Essay Structure

Structure

There is a simple structure to any essay.

These are the parts and they always go in this order. Introduction First Paragraph Second Paragraph Third Paragraph Conclusion

Introduction

An introduction sets up your essay and includes these elements (and often in this order). Starting sentence with the name of the text

and author. A restatement of the question. A few sentences showing that you know what

the text is about. A short statement indicating what your general

answer is.▪ You might want to signal what your major points are.

Paragraphs

There are three of these and they all have the same structure. Begin with a topic sentence which states the

point you are trying to make in this paragraph. Show some evidence from the text which shows

what you mean. Use a direct quote if you can. Explain the link between the evidence and the

point you are making in your topic sentence. Link your point back to the question for the

whole essay.

Conclusion

This wraps up your essay. This is not the place to introduce

new points or quotes. Restate the question. Briefly restate your main points (from

your paragraphs). Finish with a clear statement of what

your answer is to the question asked.