Essay Structure - Introduction

So now that you've read the general format of an essay, here's how to write your first paragraph.

An introduction with the background and thesis (1st paragraph):

• The introduction is the first thing your reader will read, as it is your first paragraph. You may start by using a "Hook", which is the attention grabber to what your essay will be about. This could be a quote or a general fact that foreshadows your whole essay.
• The sentences after your Hook will be your topic introduction and topic sentences, where you tell the reader what your essay is going to be about. This will inform the reader on the general scope of your essay.
• Arguably the most important part of any essay, the thesis is your last sentence of the first paragraph, stating your claim along with a brief overview of your support. This will define what your next few paragraphs will be about. 

Here is an example of going from outline to essay:
Outline
Title: How to Play Tennis
I.Introduction paragraph
     A. Hook: tennis around the world
     B. Introduction of topic: playing tennis
     C. Thesis: proper equipment, necessary strokes, keep score, places to play

Essay
There are many different competitions around the world regarding tennis. Although people watch this fascinating sport, many people do not fully understand the game. The best way to understand a sport is to play it. Therefore, in order to play tennis, you should have the proper equipment, learn the necessary strokes and how to keep score, and become familiar with places to play.

Hopefully, this helped you understand the introductory paragraph. Come back next time to find out how to do the body of the essay.

Good luck!
-The CAS English Blog 

General Essay Structure

If you have ever taken a class in an academic institution, then you will definitely face a conundrum every college student will encounter – writing an essay. It's simple to understand why someone might question the purpose of writing essays. It’s tedious, boring and dull. So why would your instructor give you such a mind-boggling task?

You unconsciously read or heard an informal essay if you've ever watched television, listened to the radio, or looked at a billboard. Each of these things are trying to tell you something by having a "voice".

It’s important for you, the student, to have a voice for the sake of your academic success. 

Just like advertisements, your "voice" needs to have structure. Understanding essay structure will help create an essay that is not only easy to read, but  also easy to understand.

The essay structure generally consists of:

1. An introduction with your background and thesis (1st paragraph)
2. The support for your claim with evidence and commentary (2nd - 4th paragraph)
3. Your conclusion. (Last paragraph)

These are all separated into different paragraphs, typically mapped by an outline, a helpful tool for writers to create a well written essay. The outline will help you model your essay quickly before writing.

Make sure to note what format your instructor would like your essay to be in (MLA, APA, etc.) and what type of essay (expository, descriptive, persuasive, narrative).

Here is a visual representation:

The next post will be about the first paragraph - your background and thesis statement. 

Stay tuned for more information!

-The CAS English Blog