This document discusses the structure of academic essays. It explains that essays typically have 5 paragraphs: an introductory paragraph with a hook and thesis statement, three body paragraphs with a topic sentence, supporting details, and concluding sentence in each, and a concluding paragraph that restates the thesis and summarizes the main ideas. The document provides examples of different parts of an essay and prompts the reader to identify these parts in sample essays. It emphasizes that each body paragraph must link back to the central thesis statement.

1. Essay Structure
Academic Writing 2 Pages 2 - 6

2. Academic Writing 2
• What types of essays have you written in the past?
• How long were they?
• What topics did you write about?
• The first type of essay we will review is called and expository
essay.

3. Academic Writing 2
Paragraph
Function
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Each line represents a paragraph. What is function of each paragraph?
This course will focus on the 5 paragraph essay. BUT, this format can be easily adapted for longer or
shorter essays.

4. Academic Writing 2 section 1 – essay structure
1. What should an introductory paragraph contain?
2. What is the purpose of and introductory paragraph?
3. What should a body paragraph contain?
4. What is the purpose of a body paragraph?
5. What should a concluding paragraph contain?
6. What is the purpose of a concluding paragraph?
Pg. 2-3
Hook, building sentences, thesis statement
To create interest in the topic and outline the writer’s main ideas and suggest how they will be
presented.
Topic sentence, supporting sentences, concluding sentence
To explain in detail the main ideas presented in the thesis statement.
Re-stated thesis statement, summary of main ideas, final thought
To review the main ideas from the body paragraphs and leave the reader with a final thought.

5. Review the essay structure on pg. 4
Now draw the picture on your piece
of paper. Can you remember all the
parts?
Academic Writing 2 section 1 – essay structure
Pg. 4
REMEMBER:
• The thesis statement is the most important
sentence in the essay.
• Each body paragraph must link to the thesis
statement.
• The thesis statement should be restated in
the concluding paragraph.

6. Academic Writing 2 section 1 – essay structure
• Read the essay on page 5
• Look for the parts in your assigned question.
• Share what you find with the group.

7. Academic Writing 2 section 1 – essay structure
Hook
Building
Sentences
Thesis
Statement

8. Academic Writing 2 section 1 – essay structure
Topic Sentence
Supporting
Details
Concluding
Sentence

9. Academic Writing 2 section 1 – essay structure
Topic Sentence
Supporting
Details
Concluding
Sentence

10. Academic Writing 2 section 1 – essay structure
Topic
Sentence
Supporting
Details
Concluding
Sentence

11. Academic Writing 2 section 1 – essay structure
Re-stated Thesis
Summary of
Main Ideas
Final Thought

12. The end.
Next: Thesis Statements