essay writing main points

• Essay Editor

Structure of the Essay: Essential Tips and Guidelines

When the time to apply for college comes, you will be expected to know how to structure an essay. The basic components of an essay structure are fairly straightforward, and once you learn them, you will gain the necessary skills in writing. Students everywhere are expected to have mastered this by the time they are ready for college.

What is more difficult is structuring essays appropriately with the ideas at hand. We will discuss how to do this correctly in the sections below.

The important thing in learning how to master essay writing is to start writing essays early so that you can get a lot of practice. By the time you get to the point of writing your college application, it should come to you easily.

What types of essay structures are there?

There are several main types of essay structures that students can choose, and each includes a different topic approach depending on the subjects and how you want to present them. Each essay structure is different and requires different body paragraphs.

The compare and contrast essay

Compare and contrast writing essays are ways of comparing two or more things by means of a common theme. This can include discussing anything from different countries' political structures to different kinds of ice cream or whatever suits your purpose.

You are usually choosing a problem you can relate to. The point is that you follow the structural and stylistic rules. You can use a cause-and-effect approach to illustrate your point.

Template outline

Introduction.

• Problem introduction
• Relevant background
• Imply your solution approach
• Detailed problem definition
• Outline the importance of the problem
• Provide information on the previous methods and approaches to the problem
• Describe your approach and its benefits
• Apply the chosen method to the problem
• Outline the solution you received
• Outline the results of the solution
• Mention the occurred issues
• Closing Statement

Example of the compare and contrast essay structure

Urban traffic congestion is a growing issue in cities, causing delays, pollution, and stress.

As urban populations rise, infrastructure hasn’t kept pace, worsening the problem.

I propose using smart traffic management systems, which leverage real-time data and AI to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Traffic congestion occurs when road demand exceeds capacity, resulting in slow-moving traffic. It's a critical issue because it causes economic losses, worsens air pollution, and harms public health.

Long commutes also reduce quality of life. Effective solutions are needed to address both symptoms and causes.

Traditional solutions, like expanding roads or improving public transportation, offer limited relief and can be costly.

In contrast, smart traffic management systems use AI and real-time data to dynamically adjust traffic signals, predict congestion, and manage routes. This method is scalable, cost-effective, and flexible.

Cities like Singapore use smart systems to optimize traffic flow through real-time data and adaptive traffic signals. These systems reduce congestion by adjusting signal timing and suggesting optimal routes.

This approach can reduce commute times, lower emissions, and improve urban mobility.

Smart traffic management systems offer a practical, scalable solution to urban congestion.

They improve traffic flow, reduce pollution, and enhance quality of life.

As cities grow, such systems will be key in creating efficient, sustainable urban environments, paving the way for smarter, more livable cities.

The chronological essay

Chronological essay structure follows a particular time sequence, historical event, or chronological structure. If you have an assignment that requires you to outline a story, consider discussing something significant that happened over a period of time. The main points can be listed in terms of time.

• Problem introduction (Hook)
• Thesis statement

First period or event

• Your thoughts and outline of the period or event
• Consequences

Second period or event

Third period or event.

• Summarization
• Topic relevance and importance

Example of the chronological structure

Imagine spending hours each day stuck in traffic, missing important events, and feeling stressed. This is a reality for millions worldwide due to worsening traffic congestion.

As cities grew and populations increased, traffic congestion became a significant issue. Over time, various solutions have been tried to tackle the problem.

The evolution of solutions to urban traffic congestion, from expanding roads to smart technologies, reflects both progress and unexpected consequences.

The Rise of Car Culture (Mid-20th Century)

In the 1950s and 1960s, the rise of car ownership led cities to build more roads, hoping to solve congestion.

However, expanding roads only encouraged more car use, leading to continuous traffic jams and worsening congestion.

Infrastructure Expansion and Public Transit (1980s-1990s)

In the 1980s and 1990s, cities focused on expanding public transit systems and adding more lanes to roads.

Despite efforts, public transit couldn’t meet the demand, and congestion persisted as more cars continued to fill the streets.

Smart Traffic Management (2000s-Present)

In the 2000s, cities adopted smart traffic management systems, using real-time data and AI to optimize traffic flow.

These systems have reduced congestion and emissions, but they require significant investment and raise concerns about privacy and accessibility.

From car culture to smart technologies, solutions to urban congestion have evolved with growing populations and technological advancements.

