Organizing an
Academic Essay
Conclusion
Introduction
Body
Paragraphs
© 2001 by Ruth Luman
References
Introduction
What is an essay ?
An essay is a piece of writing that usually has five 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
_____________
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.
Example
An Introduction
General Statements
“Metropolitan City is full of charm and scenic beauty, so visitors
from around the world come to enjoy its famous theaters,museums,
countless ethnic restaurants, and scenic wonders. Although
Metropolitan City seems like a paradise, it isn’t. The city has
several serious problems: poor public transportation, congested
streets, and expensive housing”
(Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 92).
Thesis Statement
Parts of an Essay
Body Paragraphs
The body consists of one or more paragraphs following the
introduction. Each paragraph supports the main idea of
your essay by breaking it down into smaller ideas or subtopics. Each body paragraph consists of a topic sentence
and several supporting sentences. A conclusion sentence
draws the paragraph together.
Introduction
Body
Paragraph 1
Body
Paragraph 2
Body
Paragraph 3
Example
Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
“The first and most important problem is Metropolitan City’s inadequate
public transportation system. Thousands of residents rely on the city’s buses
and streetcars to travel throughout this large city, but Metro Transportation
System’s daily schedules are totally unreliable. A bus or streetcar that should
arrive at 7:45 may not arrive until 8:00 or later. Moreover, it is not unusual
for a bus driver to pass up groups of people waiting for the bus, because he
wants to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, people often end up going to
work late or missing important appointments. In order for people to get to
their destinations on time, people must allow for waiting time at the bus and
streetcar stops” (Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79).
Concluding Sentence
Supporting Sentences
Parts of an Essay
Conclusion
The conclusion paragraph is the last paragraph in the essay. It
completes the essay by summarizing or repeating the most
important ideas. The conclusion can also include an opinion, a
prediction, or a solution to a problem.
Introduction
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
Conclusion
Example
Conclusion
Summary of Main Ideas
“In conclusion, Metropolitan City must improve its public transit system,
clear up the massive traffic jams caused by slow-moving traffic in the
downtown areas, and keep rentals down to affordable levels. In other words,
Metropolitan City must improve its image, or it will soon become just another
mediocre city due to the lack of administrative responsibility to solve these
unfortunate problems”
(Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79).
Prediction
Example
An Introduction
General Statements
Going to a new school can be exciting, but for an international
student, the years of education in a different country can be
difficult and tumultuous. When I first arrived in the U.S. to attend a
university, I was overwhelmed and confused by everything new.
Fortunately, I met three very special friends who made a positive
impact on my life during those years and helped me survive the
trials of being a foreigner in a completely different educational
system.
Thesis Statement
Example
Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
One of the first people I met was Joe Frieda. I first met Joe standing in a
line at the bookstore. I was having a difficult time finding the books for the
English classes I was taking my first semester here. He not only helped me
find my books, but he also gave me some good advice on where to get
tutorial help on campus and where I could find some good restaurants.
We’ve become better friends since then and he has been so helpful in
answering any questions I have about going to school in the U.S. and about
American culture. If I hadn’t met Joe that day, I might still be looking for the
right books for my classes!
Concluding Sentence
Supporting Sentences
Example
Conclusion
Summary of Main Ideas
“The significance of the kindness that these three people showed me and
the impact that it has made on my life during my experience as an
international student at State University cannot be underestimated. I will
never forget their friendship and will remember their examples of kindness to
me whenever I encounter other foreigners in my own country.
Promise or Resolution
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
Practice Exercises
Now, you are ready to practice what you’ve learned. Click on
the button below to go back to Unit A. Do the Interactive
Exercise. Then, print and complete the worksheet for Practice
Exercise One.