The structure of an essay
The main components of an essay are the introduction, body, and conclusion. The paragraphs within an essay usually follow the outline in the introduction and the information/arguments are presented in a logical order.
Writing the introduction
Despite being the start of an essay, the introduction is usually written after you have finished the first draft of the main body. The purpose of the introduction is to inform the reader about the purpose and direction of your essay.
Introductions usually include the following:
Begins with a brief general statement setting the essay in a context (connecting it to the world). You want to start with something interesting and informative that will grab the reader’s attention and encourage them to read on.
Outlines the stages of the discussion (a clear outline of what you will cover in the main section; the main ideas that will be presented, and the order in which they will be presented).
A thesis statement, which summarises the essay in one sentence, and contains a point of view.
The limitations that control the discussion (e.g., the specific period, place, issues that will be discussed). This narrows the topic to address the specific assignment question.
While there are no set rules to the sequence or inclusion of these stages, generally the principle is, to begin with general information/statements and become more specific or focused during the introduction.
Writing the body
The body is the largest part of your essay and made up of connected paragraphs. The aim here is not just to provide a summary, but a critical evaluation that draws together various findings and interprets their meaning. For this, you need to read extensively about your topic and then group ideas, explain differences and integrate those findings so that the reader can benefit from your ability to comprehensively pull together various findings.
The topic sentences carry the theme or outline of the essay and relate directly back to the thesis statement. This creates logical development and flow of the argument.
The body of your essay will include these features:
Structured argument and discussion. The body must be structured clearly. Each paragraph should make a point, and possibly sub-points, illustrating, and, possibly, qualifying the sub-point(s). More information on how to structure a paragrah and develop an argument is provided on the two videos here.
One idea or main point to a paragraph, more information on paragraph formation is provided in the video.
A logical progression of ideas (as outlined in the introduction). This means writing a plan before you start so that you can see at a glance where the structural problems lie. It might make sense to follow a chronological sequence or to address the points raised in the title separately.
Support must be given to statements using evidence (e.g., research studies, quotes, examples, statistics). This supporting detail is the material that backs up the argument of the paper. This more substantial content can be regarded as evidence for the briefer statements in the introduction.
Each paragraph will follow on, or be linked to the next paragraph through a transition (ending) and introductory sentences; this means that ideally, the end of a paragraph should prepare the reader for the point made in the next paragraph. Download the CSU linking words guide: Linking words and phrases.PDF
All opinions must be informed (backed by evidence) and do not include broad generalisations and unsubstantiated discussions.
As you advance through your degree it is expected you will be able to absorb information, discriminate between views, evaluate problems connected with the topic content, and, most importantly, communicate views and problems logically and understandably. If you are just starting your degree (i.e., first-year) you are expected to start to learn and develop these skills. The academic skills area has a range of resources to assist you.
Writing the conclusion
Your conclusion should be about 10% of the word count (one or two paragraphs relative to the length of the essay). The conclusion should draw together your main ideas and topics covered in the body of your essay, its primary function is to summarise (not repeat) the main points and how they are related and confirm the thesis stated in the introduction. The conclusion should always leave the reader with a sense of completion so new ideas should not be introduced here. It is good practice to use indicators such as “In summary” or “In conclusion”.
The introduction and conclusion, when read together, should give a good overview of the essay's thesis/main argument, the main topic areas and the main points/claims. The difference between these two sections is that the introduction focusses on the subject (i.e., essay question) whereas the conclusion focusses on the argument. Most conclusions contain the following:
Establishes the main points of your discussion
Draws together the main ideas of the essay in a summary of the major points/arguments raised in the body and how they are related.
Rephrases the thesis (often as your final concluding statement).