Managing traffic congestion is vital for economic productivity, public health, and environmental sustainability in cities.

By learning from the past and embracing innovative solutions, we can create more efficient, sustainable, and livable cities for the future.

The argumentative essay

You might have an assignment to compose an argumentative essay, in which you will be proving an argument on a subject that might be controversial but which has personal importance to you. These essays are designed to test your logic and persuasion skills as well as provide methods to present the argument. You might use a cause-and-effect illustration as supporting evidence to illustrate a specific point.

• Background Information
• Thesis Statement

Presenting the First Argument

• Topic Sentence
• Explanation/Analysis
• Evidence/Examples

Presenting the Second Argument

Presenting the third argument (optional), counterargument (optional but recommended).

• Introduce the Opposing Viewpoint
• Restate Thesis
• Summarize Key Points
• Final Thought/Call to Action
• With climate change becoming an urgent issue, the need for sustainable energy is more critical than ever.
• Fossil fuels have long powered the world, but they are finite and harmful to the environment. Renewable energy, like wind, solar, and hydropower, offers a cleaner, sustainable alternative.
• Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy is essential for reducing environmental damage, ensuring long-term energy security, and fostering economic growth.
• Renewable energy reduces environmental harm by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
• Fossil fuel combustion is a major source of pollution and climate change. Renewable sources emit little to no greenhouse gases.
• The U.S. Department of Energy reports that solar and wind energy emit up to 90% less carbon than coal. Countries like Denmark have cut emissions significantly with renewable energy.
• Reducing emissions is vital for combating climate change and improving air quality.
• Renewable energy provides long-term energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Fossil fuels are finite and subject to market fluctuations. Renewables like solar and wind are abundant and sustainable.
• Solar power is a nearly infinite resource, and global solar capacity reached 1 terawatt in 2021, proving its scalability.
• Investing in renewables reduces dependence on oil and gas, ensuring energy security and stability.
• Renewable energy stimulates economic growth by creating jobs and fostering innovation.
• The renewable energy sector is labor-intensive, providing jobs in manufacturing, installation, and research.
• The solar industry employed over 250,000 people in 2020, and wind energy generated 100,000 global jobs.
• Renewable energy investment not only benefits the environment but also strengthens economies and communities.
• Critics argue that renewable energy is too expensive and inefficient.
• While initial costs are high, the long-term benefits and falling costs of renewable technologies, such as solar, make it more affordable. The cost of not transitioning—climate change—far exceeds the investment in renewables.
• Renewable energy is crucial for environmental protection, energy security, and economic growth.
• Renewables reduce emissions, ensure energy independence, and create job opportunities.
• Investing in renewable energy today ensures a sustainable, prosperous future for generations to come.

Basic essay components to the structure of the essay

Regardless of the type of essay that you are writing, there are essential components, key points and ideas, and basic structure knowledge that need to be included. 

Every student's essay must have an introduction of one paragraph or more in length in which the main point of the essay is clearly stated, several body paragraphs that prove the point of the essay and provide solid arguments to support the thesis, and a final paragraph.

Everything should be written within the right context and with a keen eye for the specifics of the assignment. This is not a research essay you will be mostly working on in college, but it should be used as proof that you can write one.

Now let's take a closer look at how to essay paragraph structure college application essays in particular.

The college essay structure

If you really want to get into the college of your choice, you need to master the art of composing a strong college essay where each paragraph is important and supports your arguments and/or ideas.

In fact, if you apply to colleges online as part of the standardized College App, you will likely know in advance what kinds of essay structure you'll have to use. This is good news for applicants because it allows them to spend much more time preparing and considering subjects to present.

The point of a college entry essay is to give admission stuff background information on your life and a clear picture of your character. While you do, in fact, want to impress them, you shouldn't try to do this in a way that exaggerates your accomplishments or comes off as fake. Finding the right balance between showing enthusiasm and going over the top is key. This is where employing an alternating method could help.

It might also happen that your application essay will appeal to some college admissions officers and not others. This is not necessarily bad; the reason these people are assigned their roles is because it is their job to determine who is right for their respective institutions and who isn't. 

It is not necessarily a question of better or worse, but sometimes just the character of the college representative. The way you present information could be critical.

Things to keep in mind when you determine the structure of your essay

As you go through the process of structuring your essay, there are essential things that you should keep in mind. These include the following:

Include a strong and compelling title

Many psychological studies have proven that the things people remember most in any given sequence are the beginning and the end. As a beginning, a strong introduction in your opening paragraph is key.

