E ssay S tructure

W hat is an E ssay? T he main purpose of any essay is to discuss, persuade, describe, explain, interpret or analyze a particular topic.

T he main purpose of any essay is to

discuss, persuade, describe, explain,

interpret or analyze a particular topic.

E ssay S tructure A n essay has three main parts: A n introduction (introductory paragraph) A body (at least one, but usually more paragraphs) A conclusion (concluding paragraph)

A n essay has three main parts:

A n introduction (introductory paragraph)

A body (at least one, but usually more paragraphs)

A conclusion (concluding paragraph)

E ssay S tructure (2)

T he I ntroduction A n introductory paragraph has 2 parts: G eneral statement Introduce the general topic of the essay. Capture the reader’s interest. T hesis statement States the specific topic. May list subtopics or subdivisions. May indicate the pattern of organization. Is normally the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.

A n introductory paragraph has 2 parts:

G eneral statement

Introduce the general topic of the essay.

Capture the reader’s interest.

T hesis statement

States the specific topic.

May list subtopics or subdivisions.

May indicate the pattern of organization.

Is normally the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.

B ody P aragraphs T he body paragraphs are used to: D evelop your topic. P rove your points. T he body paragraph should have: S ome sort of pattern (chronological order or comparison/contrast, or a combination of both) A logical division of ideas (division into subtopics and discussion of these subtopics in separate paragraphs)

T he body paragraphs are used to:

D evelop your topic.

P rove your points.

T he body paragraph should have:

S ome sort of pattern (chronological order or comparison/contrast, or a combination of both)

A logical division of ideas (division into subtopics and discussion of these subtopics in separate paragraphs)

T he C onclusion T he conclusion is the final paragraph in an essay. It has three purposes: I t signals the end of the essay. I t reminds the reader of your main points. You can do this in two ways: Summarize your subtopics. Paraphrase your thesis. I t leaves the reader with your final thoughts on the topic.

T he conclusion is the final paragraph

in an essay. It has three purposes:

I t signals the end of the essay.

I t reminds the reader of your main points. You can do this in two ways:

Summarize your subtopics.

Paraphrase your thesis.

I t leaves the reader with your final thoughts on the topic.

E ssay O utlining A formal outline has a system such as the following: R oman numerals I,II, and III for the major sections of an essay (introduction, body, conclusion) C apital letters A,B,C and so on label the body paragraphs. N umerals 1,2,3 and so on number the subpoints in each paragraph. S mall letters a,b,c label specific supporting details.

A formal outline has a system such as the

following:

R oman numerals I,II, and III for the major sections of an essay (introduction, body, conclusion)

C apital letters A,B,C and so on label the body paragraphs.

N umerals 1,2,3 and so on number the subpoints in each paragraph.

S mall letters a,b,c label specific supporting details.

E ssay O utlining (2)

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