Information about how to structure and organize an essay

1. Structure of an Essay

2. All types of writing have three basic
parts:
A beginning
A middle
An end

3. The beginning of an essay is called the
introductory paragraph. It should
contain:
1. An interesting hook or lead to grab your reader’s
attention
2. Background information (if applicable) about the
work(s) you will be addressing in your essay to
provide direction for your paper. In a literary essay,
this includes:
Title and type of work
Author’s full name
Very brief summary
Very brief orientation to the major character(s) or
other literary elements you will be discussing.
3. A thesis statement that appears toward the end of
the paragraph

4. Approaches to drafting a lead for an
essay/nonfiction piece:
begin with a relevant quotation
state an intriguing or surprising fact
use an anecdote
pose a question
state a provocative or controversial opinion
introduce yourself to the reader

5. Thesis
A thesis statement simply states your topic and
your opinion on that topic.

6. The middle of the essay is made up
of body paragraphs
Body paragraphs are the heart of your essay.
They contain all of the evidence to support your
thesis.

7. What is a paragraph?
A series of sentences developing a
single topic or one point or
giving the words of one speaker.
A paragraph begins on a new
line and is usually indented.

8. The Three Parts of a Paragraph
1. The Topic Sentence: a
general statement giving the
main idea or topic of the
paragraph.
2. The Body: Supports the
topic sentence by giving
reasons.
3. The Closing Sentence:
Wraps up or restates the

9. The Topic Sentence: A Formula to
Use
1. Specific topic of the paragraph
+
2. A particular feature or feeling about the topic
___________________________________
An effective topic sentence
Example: TKAM
1. Specific topic: racism in the community of Maycomb
+
2. Particular feature or feeling about topic: not all white citizens of
Maycomb were racist
____________________________________________
Topic sentence: Although racism was a widespread problem in the
community, some white citizens of Maycomb were accepting and
open minded.

10. The Body
Each sentence should support the topic sentence
while adding new details about the topic.
• Use specific details to make your paragraph
interesting.
Ex: For example, Link Deas, Tom Robinson’s
employer, was so fond of Tom that he stood up in
the middle of the trial and spoke out in his favor.
Deas stated “…”

11. FEDS I.Q.: a mnemonic for adding
details to your body sentences
Facts: details that can be proven
In 1966, for the first time ever, five African Americans started for
the Texas Western Miners in the NCAA basketball championship.
Examples: statements that illustrate a main point
Definitions: give the meaning of unfamiliar terms.
Greener vehicles may run on biodiesel, a renewable fuel derived
from vegetable oil or animal fat.
• Statistics: present numerical information about a specific topic.
With more than 900 wins and a winning percentage over .800,
Tennessee coach Pat Summit is the winningest coach in college
basketball history.
• Incidents or Interesting anecdotes: brief stories that help to
make a point.
• Quotations: people’s statements about a topic repeated word
for word.
Naylor states, “I don’t agree with the argument that use of the
word nigger at this social stratum of the black community was an
internalization of racism.”

12. The Closing Sentence
The closing sentence ends the paragraph. It may
restate the topic, summarize the paragraph, or
provide a link to the next paragraph.
Example: Although unusual, Link Deas was not
the only white citizen who shared these more
open minded views.

13. Your essay should end with a
concluding paragraph
A conclusion should accomplish two things:
1. Restate or revisit the thesis/review the main
points of your writing
2. Leave the reader with something to think
about/a final thought.

14. Final thoughts may be:
A call to action: direct the reader to do something.
Example: Only the Board of Education can make changes to the
uniform policy. Call, email, or write board members to ask them
to allow dress down days.
A lingering question: encourage the reader to further examine
the subject.
Example: Going green is good for the environment as well as
your wallet. Shouldn’t you take the time to consider the simple
steps you can take to conserve energy and save yourself some
money at the same time?
A prediction: suggest that your topic poses a possible benefit
or threat to the reader.
Example: The Teen Center is the only major recreational
opportunity for teens in our community. If more adults don’t
volunteer to run programs and staff it, the center could close.
That would give young people a reason to roam the streets in
search of activities and companionship, and a valuable
entertainment outlet would be lost. It’s your choice.