Diagram of Formal Essay Structure
Introductory Paragraph
Thesis Statement
Subtopics
(introduction of three
arguments)
Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
State point/Quote proof or example/Explain
Powerful Concluding Sentence
Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
State point/Quote proof or example/Explain
Powerful Concluding Sentence
Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
State point/Quote proof or example/Explain
Powerful Concluding Sentence
Concluding Paragraph
Restate Thesis
Restate Three
Subtopics/Arguments
Insight
Essay Planning Tool
Thesis Statement
Example
Opening Statement:
Kelly uses his characters in the film Donnie Darko to
comment on the degeneration of society and the
inevitability of fate.
Argument One
Example Topic Sentence
Proof/Quote:
The story within the story functions as a symbol for the
inevitability of fate.
Commentary:
Argument Two
Proof/Quote:
Example Topic Sentence
Donnie Darko is a hero who must succumb to his fate.
Argument Three
Example Topic Sentence
Donnie’s fate becomes a symbol for the doomed fate of
society.
Commentary:
Proof/Quote:
Commentary:
Other points:
Conclusion (Restatement of Thesis)
Example
Fate becomes a symbol for the road that society is
traveling in our post-modern age.