Essay Writing 101
Essay writing
Structure.
STEP ONE:
Unpack your chosen topic
Always select the topic you feel you
could talk most about.
 Define the key terms

STEP TWO:
Conduct Research
This means work:
 Start with summaries – review class slides
and textbooks
 Consult the internet – but be sure to use
reliable sources
 Read, read, read.
 Take careful notes always in your own
words.
STEP THREE:
Decide your contention and
supporting arguments
Once you feel you understand the topic, write
your contention (i.e., your key argument).
If you think of your topic as a question, your
contention is a one sentence to answer it.
 Come up with three reasons that support your
argument. These will become your topic sentences
for your three body paragraphs.

STEP FIVE:
Create Outline

Build out your evidence and how it supports
your arguments. Keep researching to find
more evidence examples.
Parts of an Essay
Conclusion
Introduction
Body
Paragraphs
Introduction
What is an essay ?
An essay is a piece of writing that usually has three or
more paragraphs. An essay is written about one topic
that has several main points. The main points are
introduced in an introductory paragraph and supported
in body paragraphs. The conclusion is the last
paragraph.
Essay
Introduction
_____________
Body Paragraph 1
_____________
Body Paragraph 2
_____________
Body Paragraph 3
_____________
Conclusion
_____________
Overview of an Essay
Introduction
Body
Paragraph 1
Body Paragraphs
Support the main
ideas of the thesis
statement
Begin with topic
sentences
Body
Paragraph 2
General statements
and information
about the topic
Thesis statementlists the main ideas
in the essay
Body
Paragraph 3
Conclusion
Brief summary of
main points of the
essay
The Hamburger Method
 Essays, like sandwiches or burgers, are
divided into different parts.
 Introduction
 Body
 Conclusion
Parts of an Essay
An Introduction
An introductory paragraph is the first paragraph in an
essay. It contains two parts.
1. General Statements: a few sentences about your
subject that catch the attention of your reader.
2. A Thesis Statement: one sentence that tells your
reader the main points of your topic and states the
overall “plan” of your essay.
Parts of an Essay
Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs supports the main idea of
your essay by breaking it down into smaller ideas. Each
paragraph should follow a TEEL paragraph structure:
Parts of an Essay
Conclusion
The conclusion paragraph is the last paragraph in the essay. It
completes the essay by summarising or repeating the most
important ideas.
Introduction
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
Conclusion
No new argument
should be
introduced in a
Conclusion!
Example
An Introduction
General Statements
Many students around the world travel to school every day, but how
they get there can make a big difference to their health, the
environment, and the community. In today’s society, more students
are being driven to school than ever before, which has led to
concerns about traffic congestion, pollution, and physical inactivity.
Students should walk, cycle or use public transport to get to school
when possible. It would improve health and wellbeing; ease traffic
on our roads and reduce pollution.
Thesis Statement
Example
Body Paragraph
Example
Conclusion
Summary of Main Ideas
In conclusion, here are many reasons why students should not be driven to
school. It could improve everyone’s health and wellbeing, reduce traffic
and help the environment.
Linking Words
The conclusion paragraph is the last paragraph in the essay. It
completes the essay by summarising or repeating the most
important ideas.