Essay Structure

Introduction

The introduction prepares the reader for the essay.

It normally:

• introduces the topic
• gives necessary context
• narrows the focus
• presents the thesis or central idea

Avoid explaining every argument in detail before the essay has begun.

Body paragraphs

The body is where you develop your ideas.

Each paragraph should normally focus on one main idea. That idea should then be explained, supported and connected to the essay’s overall purpose.

If a paragraph suddenly moves from social media to school funding to climate change, the reader will struggle to understand its purpose.

Conclusion

The conclusion brings the essay together.

It should:

• return to the central question or thesis
• summarise the overall reasoning
• show what the arguments lead to

A conclusion should not simply copy the introduction.

Topic: Should homework be reduced?

Introduction

• Introduce the debate around homework.
• Explain why the issue matters.
• Thesis: Schools should reduce the amount of routine homework given to students.

Body paragraph 1

Homework can increase students’ workload without always improving learning.

Body paragraph 2

Reducing routine homework could create more time for sleep, exercise and independent reading.

Body paragraph 3

Counterargument: homework can provide useful practice.

Response: targeted practice can still be assigned when it has a clear purpose.

Conclusion

Bring the arguments together and return to the thesis.

1. Decide what your essay needs to answer.
2. Write down your main ideas before you start.
3. Put the ideas in a logical order.
4. Give each major idea its own paragraph.
5. Check that every paragraph contributes to the essay’s purpose.
6. Write the introduction and conclusion so that they frame the same central argument.

Weak: The introduction contains most of the essay’s argument.

Better: Introduce the topic and thesis, then develop the reasoning in the body.

Weak: Paragraph order feels random.

Better: Choose an order based on logic, importance, chronology or another clear principle.

Weak: The conclusion introduces a completely new argument.

Better: Develop important arguments in the body and use the conclusion to bring them together.

Put these parts in the most logical order:

1. Conclusion
2. Second main argument
3. Introduction and thesis
4. First main argument
5. Counterargument and response

Answer: 3 → 4 → 2 → 5 → 1. Other arrangements can sometimes work, but the essay should move logically from the introduction through the argument to the conclusion.

• Structure helps the reader follow your reasoning.
• The introduction establishes the direction of the essay.
• Body paragraphs develop one main idea at a time.
• Paragraph order should be logical.
• The conclusion brings the essay together rather than starting a new discussion.