The Essay:Structure and Development

NEC FACET Center

When writing an essay, you will always follow a structure.

Doing so, helps you and your reader stay on track.

Basic 3-Part Structure

Introduction Begins your essay

Body Paragraphs Relay your main points

Conclusion Ends your essay

To convey the full picture, writers must fit these essay parts together like the pieces of a puzzle.

Introductions have several purposes:

They create interest.

Introductions have several purposes:

They introduce your subject.

Introductions have several purposes:

They state a main point or thesis.

Introductions have several purposes:

They set the direction or tone.

Structure of the Introduction

• Writers most commonly use a “funnel” or “inverted pyramid” structure.

• The introduction starts out broad, gradually narrowing to the main point at the end.

• A single sentence thesis statement expresses the essay’s main point.

Structural Diagram of Introduction

thesis statement

1-2 general sentences about broad subject area to be discussed1-2 specific sentences about

the subject area

1-3 general sentences leading into topic

1-3 specific sentences about

topic

Sample Introduction Inflation has raised the

price of groceries to an all-time high. Many are forced to cut corners to stay within the family’s food budget. One way to cut expenses is with a backyard garden. The three most important steps in making a garden are planning, planting, and tending.

BroadOpening

Thesis withstated mainpoints

GradualNarrowingof subject

Expanded Sample Introduction

Inflation has raised the price of groceries to an all time high. A few years ago, a head of lettuce cost 99 cents, but today even a small head is usually at least $1.50. Such increases force the homemaker to cut corners to stay within the family’s food budget. One way to reduce

Broadopening

Example

Gradualnarrowingof topic begins

grocery expenses--and to get pleasure and exercise at the same time--is with the backyard garden. Even the beginner or the true city slicker can grow tomatoes, onions, or salad herbs. Although some research into soil types and fertilizer helps, no extensive knowledge is necessary. If one plans carefully, the hard work of planting and tending will be worth the effort.

Addedexamples,details

Polished thesis with main points

The Thesis

• Before writing introductory paragraphs, writers should know what they want to prove in their essays.

• They should write down this idea in a single sentence.

• The thesis is frequently described as a “subject plus an attitude.”

• Subject: The new factory in town• Subject + attitude = thesis: The new factory in town violates

current pollution control regulations.

• Also, The thesis frequently outlines the writer’s main points:• Subject + attitude + main points = thesis:

The new factory in town violates current pollution control regulations by emitting hazardous gases, dumping waste into Swallow Creek, and failing to provide protective clothing to employees.

Purpose of the Thesis

• The thesis serves as a blueprint for the essay, setting up a plan of what will follow.

• In a sense, the thesis also serves as a contract with the reader, making a promise that the writer must then fulfill.

In the introduction, do not make an announcement:

“In the following paragraphs, I will show . . . .”

The thesis must cover the full subject of an essay--just as an umbrella must cover its subjectLooked at the other way around, all topic sentences and supporting details in the essay’s body paragraphs must directly relate to the thesis.

Thesis

Body Paragraphs

Thesis

Body Paragraphs

• The typical student essay contains an introduction

Body Paragraphs

• The typical student essay contains an introduction

Introduction

Body Paragraphs

• The typical student essay contains an introduction, 3-4 body paragraphs

Bodyparagraph 2

Bodyparagraph 2

Bodyparagraph 3

Bodyparagraph 3

Bodyparagraph 1

Introduction

Body Paragraphs

• The typical student essay contains an introduction, 3-4 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Bodyparagraph 2

Bodyparagraph 2

Bodyparagraph 3

Bodyparagraph 3

Bodyparagraph 1

Introduction

Conclusion

Purpose of the Body

• The body of the essay supports the thesis.

• It attempts to prove that the author’s thesis is correct.

• Body paragraphs may do the following:– Explain reasons– Provide examples &

anecdotes– Present facts & statistics

Paragraph Parts

• Body paragraphs consist of the following parts:a topic sentence a series of supporting sentences a concluding sentence.

Topic Sentences

• Topic sentences resemble thesis statements.

• The thesis expresses the overall point of the entire essay.

• Similarly, the topic sentence expresses the overall point of an individual paragraph.

Scope of Topic Sentences

Just as the thesis must cover the subject of all the body paragraphs, the topic sentence must cover the points of every supporting sentence within that one paragraph.

Providing Coherence

You can create smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs by following a logical method of organization.

Logical Arrangements

Chronological order: arranging events in the order in which they occurred, such as the details of baking a cake.

Mix Bake CoolIce and Decorate

Spatial OrderDescribing from left to right, top to bottom, or near to far, such as describing a scene in the Rocky Mountains.

Climactic Order

Arranging information from least to most important, such as telling about the newest animals at the local zoo.

In addition to using logical order, you can also achieve coherence by using appropriate transitions.

Examples of Transitions addition: furthermore, moreover, also, in

addition, first, second, third comparison: in the same way, likewise,

similarly contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other

hand, on the contrary

More Transitions emphasis: above all, especially, in fact, indeed,

most important result: consequently, therefore, for this reason,

thus, hence, because of this place: above, below, beyond, inside, outside,

nearby, next to, to the south, on the far side, outside

time: afterward, before, currently, during, first, next, finally, gradually, later, meanwhile

Select the best transition.

• I like the old house and think I might buy it. _______, I like the new house too.

Consequently

Above allHowever

Meanwhile

However,

Select the best transition.

• First, I’ll visit England. _____, I’ll travel to the Netherlands and France.

Therefore

Next

Nevertheless

Currently

Indeed

Next

Select the best transition.

• In the foreground, the buildings’ reflections shimmer in the harbor. _______, the skyscrapers stand silhouetted against the sunset.

Beyond that

On the

other

hand

Especially

Thus

Later

Beyond that

The Conclusion

The concluding paragraph gives readers a sense of completion so that the essay doesn’t seem to end abruptly.

Techniques for a Conclusion

• Restate the thesis in different words.• Summarize briefly.• Emphasize the importance of the subject.• Discuss implications for the reader.• Suggest action if appropriate for subject.

A Techniques to Avoid in a Conclusion

• Do not announce what you have just done.

• Example: “As the past few paragraphs have demonstrated, . . .”

Other Techniques to Avoid

• Do not apologize for your lack of expertise.

• Do not simply repeat what you have said previously.

Essay writing can be enjoyable if you follow these structure and development tips.