Introduction Background information (explain why you are writing) Introduction of subject (show Nash that you know his text well) Statement of your opinion (state your opinion clearly and forcefully) Thesis (develop a strong thesis that propels your essay) Body Paragraphs Lots of evidence (what evidence will you be using?) Opposing point of view (are there opposing points of view?) Response to opposing point of view (If there are opposing viewpoints, have you considered them?) Topic sentences (ensure each body paragraph begins with a clear, claim-driven topic sentence) Evidence and evaluation (make sure you evaluate the evidence you use to show what the evidence means and why it matters—so what? why should anybody care?) Conclusion Restatement of your position Call for action or agreement (Do you want people to do something? Change something? Believe something? Act on your behalf? Why should they?)