Components

An essay has four basic components:

Introduction with Thesis

Introduces the limited topic to be discussed: Tells the reader what the paper is about.

Body

Supports or develops the thesis with well-developed paragraphs: The heart of the paper.

Conclusion

Brings the paper to a logical conclusion: Tells the reader what the paper is about and answers the question, "So what?"

The attached documents:

Essay Structure v.1 illustrates the relationship between the components.

Introduction_Body_Conclusion includes a brief explanation of each component and lists strategies for the hook and the conclusion.