A basic essay consists of three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. This basic essay format will help you to write and organize an essay. However, flexibility is important. While keeping this basic essay format in mind, let the topic and specific assignment guide the writing and organization.
PARTS OF AN ESSAY
INTRODUCTION
The introduction guides your reader into the paper by grabbing attention and introducing the topic. It should begin with a hook that catches the reader’s interest. This could be a quote, an analogy, a question, etc. After getting the reader’s attention, the introduction should give some background information on the topic. The ideas within the introduction should begin as very general and gradually get more specific until it ends with the thesis statement. (See the Introductions handout for further information.)
THESIS STATEMENT
The thesis statement states concisely the main idea of the essay, sets limits on the topic, and indicates the organization of the essay. The thesis works as a road map for the entire essay, showing the readers what you have to say and how you will support your ideas.
BODY
The body of the essay supports the main points of the thesis. Each point is developed by one or more paragraphs and supported with specific details.
These details include support from books, articles, websites, personal experiences, etc. In addition to this research or support, the author’s own analysis and discussion of the topic is important. This is what ties ideas together and draws conclusions that support the thesis. The body paragraphs should be organized according to the order of ideas set forth in the thesis statement. Refer to “Parts of a Paragraph” below for further information on writing effective body paragraphs.
TRANSITIONS
Transitions help paragraphs connect to each other and to the thesis. They are used both within and between paragraphs to help the paper flow from one topic to the next. These transitions can be one or two words (First, Next, In addition, etc.) or one or two sentences that bring the reader to the next main point. The topic sentence of a paragraph often serves as a transition. (See the Transitions handout for further information.)
CONCLUSION
The conclusion brings together all the main points of the essay. It refers back to and restates the thesis statement. The conclusion leaves readers with a final thought and sense of closure by resolving any ideas brought up in the essay. In the conclusion, new topics or ideas that were not developed in the paper should not be introduced. (See the Conclusions handout for further information.)
CITATIONS
If your paper incorporates research, be sure to give credit to each source. In-text citations and a Works Cited/References/Bibliography page will help ensure that you do not plagiarize. Refer to the MLA Format, APA Format, or Turabian Format handout for help with this.
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