A Brief Introduction to Structuring an Essay

Brought to You by The Writing Center

University of ScrantonScranton, PA

Key Organizational ElementsActive, controlling thesisAnchor paragraphsConclusion

ThesisMust express the unifying ideaMust be active and concise

(?) does (?) to (?)Must be easily identifiable

Anchor ParagraphsIntroduce, but do not necessarily complete,

the development of an area of discussionLead into one or more subparagraphs which

will resolve the particular area of development

Develop the entire weight of support for the thesis herein

ConclusionThe conclusion should concentrate the

argument of the rest of the paper and, based on that argument, forcefully restate (not repeat) the thesis.

Essential SkillsTransition sentencesActive verb useUnity of intentLogical progression

TransitioningBridging between paragraphs

Link the last idea of one paragraph to the first idea of the next and/or

Use the same noun or verb in the last sentence of one paragraph and the first sentence of the next

Active verb useWhen writing an essay, always prefer active

over passive voice.Example:

Passive: The ball was hit by the boy. Active: The boy hit the ball.Avoid using forms of the verb “to be” (i.e.,

“is”, “are”, etc.) whenever possible.

Unity of IntentAll information cited should relate to the

thesisEach paragraph should address one and only

one topic

Logical ProgressionIdeas must flow into each other

Progress chronologicallyProgress from the general to the specificGive background first and then analyze details

relevant to the thesis

OutlineThesis ¶

Thesis

Anchor ¶ IIntroduction

Background (if necessary)

Sub¶s to A¶I (if necessary)

Anchor ¶ II

Anchor ¶ III (more may follow if necessary)

Area 1

Sub¶s to A¶III (if necessary)

Sub¶s to A¶II (if necessary)

Area 2

Conclusion

Need More Help?For more extensive help, visit

The Writing CenterRoom 588 D

Saint Thomas Hall(570) 941-6147