TSI - Individuality

 

TSI Essay Template
This is a sample outline for the TSI Essay. Notice we are aiming for 5 paragraphs total. You may opt for a shorter 4 paragraph version if 5 paragraphs are too many for you to write, but aim for 5 paragraphs if you can. If you have trouble completing 5 paragraphs, see if you can streamline your body paragraphs. They can often be bloated with unnecessary wordiness. Keep the introduction and the conclusion short and sweet.

Paragraph 1 — Introduction (3–4 sentences)
You will want to begin your essay with one of the following: a generalization about the topic, a quotation, a short anecdote to set-up the correctness of your position, a historical framework, or a piece of news illustrating the contemporariness of the issue. Admit the complexity of the issue.
You have two goals in the beginning part of the essay: to introduce the topic, and to express your opinion on it. Be sure to place your thesis as the final sentence in your introduction.


Paragraph 2 — First Example (4–6 sentences)
Start with your most-powerful or relevant example. Be specific. Your example can be from history, science, politics, business, entertainment, pop culture, current events, personal experience, etc. Anything can be an example, but choose ONE only for each paragraph. It needs to be something you are knowledgeable about and also something that you believe strongly supports your thesis. You have three tasks in your body paragraphs:

• Introduce your example.
• Describe it.
• Explain how it fully supports your thesis.

You should spend the majority of your body paragraph accomplishing the third step: explaining how it fully supports your thesis. Aim to convince the reader through very concrete details how your position on the issue is correct.

Paragraph 3 — Second Example (4–6 sentences)
Use a transition phrase to introduce the second example. Describe it, and explain again how it fully supports your thesis. You may refer to your first example if you need to, but prioritize a focus on your new example. Don’t mention your third example until you get to the third paragraph.

Paragraph 4 — Third Example (4–6 sentences)
Use a transition phrase again in the first topic sentence. Describe the example. Explain how it supports. Make sure you are elucidating for the reader how each example relates to the topic.

Paragraph 5 — Conclusion (2–4 sentences)
In your conclusion, you may introduce the opposing side. Explain their position in general terms. Refute their position. Then reinforce the correctness of your own thesis. This takes care of having to come up with a conclusion—you’ll already know what to do! Here’s how it might look:  

Although ________ is demonstrably correct, some have argued that _______, believing that ________. However, this viewpoint on the present issue is negated by ________. Rather, __________. Therefore, in the long run,

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What might that look like in an essay?  Here is an example of what a conclusion might look like if an essay was about mandatory school uniforms (and you took the "pro-uniform" stance) You should work in your reworded thesis statement (original premise). 

NOTE: this paragraph still needs a SPECIFIC example:

Although requiring school uniforms is demonstrably the best choice, some have argued that the change is not justifiable, believing that maintaining the status quo is easier. 
However, uniforms are more cost effective over the course of the year, they create camaraderie, and streamline daily preparation for the school day. Rather, the advantages of mandatory school uniforms are well worth changing the status quo. Therefore, in the long run, school uniforms are the easier and the best option for students.

This conclusion assumes the  (thesis statement) 3 REASONS were:

1. uniforms save money
2. uniforms create camaraderie (a sense of community)
3. uniforms make it easier to get ready for school
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DO NOT overuse "bringing up an opposing point of view." If you bring up an opposing viewpoint (do NOT do it unless you can squash it). Here is an example of using this kind of sentence in a body paragraph:

Although requiring school uniforms is demonstrably the best choice, some have argued that this is a financial burden for families, believing that uniforms cost more than a traditional wardrobe. 
However, uniforms are made of sturdier material and last much longer than most of the items in a typical student's wardrobe. Once they are added to a student's wardrobe, no new clothes should need to be purchased for the entire school year. Uniform construction is sturdier and longer lasting than most clothing purchased from retail stores.In addition to that, the desire for the latest fashion is a moot point when uniforms are the required dress code. Thus clothing budgets do not suffer according to the whims of fashion.  Uniforms are easier on the budget. Therefore, in the long run, school uniforms are the best option for students.
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Try this "fill in the blanks" paradigm

Here is the paradigm written in a really simple way:

Although (your opinion)  is correct, some have argued that (a small point or vague point that the opposition says). This is  because they think that (give their weak reason here). However, this viewpoint is false because  (give the reason it is false).  Therefore, in the long run,  (your opinion).  

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Transition Words List
Agreement Words

• in the first place
• not only … but also
• as a matter of fact
• in like manner
• in addition
• coupled with
• in the same fashion / way
• first, second, third
• in the light of

Opposition Words

• in contrast
• different from
• of course …, but
• on the other hand
• on the contrary
• at the same time
• in spite of
• but
• (and) still

Causation Words

• in the event that
• for the purpose of
• with this intention
• with this in mind
• in the hope that
• in order to
• If
• … then
• in case

Example Words

• in other words
• to put it differently
• for one thing
• as an illustration
• in this case
• for this reason
• to put it another way
• that is to say
• with attention to