraph and include an explanation of your topic sentence, examples and evidence to support your claims, and quotations (if applicable) from sources you researched.
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Write the second paragraph of the body, beginning with a topic sentence that includes a transition from the previous paragraph's topic. For example, the topic sentence on the Constitution coming from the first paragraph on gun violence in schools might begin: "Despite the high rate of gun violence in schools, many advocates of gun rights point to the Constitution..." Write the rest of the paragraph, including examples, statistics and quotations. Repeat this step for each paragraph of the body, including a transition in every topic sentence to connect the paragraphs.
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Write the conclusion for your essay, beginning with a restatement of your thesis from the introduction. The conclusion will be similar to your introduction in that it states the purpose of your paper and summarizes your arguments and points.
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