Organizing an Academic Essay

References

© 2001 by Ruth Luman

Introduction

Conclusion

Body Paragraphs

Introduction What is an essay ?

An essay is a piece of writing that usually has five or more

paragraphs. An essay is written about one topic that has

several main points. The main points are introduced in an

introductory paragraph and supported in body

paragraphs. The conclusion is the last paragraph.

Essay

Introduction

_____________

Body Paragraph 1

_____________

Body Paragraph 2

_____________

Body Paragraph 3

_____________

Conclusion

_____________

Parts of an Essay An Introduction

An introductory paragraph is the first paragraph in an essay. It contains two parts.

1. An Attention-Getter: a few sentences about your subject that catch the attention of your reader.

2. A Thesis Statement: one sentence that tells your reader the main points of your topic and states the overall “plan” of your essay.

Example An Introduction

Attention-Getter

Thesis Statement

“Metropolitan City is full of charm and scenic beauty, so visitors

from around the world come to enjoy its famous theaters,museums,

countless ethnic restaurants, and scenic wonders. Although

Metropolitan City seems like a paradise, it isn’t. The city has

several serious problems: poor public transportation, congested

streets, and expensive housing”

(Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 92).

Parts of an Essay Body Paragraphs

The body consists of one or more paragraphs following the

introduction. Each paragraph supports the main idea of

your essay by breaking it down into smaller ideas or sub-

topics. Each body paragraph consists of a topic sentence

and several supporting sentences. A conclusion sentence

draws the paragraph together.

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3 Introduction

Example Body Paragraph

Topic Sentence

Supporting Sentences Concluding Sentence

“The first and most important problem is Metropolitan City’s inadequate

public transportation system. Thousands of residents rely on the city’s buses

and streetcars to travel throughout this large city, but Metro Transportation

System’s daily schedules are totally unreliable. A bus or streetcar that should

arrive at 7:45 may not arrive until 8:00 or later. Moreover, it is not unusual

for a bus driver to pass up groups of people waiting for the bus, because he

wants to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, people often end up going to

work late or missing important appointments. In order for people to get to

their destinations on time, people must allow for waiting time at the bus and

streetcar stops” (Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79).

Parts of an Essay Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph is the last paragraph in the essay. It

completes the essay by summarizing or repeating the most

important ideas. The conclusion can also include an opinion, a

prediction, or a solution to a problem.

Body Paragraph 1

Introduction

Conclusion

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

Example Conclusion

Summary of Main Ideas

Prediction

“In conclusion, Metropolitan City must improve its public transit system,

clear up the massive traffic jams caused by slow-moving traffic in the

downtown areas, and keep rentals down to affordable levels. In other words,

Metropolitan City must improve its image, or it will soon become just another

mediocre city due to the lack of administrative responsibility to solve these

unfortunate problems”

(Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79).

Example An Introduction

Attention-Getter

Thesis Statement

Going to a new school can be exciting, but for an international

student, the years of education in a different country can be

difficult and tumultuous. When I first arrived in the U.S. to attend a

university, I was overwhelmed and confused by everything new.

Fortunately, I met three very special friends who made a positive

impact on my life during those years and helped me survive the

trials of being a foreigner in a completely different educational

system.

Example Body Paragraph

Topic Sentence

Supporting Sentences Concluding Sentence

One of the first people I met was Joe Frieda. I first met Joe standing in a

line at the bookstore. I was having a difficult time finding the books for the

English classes I was taking my first semester here. He not only helped me

find my books, but he also gave me some good advice on where to get

tutorial help on campus and where I could find some good restaurants.

We’ve become better friends since then and he has been so helpful in

answering any questions I have about going to school in the U.S. and about

American culture. If I hadn’t met Joe that day, I might still be looking for the

right books for my classes!

“The significance of the kindness that these three people showed me and

the impact that it has made on my life during my experience as an

international student at State University cannot be underestimated. I will

never forget their friendship and will remember their examples of kindness to

me whenever I encounter other foreigners in my own country.

Example Conclusion

Summary of Main Ideas

Promise or Resolution

Overview of an Essay

Body Paragraphs

Support the main ideas of the thesis statement

Begin with topic sentences

Introduction

General statements and information about the topic

Thesis statement- lists the main ideas in the essay

Conclusion

Brief summary of main points of the essay

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

Practice Exercises

Now, you are ready to practice what you’ve learned. Click on

the button below to go back to Unit A. Do the Interactive

Exercise. Then, print and complete the worksheet for Practice

Exercise One.