ESSAY WRITING

Composition Skills for Clear Communication

YOUTH EDITION | Ages 10-16

TRUTH CARRIERS ACADEMY

1 Peter 3:15
"But sanctify Yahuah Elohim in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

Why Learn Essay Writing?

Yahusha's disciples were commanded to make disciples and teach. Clear writing is a powerful tool for sharing truth. In this workbook, you'll learn to:

LESSON 1: The Five-Paragraph Essay

The Foundation of Academic Writing

Essay Structure Overview

1. INTRODUCTION (1 paragraph)

Hook → Background → Thesis Statement

2. BODY PARAGRAPH 1

Topic Sentence → Evidence → Explanation → Transition

3. BODY PARAGRAPH 2

Topic Sentence → Evidence → Explanation → Transition

4. BODY PARAGRAPH 3

Topic Sentence → Evidence → Explanation → Transition

5. CONCLUSION (1 paragraph)

Restate Thesis → Summarize Points → Final Thought

Understanding Each Part

The Introduction

Components:

1. Hook: An attention-grabbing opening (question, quote, surprising fact)

2. Background: Context the reader needs

3. Thesis Statement: Your main argument in ONE clear sentence

Example Introduction:

"In a world of constant noise and distraction, where can we find true rest?" (Hook)

From the beginning of creation, Yahuah established a weekly pattern of work and rest. The Sabbath, given as the fourth commandment, has been observed by His people for thousands of years. (Background)

The Sabbath remains relevant today because it provides physical rest, spiritual renewal, and a weekly reminder of our Creator. (Thesis - states the 3 main points)

The Thesis Statement

A strong thesis:

Weak vs. Strong Thesis Statements:

Weak: "The Sabbath is good."

Too vague - why is it good? How will you support this?

Strong: "The Sabbath provides essential benefits that modern society desperately needs: physical rest, family connection, and spiritual renewal."

Specific, arguable, previews three supporting points.

Practice: Write a Thesis Statement

Topic: Why should believers study Scripture daily?

Write a thesis statement that includes three supporting points:

LESSON 2: Body Paragraphs

Building Your Argument

Body Paragraph Structure (T.E.E.L.)

T - Topic Sentence: States the main idea of THIS paragraph
E - Evidence: Facts, quotes, Scripture, examples that prove your point
E - Explanation: Explain HOW your evidence supports your point
L - Link: Connect back to thesis and/or transition to next paragraph

Example Body Paragraph:

Topic Sentence: First, the Sabbath provides essential physical rest that our bodies desperately need.

Evidence: Modern science confirms that humans require regular periods of rest for optimal health. Studies show that people who take a weekly day of rest experience lower stress levels, better immune function, and improved mental clarity. Yahuah, who designed our bodies, knew this from the beginning - which is why He commanded rest on the seventh day (Exodus 20:8-11).

Explanation: This demonstrates that the Sabbath is not an arbitrary religious rule, but a health principle built into creation itself. When we ignore this pattern, we suffer the consequences in our physical and mental wellbeing.

Link: Beyond physical benefits, the Sabbath also provides vital spiritual renewal.

Writing Strong Topic Sentences

Each topic sentence should:

Transition Words & Phrases

Use these to connect your ideas smoothly:

First Second Additionally Furthermore Moreover In addition Similarly In contrast However Therefore As a result Finally

Practice: Write a Body Paragraph

Using the thesis you wrote in Lesson 1, write ONE body paragraph about your first point.

Topic Sentence:

Evidence (include at least one Scripture reference):

Explanation:

Link/Transition:

LESSON 3: Using Evidence Effectively

Supporting Your Claims

An argument without evidence is just an opinion. Learn to support your claims with solid proof!

Types of Evidence

1. Scripture (Primary Authority)

For believers, Scripture is the ultimate authority. Quote accurately and in context.

Good: "Yahusha declared, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me' (John 14:6), establishing His exclusive role as mediator between humanity and Yahuah."
Weak: "The Bible says Yahusha is the only way somewhere."

2. Historical Facts

Verifiable events that support your argument.

Good: "The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947, contain copies of Isaiah dating to 100 BC - confirming that the prophetic text existed centuries before Yahusha's birth."

3. Scientific Evidence

Observed data and research (evaluate carefully - does it contradict Scripture?).

Good: "The Law of Biogenesis, established by Louis Pasteur, demonstrates that life only comes from life - contradicting evolutionary claims of spontaneous generation."

4. Expert Testimony

Quotes from credible authorities (check their qualifications and biases).

5. Logical Reasoning

Sound arguments using if-then logic.

Good: "If Yahuah's moral law is eternal, and the Sabbath is part of the Ten Commandments, then the Sabbath remains binding today."

Introducing Evidence

Signal phrases for introducing evidence:

Practice: Finding and Using Evidence

Claim: The resurrection of Yahusha is a historical fact, not a myth.

