An essay is composed of at least three paragraphs that develop a single topic and main idea. It has an introduction that states the thesis and provides context, several body paragraphs that explain and support the thesis with examples or details, and a conclusion that restates the thesis and main points. The thesis is the main argument or idea that is developed over the course of the essay. Outlines help organize the major points and subtopics to be addressed in each paragraph.

1. Supplementary material
Compiled by M.Ed. Maria Luisa Mu, 2012-2013

2. What is an Essay?
 An essay is a group of paragraphs
written about a single topic and a central
main idea.
 It must have at least three paragraphs,
but a five-paragraph essay is a common
length for academic writing.
Taken from: Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay, Zemach, D. & Rumisek, L. Macmillan 2005

3. The Structure of an Essay
 The Introduction: Explains the topic with
general ideas. It also has the thesis statement and
comes at or near the end of the paragraph.
 The Main body: Explain and support the thesis
statement.
 The conclusion: Summarises or restates the
thesis and the supporting ideas of the essay.
Taken from: Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay, Zemach, D. & Rumisek, L. Macmillan 2005

4. The Thesis Statement
 The thesis statement is the sentence that
tells the main idea of the whole essay.
 It can be compared to a topic sentence,
which gives the main idea of a paragraph.
 It usually comes at or near the end of the
introductory paragraph.
Taken from: Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay, Zemach, D. & Rumisek, L. Macmillan 2005

5. The Introduction…
 … is usually five to ten sentences.
 … catches the reader´s interest.
 … gives the general topic of the essay.
 … gives background information about
the topic.
 … states the main point (thesis
statement) of the essay.
Taken from: Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay, Zemach, D. & Rumisek, L. Macmillan 2005

6. How to make an introduction
interesting
 Include …
 …interesting facts or statistics.
 … a personal story or example.
 … an interesting quotation.
Taken from: Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay, Zemach, D. & Rumisek, L. Macmillan 2005

7. The thesis statement
Taken from: Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay, Zemach, D. & Rumisek, L. Macmillan 2005

8. Thesis Statements for Logical
Division of Ideas
 The thesis statement of a logical division
essay often indicates the number of
suptopics.
 Ex: Inflation has three causes.
 It may even name the specific subtopics:
 Ex: Inflation has three causes: excessive
government spending, unrestrained consumer
borrowing, an increase in the supply of paper
money.
Taken from: Writing Academic English, Oshima, A & Hogue, Pearson Longman, 2006

9. Writing an Outline
I. Introduction
II. First main idea
III. Second main idea
IV. Third main idea
V. Conclusion

10. Outlining information for the
paragraphs
I. Introduction
•
A. First supporting pointII. First main idea
• 1. First detail
• 2. Second detail
B. Second supporting point
• 1. First detail
• 2. Second detail

11. Outlining an Essay
Taken from: Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay, Zemach, D. & Rumisek, L. Macmillan
2005

12. Supporting paragraphs
Taken from: Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay, Zemach, D. & Rumisek, L. Macmillan
2005

13. Concluding PARAGRAPH
 The conclusion has three purposes:
 It signals the end of the essay starting
with a transition signal.
 It reminds your reader of your main
points by summarizing your subtopics or
paraphrasing your thesis.
 It leaves your reader with your final
thoughts on the topic.
Taken from: Writing Academic English, Oshima, A & Hogue, Pearson Longman, 2006

14. Techniques for a memorable
Conclusion:
 Make a prediction
 Suggest results or consequences
 Suggest a solution, make a
recommendation, or call for action
 Quote an authority on the topic
Taken from: Writing Academic English, Oshima, A & Hogue, Pearson Longman, 2006