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Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Essays
Definition of an Essay
Structure of an Essay
Importance of Introduction Paragraph
2. Introduction Paragraph
General Overview of Introduction
Components of a Well-Crafted Introduction
Function of Thesis Statement
3. Body Paragraphs
Purpose and Role in the Essay
Structure and Organization
Use of Transition Phrases
4. Conclusion Paragraph
Significance of Conclusion
Components of a Well-Rounded Conclusion
Final Thought and its Impact
5. Useful Vocabulary
Showing Order of Ideas
Introducing Additional Ideas
Providing Examples
Concluding Statements
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What’s an essay?
An academic essay is a structured piece of writing that presents an argument or analysis
on a particular topic. It is typically composed by college-level students as a means of
demonstrating their understanding of a subject and their ability to critically engage with it.
Introduction Paragraph:
Essays typically adhere to a structured format comprising an introduction, body, and
conclusion. The introduction serves as a roadmap for the essay, outlining the central
argument. It adopts an inverted triangle shape, guiding readers from general perspectives
on the analyzed topics to the specific theme of the essay. Thus, it comprises two distinct
parts: general statements and the thesis statement. The thesis statement encapsulates the
main idea of the essay, providing a clear direction for subsequent discussion. For instance,
"As more and more people integrate the internet into their work and private lives, we will
see a dramatic increase in both written and verbal communication skills." This thesis
statement delineates the two supporting ideas—increased written and verbal
communication skills—that will be expounded upon in the body paragraphs. Therefore, a
well-crafted introductory paragraph:
Introduces the reader to the general topic.
Offers brief background information on the topic's significance.
Outlines the order in which ideas will be presented.
Clearly presents the main points in the thesis statement.
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Body Paragraphs:
The body paragraphs, represented as rectangles in the diagram, focus on supporting the
thesis statement's ideas. Each paragraph delves into a single topic, directly addressing the
points outlined in the thesis statement in the specified order. This sequential arrangement
ensures coherence and clarity in the essay's argumentation. For instance, the topic sentence
for the first body paragraph could be: "Firstly, writing skills naturally improve with internet
use, since almost all online communication is conducted through the written word."
Similarly, the second body paragraph could begin with: "Secondly, while internet users
become more proficient at writing, their spoken communication skills will also improve
because writing will give them practice organizing and expressing their ideas." Thus, a
well-constructed body paragraph:
Focuses on one main idea.
Follows the order outlined in the thesis statement.
Elaborates on the main idea with sufficient detail.
Conclusion Paragraph:
The conclusion paragraph, resembling a triangle, comprises two parts: the concluding
sentence and the final thought. The concluding sentence mirrors the introduction by
summarizing the essay's main points or reiterating the thesis statement. Meanwhile, the
final thought broadens the essay's focus, concluding with a compelling statement that
leaves a lasting impression on the reader. For example, "To conclude, both written and
spoken communication skills can be improved through the widespread use of the internet
at home, at school, and at work." A well-rounded conclusion:
Recapitulates the main points or restates the thesis in different words.
Offers comments or recommendations for further discussion.
Avoids introducing new material.
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USEFUL VOCABULARY:
To Show the Order of the Ideas:
To start with, To begin with, First, Second, Third, Also, First of all, Secondly,
Thirdly, In addition, Firstly.
To Show Additional Ideas:
Besides, Moreover, Also, In addition, Furthermore.
To Show Examples:
For instance, For example, To illustrate.
To Show Conclusion:
To conclude, In conclusion, To sum up, To summarize, In summary, In short, In
brief.
