Improving the “Flow” of an Essay:
Developing Ideas, Building Support, and Organizing
Forming a Strong Thesis and Creating an Outline
A thesis is a critical, reasoned, well-researched opinion on the topic about which one
is writing. It is the main claim, the argument that one will develop and support
throughout the essay. A thesis should be phrased as a statement (not a question),
and should consist of one’s own words. While one may choose to include a quote as
part of the thesis, a quote cannot be the thesis. A thesis should be specific enough to
signal what, in particular, the paper is about, but broad enough to encompass all of
the major elements of the argument.
When developing a thesis, think carefully about the assignment. Is there a particular
question to answer or connections to make? If one is being asked to develop their own
topic for their thesis, the brainstorming strategies should be utilized (annotation,
clustering, listing) and determine which idea seemed most intriguing, and why it matters.
When developing a thesis, one must always remember to ask themself: So what?
Writing an Introduction
There is no single correct order in which to write an essay. Some people prefer to write
both the introduction and conclusion first, filling in the body paragraphs later, while others
prefer to write the body paragraphs first and use them to determine what they will say in
the introduction. Whatever process works best for the individual is the process one should
use. However, for the purposes of this workshop, we will begin with the beginning of the
essay: the introduction. The introduction has a number of purposes:
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To grab the reader’s attention
To introduce the issues or give a background on the topic
To present the thesis of the paper
There are a number of strategies for hooking the reader’s attention. When writing your
introduction, you may want to include one or more of the following:
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startling statistic or fact
a vivid example
a description or an image
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a quotation or a bit of dialogue
a question
an anecdote
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Developing Body Paragraphs
Focusing on a main point:
According to Rules for Writers, a strong paragraph should be “unified around a main point.
The point should be clear to readers, and every sentence in the paragraph should relate to
it” (50). This main point is called the “topic sentence” of the paragraph. If the essay is
properly outlined/organized, that main point should be a piece of evidence that supports
the thesis.
Using Transitions:
When moving from one paragraph to the next, it is important to use transitional phrases at
the beginning and end of each paragraph to show how this paragraph relates to the other
paragraphs within the essay. Transitions help improve the flow and clarity of the paper.
Transitions between paragraphs are just as important as they are between sentences.
When beginning a new paragraph, always signal to the reader whether this paragraph will
build on something stated in previous paragraphs or seemingly contradict it, whether this
paragraph is introducing a new idea, or is the last paragraph of the paper. Below is list of
common transitional words:
To Show Similarity: also, in the same way, just as … so too, likewise, similarly
To Show Contrast: but, however, in spite of, on the one hand … on the other hand,
nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet
To Show Sequence/Time: first, second, third, … next, then, finally after, afterward, at last,
before, currently, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously, subsequently, then
To Show an Example: for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate
To Show Emphasis: even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly
To Show Cause and Effect: accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus
To Show Additional Support or Evidence: additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides,
equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then
To Signal a Conclusion/Summary: finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, in the
end, in the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in sum, to sum up, in
summary
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Adding Supporting Details:
A paragraph should provide details that support the topic sentence (and therefore, the
thesis). It is important to provide enough detail for the connection between that paragraph,
so that the thesis is clear.
Incorporating Research
Writing assignments will require using outside sources. When writing a research paper, the
thesis should be supported by the research done, and the body paragraphs should
incorporate quotes or facts from the research. Here are a few things to keep in mind when
using outside sources:
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Always make sure sources are appropriate for an academic paper. If a professor is expecting
academic sources, quotes from Wikipedia, “Natureisfun.com,” or an internet blog aren’t
sufficient. If help is needed finding academic sources, students can always ask for assistance
at the WRC or at the library. The Xavier University library website has a number of
databases where one can search for academic sources on a variety of subjects: the website
address is:
http://www.xula.edu/library/onlineresources.php
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Make sure all sources are cited properly, using MLA, APA, or whatever citation format the
professor has specified. Having incorrectly cited sources in writing assignments may be
considered plagiarism. Information on how to cite sources can be found in Diana Hacker’s
Rules for Writers and you may always come to the WRC for further assistance.
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Make sure to not simply summarize or restate the information uncovered in your research.
Even when writing a paper that incorporates outside sources, one must demonstrate an
understanding of the topic by stating things in their own words, and using the research to
support their own argument, while coming to their own conclusion.
Writing the Conclusion
Many writers struggle with writing the conclusion, but it is important to carefully craft that
final paragraph because the conclusion is often what the reader remembers best. The
conclusion of a paper should
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Summarize and synthesize the points made in the body of the essay.
A strong conclusion doesn’t simply restate the thesis or repeat information from the
paper; a strong conclusion elaborates on the thesis and shows how all of the points
fit together to make an argument.
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Give the paper a sense of completeness.
Writers do not want the reader to feel like the paper ended abruptly. Using
transition words can help to signal to the reader that this is the conclusion.
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Leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Though the conclusion should not introduce any major new information (this
belongs in the body paragraphs or should not be in the paper at all), the conclusion
should offer some additional insight. Connect the issues discussed in the paper to
some global concern or speculate on future implications of the issue. Writers want
to instill in the reader the sense that the paper was important and meaningful.
As with writing the introduction, writers may want to incorporate one or more stylistic
techniques to strengthen the conclusion. One may wish to include an anecdote, a final,
meaningful quote, or even a “call to arms,” charging the readers with a duty they must carry
out.
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