So, you should think of an appropriate title that will give your essay the attention it deserves and provide context for the content. Keep this thought in mind as you write, and come up with a title or make adjustments at the end if necessary.

Focus on your opening statement

Just as your title is critical to the success of your essay, so is the way you open your actual essay and your overall introduction in the first paragraph. It can be presented as a question if you can think of one that will really pique the reader's interest. 

It can also be a bold statement if you are writing a historical or argumentative essay. It can be any number of sentence types, depending on the nature of your essay. Your other paragraphs will be built on it.

Remember that your introductory paragraph is critical to framing the whole essay . In your introduction, you will have four or five sentences in which to capture the readers’ imaginations and fuel their interest in reading the rest of your essay. 

Learn about thesis statements

Your thesis statement will be the part e in which you state the main purpose of your essay. This is usually the last sentence of your introductory paragraph that will lend you strength in your structure, as well.

In higher education papers, a well-written thesis statement is a theme that guides the entire research paper, so you should familiarize yourself with this concept as early as possible. A strong thesis statement, as a part of the introduction, is critical to having a good essay.

The body is the place where your story will come to life

The standard College App essay requires 650 words in which to write your story in the next paragraph and subsequent paragraphs (the body of the essay), and it should be written with an eye for detail. 

You should divide this into three primary components:

• The introduction - should be approximately 100 words.
• The body - should include each paragraph totaling approximately 450 words.
• The conclusion - should be approximately 100 words.

How many paragraphs should you include? It depends on your points and each example that you cover.

Each example should add significance to your overall theme and include as much detail as possible. Rather than making obvious points, focus on discussing subjects relevant to your discussion and providing solid arguments. Each should link back to your thesis statement and hold the attention of the reader.

Your conclusion should sum up the main idea in your essay

In your conclusion, think about the point of most significance and other more common parts that you want admissions officers to remember about you, and find a way to express the conclusion that is clear, succinct, and in keeping with the tone of your essay in general. 

And again, remember that the beginning and the end are the places that will stay in readers' minds the most. This is why the way you word your conclusion is critical. The body is important too, but you should wrap up your arguments in your conclusion as concisely as possible.

Before you decide on your final essay structure, you should figure out what you want to focus on. It should have significance to you and your personal history and generally open a page into your life.

Think of something that you can support with solid evidence as well as background and methods, and that will engage the reader thoroughly. Rather than simply coming up with something out of the blue, you should go about the process systematically.

It is essential that you know what the College App requires before you get started. If you are interested in a particular college, there is a high probability that it will use the College App system.

Topic choices on the College App in recent years have been the same and require the use of the same methods. Although there is an option to choose your own topic, it is best to consider all of the opportunities as something else might pique your interest.

• Choose one main point (an interest or aspect of your identity) that is unique to you, and explain how this helps define your character.
• Recall an example of a challenge that you have had to overcome, what made it difficult, the methods you used, and how it helped shape your character and give you new ideas. 
• Think about someone you know or have met who fundamentally changed or impacted your life. If you choose this topic, you should focus on someone who helped you grow in a way that was unexpected or unusual.
• Think about an accomplishment that you made that changed the way you view the world. It should be something that admissions officers would not normally encounter, and you should be prepared to provide evidence of a significant change that came about from it.
• Think of something in your background that you believe made you challenge the system. Describe how you dealt with it and what the result was for you and for society.
• Think about a personal passion of yours from your background. If you choose this topic, it should be something unique and interesting for people to read.
• Choose a topic of your own that you think would engage the reader. Be prepared to provide a strong argument and solid evidence.

Your choice of prompts for the essay should be inspired by a particular topic. If you are still struggling to think of something after reading the prompts, there are some activities that you can do to help you get started.

Ask others around you how they would describe you. If something they say strikes a chord with you, see if you can build a story around it.

Ask people who have known you for a long time if they can remember an event that seemed to shape your character and which you could cover in an essay. Perhaps they will strike a memory in you that will inspire an essay.

While it is fine to write out your thoughts in free form, you should also take the time to compose an outline as you would for an article so as to create the right essay structure and ensure that the reader will also follow you.

Use a block method, and don't forget the overall context. The block method is helpful in organizing. Think about basic points that you want to include in the body of the essay and write them out in a standard outline form:

I. Introduction, thesis statement

II. Body paragraph 1

You may decide to alter your format as you go along, but it is very helpful to have on hand as a guide. Come up with more than one example if it is helpful. Once you get to college, you will develop many more sub-steps within your outlines that will help you organize your thoughts.