Find and write THREE pieces of evidence to support this claim (Scripture, historical, or logical):

Evidence 1:

Evidence 2:

Evidence 3:

LESSON 4: Writing Conclusions

Ending with Impact

Conclusion Structure

1. Restate Thesis: Say your main point again (different words)
2. Summarize Main Points: Briefly remind reader of your evidence
3. Final Thought: End with something memorable - call to action, question, or broader implication
Conclusion DO's: Conclusion DON'Ts:

Example Conclusion:

The Sabbath, far from being an outdated ritual, offers exactly what our stressed, disconnected, spiritually empty society needs. Through physical rest, it restores our bodies. Through family time, it rebuilds our relationships. Through worship, it reconnects us with our Creator. In a world that never stops, Yahuah's gift of weekly rest is more relevant than ever. The question is not whether we can afford to keep the Sabbath - it's whether we can afford not to.

Practice: Write a Conclusion

Using the thesis and body paragraph from previous lessons, write a conclusion:

Self-Check:

LESSON 5: Persuasive Writing

Convincing Your Reader

Persuasive writing aims to convince the reader to agree with your position. It requires solid arguments, emotional connection, and addressing counterarguments.

The Three Persuasive Appeals

ETHOS - Credibility

Establishing trust and authority

"As Scripture teaches..." (appeals to ultimate authority)

"Historical evidence confirms..." (appeals to verifiable facts)

LOGOS - Logic

Using reason and evidence

"If... then..." arguments

Statistics, facts, and examples

Cause and effect reasoning

PATHOS - Emotion

Connecting with reader's feelings and values

Vivid descriptions

Personal stories

Appeals to shared values (truth, family, freedom)

Caution: Emotion should SUPPORT logic, not replace it. Manipulation uses emotion WITHOUT evidence; persuasion uses emotion WITH evidence.

Addressing Counterarguments

Acknowledging opposing views makes your argument STRONGER, not weaker. It shows you've considered other perspectives.

Structure:

  1. "Some might argue that..."
  2. Fairly state the opposing view
  3. "However..."
  4. Refute with evidence

Example Counterargument:

"Some might argue that the Sabbath was only for ancient Israel and doesn't apply to modern believers. However, Scripture shows that the Sabbath was established at creation (Genesis 2:2-3) - before Israel existed - and Yahusha stated that 'the Sabbath was made for man' (Mark 2:27), not just for Jews. Furthermore, Hebrews 4:9 confirms that 'there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of Elohim.'"

Practice: Address a Counterargument

Your claim: The sacred name "Yahuah" should be used instead of "LORD" or "God."

Counterargument to address: "It doesn't matter what name we use - God knows our hearts."

Write a paragraph addressing this counterargument:

LESSON 6: The Writing Process

From Brainstorm to Final Draft

Five Stages of Writing

1. PREWRITING - Brainstorm, research, outline
2. DRAFTING - Write your first version (don't aim for perfection)
3. REVISING - Improve content, organization, and clarity
4. EDITING - Fix grammar, spelling, punctuation
5. PUBLISHING - Final polish and sharing

Stage 1: Prewriting - Creating an Outline

Essay Outline Template

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Hook: _______________

B. Background: _______________

C. Thesis: _______________

II. BODY PARAGRAPH 1

A. Topic Sentence (Point 1): _______________

B. Evidence: _______________

C. Explanation: _______________

III. BODY PARAGRAPH 2

A. Topic Sentence (Point 2): _______________

B. Evidence: _______________

C. Explanation: _______________

IV. BODY PARAGRAPH 3

A. Topic Sentence (Point 3): _______________

B. Evidence: _______________

C. Explanation: _______________

V. CONCLUSION

A. Restate Thesis: _______________

B. Summary: _______________

C. Final Thought: _______________

Stage 3: Revising Checklist

Stage 4: Editing Checklist

Practice: Create an Outline

Topic: Why is the sacred name (Yahuah) important?

I. Introduction

Hook:

Thesis:

II. Body Paragraph 1

Topic (Point 1):

Evidence:

III. Body Paragraph 2

Topic (Point 2):

Evidence:

IV. Body Paragraph 3

Topic (Point 3):

Evidence:

V. Conclusion

Final Thought:

LESSON 7: Write a Complete Essay

Putting It All Together

Choose ONE of the following topics and write a complete five-paragraph essay using everything you've learned.

Essay Topics (Choose One)

1. Why the Sabbath is still relevant for believers today

2. Evidence that Scripture is divinely inspired

3. Why believers should follow Torah (Yahuah's instructions)

4. The importance of using Yahuah's true name

5. How the biblical feasts point to Yahusha

My chosen topic:

Introduction:

Body Paragraph 1:

Body Paragraph 2:

Body Paragraph 3:

Conclusion:

Final Checklist:

Colossians 4:6
"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man."

TRUTH CARRIERS ACADEMY

Essay Writing & Composition - Youth Edition

"The pen of the ready writer." - Psalm 45:1