Essay Structure
Introduction
Go from the general to the specific. Start with a broad topic and narrow the parameters until you
are discussing the specific focus of your essay. Describe what your essay will prove and give
some indication how it will do so.
THESIS
HOOK
Your introduction should do three things: get the reader’s attention, discuss the general topic
your essay will address, and state your thesis. The inverted triangle (or inverted pyramid as it is
often called), represents that you should move from general to specific.
Your hook is the first sentence of your essay. It should grab the reader and compel them to keep
reading.
Once you have the reader’s attention, gradually move towards your thesis by discussing the
broader topic that your essay relates to. If you are writing about a specific character’s ambition,
you could start by discussing ambition in general.
The final sentence of your introduction should be your thesis statement. Your thesis conveys the
essence or point of your essay. It is a single sentence stating your argument.
Introduction Sample
Hook
General Discussion
Thesis
Which would you rather have, a friend who hangs around only when they want something from
you and otherwise couldn’t care less, or a friend who thinks you are the most important being on
earth and lives for your affection? The latter seems an obvious choice, but perhaps not to
everyone, for this question gets to the heart of an age-old argument with fierce advocates on
either side: are dogs better than cats? Few topics elicit such passionate positions and beliefs. Put
simply, there are dog people, and there are cat people. But if we examine the question
objectively, if we put aside our personal preferences and focus on the facts, a clear determination
arises. Dogs are better than cats.
Body Paragraphs
Topic Sentence – The first sentence of each body paragraph must indicate what the paragraph is
about.
Points, explanation, and evidence – The bulk of each body paragraph consists of points and
arguments supported by explanation and evidence.
Transition Sentence – Finally, you must finish with a sentence that leads into your next
paragraph.
Body paragraphs have three main parts: topic sentence, arguments and evidence, and a transition
sentence.
The topic sentence simply states what the paragraph is about.
After that, you must present your points, explain them, and provide evidence to support them.
Evidence can be direct quotes or specific references to the text.
Essay Structure
Finally, you need a transition sentence to lead into the next paragraph.
Body Paragraph Sample
Topic Sentence
Arguments and Evidence
Transition
The most obvious way in which dogs are better than cats is the devotion they exhibit towards
their masters. Dogs form remarkably strong bonds with their masters. In many ways, dogs live to
please their human companions. It is an unconditional, complete devotion. When a human
praises a dog, the dog is overjoyed and shows its pleasure by wagging its tail vigorously.
If a human scolds a dog, it exhibits remorse and sadness. These are signs of devotion cats simply
do not provide. Cats will purr when they are happy, but this requires some effort on your part.
You must rub their chins and pet them or give them treats to elicit such a response. Dogs, on the
other hand, show their devotion and affection without nearly as much prompting. In fact, there
are many examples of dogs risking their own lives to save their human friends. In 2005, after
hurricane Katrina demolished and flooded much of New Orleans, a black Labrador named
(ironically also named Katrina) risked her life to save her drowning master. A golden retriever
named Brutis nearly died after it grabbed a coral snake as it approached a young child. Brutis
received the annual National Hero Dog for his trouble. Cats, needless to say, are known for
putting themselves in harm’s way to help humans. This reluctance of cats to help humans in
need belies another of their shortcomings: their aloof attitude.
Conclusion
Finish by showing how essay is relevant to the broader topic. Try to provoke further thought by
making connections, asking questions, etc. Summarize the main points of essay. Go over each
topic in the order they were addressed in your body paragraphs.
RESTATE THESIS STATEMENT
Like the introduction, the conclusion must accomplish three things: restate your thesis,
summarize your points, and provoke further thought. The conclusion’s structure is exactly
opposite that of the introduction. In the conclusion, move from specific to general.
First, restate your thesis in its strongest, most persuasive form. This is your last chance to make
your argument stick.
Second, summarize the main points of essay. Remind your reader why they should agree with
your thesis.
Finally, try to provoke further thought by connecting your argument to the broader topic. You
can do this by making strong statements, asking questions, and/or making final observations. If
you are successful, your reader will come away thinking about your points.
Essay Structure
Conclusion Sample
Restate Thesis
Summarize Points
Provoke Thought
And so, without doubt or timidity, one can safely say that dogs are the superior household pet.
They are far more affectionate, devoted, and helpful than their feline competitors. Dogs have
been humanity’s best friend for centuries, helping us catch vermin, herd livestock, and protect
our homes. They have also been humanities best animal friends, providing companionship
through difficult and easy times alike. Dogs are remarkable creatures and deserve to be
treated with love and respect. If only our human friends were so loyal and dedicated.