This document discusses essay organization and structure. It provides examples of different ways to organize an essay, including sequentially, chronologically, spatially, by division/classification, decreasing/increasing order of importance, and generally to specifically. It also discusses introducing and concluding paragraphs. Introductions should hook the reader, connect to the theme, and introduce the main point/thesis. Conclusions should mirror the introduction, restate main points and how they fit together, and leave the reader with something to think about.

1. Essay Structure and Organization Natasha Luepke

2. AgendaEssay OrganizationEssay StructureIntrosConclusions

3. SequentialChronologicalSpatialDivision and classificationDecreasing order of importanceIncreasing order of importanceGeneral to specificComparison Some Ways to Organize

4. Making a sandwichPosting to the Kaplan discussion boardDinner optionsUsing a new database at the officePros and cons of using emailExplaining why your favorite TV is the bestWhat are some ways to organize the following?

5. Thinking about StructureAn essay’s “skeleton”General to specific, specific to generalHook the readerExplain main point (thesis)Support main pointReiterate main points

8. IntroductionsHook the reader. Draw them in. Strategies: A surprising fact, a startling statistic.Connect this to the essay’s theme. Why should the reader care?Expand on this.Move into the paper’s main point.

9. IntroductionsHook the reader. Draw them in. Strategies: A surprising fact, a startling statistic.“Many people do not realize that 75% of all paper is thrown away, instead of recycled (Smith, 2009).”Connect this to the essay’s theme. Why should the reader care?“This translates to a lot of wasted resources and a lot of wasted money.”Expand on this.“However, there are many things this company can do to save both.”Move into the paper’s main point:“Creating a company-wide recycling program will benefit not only the environment, but this company’s bottom line.”Is the thesis debatable? Yes. Why? Maybe there are better ways to save money. Maybe it will cost too much money to start this program. Maybe the company should do more than just start a recycling program.

10. Sample Intro Many people do not realize that 75% of all paper is thrown away, instead of recycled (Smith, 2009). This translates to a lot of wasted resources and a lot of wasted money. However, there are many things this company can do to save both. Creating a company-wide recycling program will benefit not only the environment, but this company’s bottom line.

11. ConclusionsMirror the introNO new ideasRestate main points/how they fit togetherLeave the reader with something to think about

12. ConclusionsRestate main points:“While it a recycling program might initially cost the company in the short run, in the long run, it will pay for itself. Recycling will save paper, save, money, and save time.”Show how they fit together:“In turn, this company can spend more time on the important things, such as designing useful products and offering terrific customer service. This will improve the company’s image and allow it to reach new customers.”Leave the reader with something to think about:“By helping the environment, this company can also help its employees, and itself.”

13. Sample ConclusionWhile it a recycling program might initially cost the company in the short run, in the long run, it will pay for itself. Recycling will save paper, save, money, and save time. In turn, this company can spend more time on the important things, such as designing useful products and offering terrific customer service. This will improve the company’s image and allow it to reach new customers. By helping the environment, this company can also help its employees, and itself.