Learning how to write an effective college essay is critical for your future. Not only will it be a major help in getting into the college of your choice, but it will set you on course for success in all your future academic endeavors. If you want to familiarize yourself with the standard structure, try different ideas, and work on honing it as early as possible and creating a strong thesis so that you will be in good shape by the time you apply for college.

You want the person who is assigned to read your essay to be thoroughly impressed. Good essays are ones in which students show consistent effort.

The essay structure divides the text into the next parts: the introduction, where you must present the topic and your thesis statement; the main body, with the analysis and argument; and the conclusion as a summary. Based on the essay topic, the structure can change.

Should I stay with the initial outline as I keep writing?

The outline can be adjusted as you progress through the essay. In case any additional details or outcomes are discovered, a better structure layout may arise.

What is the structure of comparisons?

There are two structure methods for comparisons. Block methods imply discussing each subject separately within their paragraphs. The alternating method implies a side-by-side comparison based on one characteristic at a time.

Why is essay structure important?

Structure helps you present the facts and ideas in a convincing way. This way, your argument is supported not only by the separate facts but also by logical connections within the essay.

Related articles

How many paragraphs is an essay | essential guide for writers.

How many paragraphs is an essay? Typically, an essay includes an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The exact number of body paragraphs depends on your essay's length and complexity. In this guide, you'll learn how to determine the appropriate number of paragraphs for different types of essays. Key Takeaways * Essays are structured into three main parts: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, with each paragraph focusing on a single main idea. * The number of p ...

APA Title Page

When creating a professional or student paper in APA style, you are required to add a title page. There are 2 versions, based on who is writing the research. All students must apply a student version. Thus, there are exceptions where the curator or faculty recommends using a professional version. Both types of title pages include different elements and information placement. The 7th edition of APA's guidelines can be of use for both students and professionals. It can also help you look for an a ...

College Essay Format: Your Little Guide to Crafting a Perfect Admission Essay

Writing a full college application essay is an essential part of the learning process, and it is important to present yourself to the admissions office using this format. A well-structured college application essay template reflects your ideas and demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively. Understanding the typical college application essay essay format is essential to making a strong impression on admissions officers. In this short guide, we will explain what constitutes a “good ess ...

How to Write an Argumentative Essay: Tips & Examples

Want to learn how to write an argumentative essay? This guide will walk you through creating a strong thesis, finding credible evidence, and addressing counterarguments. By the end of the article, you'll be equipped with everything you need to write a persuasive and well-structured argumentative essay. Key Takeaways * An argumentative essay requires a clear stance on a debatable topic, supported by structured arguments and credible evidence to persuade the reader. * Key elements include a s ...

How to Cite a PDF in APA Format according to 7th edition

Citation is a vital part of any academic paper. There are many reasons its presence can improve your work, such as making it more credible and persuasive and providing references to the original authors and researchers to avoid accidental plagiarism. Adding correct generated APA citations according to the chosen style is required by any committee or review team. In this article, you will learn about citing a PDF document in the American Psychological Association (APA) style. Additionally, we w ...

What is a Hook in an Essay and How to Write One Effectively?

When you start reading an essay, it only takes a couple of lines to know how captivated you are going to be for the next 15 minutes. So, an essay hook is an opening sentence or a few lines designed to grab the reader’s attention and hold it. Its purpose is to intrigue, captivate, and compel the reader to continue reading your essay. No matter what your purpose in writing your essay is, a strong hook can set the tone and create a solid foundation for the rest of your work. So let’s learn some se ...

How to Write a Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever stared at a blank page, unsure of where to start? You're not alone. Creating a paper can present difficulties; however, with the proper guidance, it is a manageable task. This manual will provide you with the necessary resources and methods to confidently approach any writing task. You will also find out how AI can assist you at each step. Adhere to these 5 steps to produce an impeccable paper. Step 1. Understanding the Assignment Understanding the assignment is critical. You will want t ...

APA Image Citation: Clear Guidelines and Examples

Need to cite an image in APA style for your academic piece? This guide covers everything you need to know about APA image citation, from digital sources to museum artifacts. Read on to ensure you credit images correctly in your work. Key Takeaways * APA image citation requires the inclusion of the creator's name, date, title, and source for accurate credit attribution. * Different citation formats apply to online images, stock images, museum pieces, and other visual media like infographics ...

