The Basic Essay structure Or Proper Essay Format
The skill of good essay writing are only evident when a writer is able to discuss and evaluate ideas within a set word limit in a critical and thorough manner. Essays focus on developing an argument or analyzing ideas, rather than on description those ideas. One of the keys to a good argument is a well structured essay. The structure enables the writer to format their argument in portions, all which contribute to the final presentation of a point of view. The essay has three parts.
Introduction
The introduction sets the scene for the whole essay. The purpose of the introduction is to identify the topic, your point of view and the main reasons for your response. For short essays, the introduction is only a paragraph long. However, the introduction of an big paper can stretch upto a few pages. However, all introductions end with a statement of the thesis. The introduction paragraph should also include:
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- An introductory sentence or two related directly to the question.
- A definition or explanation of a key term, cited from your discipline.
- A clear statement about the focus of the essay.
Body
Paragraphs in the body of the essay show your discussion of the main ideas supporting your response to the question. You should build on the arguments within the body by incorporating your research as well as your own synthesis. Make sure you reference each piece of information that you borrow or paraphrase from another source.
Each paragraph should link with the previous paragraph and may include:
- A topic sentence
- Explanation or supporting evidence from the scholarly readings.
- Further evidence from your reading to deepen your discussion.
- Linking of ideas to a scenario or using an example.
- Your comment on and evaluation of these ideas.
- The conclusion sentence to end the paragraph.
Conclusion
The purpose of the conclusion is to summarise and make final evaluative comments. It is important to refer back to the essay question. A well written paragraph summarizes the points that the writer has already discussed in the body of the paper. This means that it should contain no surprises. It should also contain no references as its marely a summary of the things you have discussed in the paper.
This paragraph includes:
- A brief summary of the main ideas presented in the essay.
- Confirmation of the thesis included in the introduction.
- Final evaluative comments on the relative importance of the arguments.
- Comments on the ongoing significance of the topic as an issue that needs further discussion or investigation.