Divisions

A phrase, usually attached to the thesis, but sometimes separate, which sets out the different parts/arguments/reasons which prove the thesis of your essay. Think of it as a road map to your essay so the reader can see what's coming. Each of your body paragraphs needs to be connected (usually by repetition) to your division statement.

In the sample thesis statement below, the division statement is in italicized.

In "The Lottery," Jackson uses the behavior of the townspeople, the names of the characters, and the dark symbolism of the black box to foreshadow the grisly results of the lottery.

Below are topic sentences based on the division statement above. Note how they follow the order established in the division statement and repeat the key word/s in the division:
1. The townspeople's behavior before the lottery sets a tone of uneasiness tinged with violence.
2. In addition to the townspeople's behavior, Jackson uses the names of the characters to cast a pall of uncertainty and even death over the proceedings.
3. While the character's actions and names hint at the violent end of the story, the most potent foreshadowing lies in the dark symbolism of the lottery box itself.

Note, as well, how the beginning of topic sentences two and three also provide a transition from the previous to the next division.

If take your writing and thinking seriously and stretch out and develop two paragraphs on a single division, try using the same repetition technique of repeating the division word in the second (and third) paragraph to keep yourself and readers focused on your topic ("Hmmm . . . I guess he's suggesting that the better essays have two paragraphs on a division -- at least once. Now how can I do that . . . Oh yeah, for my second division I can . . .").