Write a University Essay

What are the parts of an essay, how do i write an introduction, how do i write the body of my essay, how do i write the conclusion, how do i create a reference list, how do i improve my essay.

• Improving your writing

Ask Us: Chat, email, visit or call

More help: Writing

• Book Writing Appointments Get help on your writing assignments.
• Introduction
• Each is made up of one or several paragraphs.
• The purpose of this section is to introduce the topic and why it matters, identify the specific focus of the paper, and indicate how the paper will be organized.
• To keep from being too broad or vague, try to incorporate a keyword from your title in the first sentence.
• For example, you might tell readers that the issue is part of an important debate or provide a statistic explaining how many people are affected.  
• Defining your terms is particularly important if there are several possible meanings or interpretations of the term.
• Try to frame this as a statement of your focus. This is also known as a purpose statement, thesis argument, or hypothesis.
• The purpose of this section is to provide information and arguments that follow logically from the main point you identified in your introduction. 
• Identify the main ideas that support and develop your paper’s main point.
• For longer essays, you may be required to use subheadings to label your sections.
• Point: Provide a topic sentence that identifies the topic of the paragraph.
• Proof: Give evidence or examples that develop and explain the topic (e.g., these may come from your sources).
• Significance: Conclude the paragraph with sentence that tells the reader how your paragraph supports the main point of your essay.
• The purpose of this section is to summarize the main points of the essay and identify the broader significance of the topic or issue.
• Remind the reader of the main point of your essay (without restating it word-for-word).
• Summarize the key ideas that supported your main point. (Note: No new information or evidence should be introduced in the conclusion.) 
• Suggest next steps, future research, or recommendations.
• Answer the question “Why should readers care?” (implications, significance).
• Find out what style guide you are required to follow (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and follow the guidelines to create a reference list (may be called a bibliography or works cited).
• Be sure to include citations in the text when you refer to sources within your essay.
• Cite Your Sources - University of Guelph
• Read assignment instructions carefully and refer to them throughout the writing process.
• e.g., describe, evaluate, analyze, explain, argue, trace, outline, synthesize, compare, contrast, critique.
• For longer essays, you may find it helpful to work on a section at a time, approaching each section as a “mini-essay.”
• Make sure every paragraph, example, and sentence directly supports your main point.
• Aim for 5-8 sentences or ¾ page.
• Visit your instructor or TA during office hours to talk about your approach to the assignment.
• Leave yourself time to revise your essay before submitting.
• << Previous: Start Here
• Next: Improving your writing >>
• Last Updated: Sep 17, 2024 3:19 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.uoguelph.ca/UniversityEssays

Suggest an edit to this guide

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

• Campus Library Info.
• ARC Homepage
• Library Resources
• Articles & Databases
• Books & Ebooks

Baker College Research Guides

• Research Guides
• General Education

Baker College Writing Guide

• Key Components of an Essay
• Writing Process

Starting an Essay

Essay structure, writing a thesis statement, introduction paragraphs, body paragraphs, conclusions.

• Paragraph Structure
• Finding and Using Scholarly Research
• Using Bias-Free Language
• Writing Genres
• Sentence Structure
• Punctuation and Grammar
• Revision, Editing, and Proofreading

Almost every course you will encounter in college will include writing assignments. One of the most common writing assignments is known as an essay. While the content and style of  essay projects will vary across the disciplines, there are a number of key components that all good essays include. This section of the guide walks you through some of the basic components of the essay genre.  Here are some general thoughts before you get started.  

• A good essay is well-organized and structured. Good essays have a clear introduction, thesis, and conclusion. Body paragraphs in the essay connect back to the thesis. 
• In college, we are no longer tied to a five-paragraph essay (unless an instructor specifically asks for this). Our essays in college can range in length. Some projects may be more than 10 pages, so it would be impossible to use only 5 paragraphs for an essay of this length. 
• Because we are no longer tied to a 5-paragraph essay, we do not have to include "three points" in our thesis statement as we may have done in other courses. 
• Essays should be cohesive and have a good flow. We can create this flow by using transition words and phrases to connect one point to the next. 
• Remember to the review the directions before you start. One can produce a wonderfully-written essay, but if it does not meet the project's parameters, it will not usually receive a passing grade.
• Schedule a meeting with your instructor or tutor before you begin. Visit  http://baker.mywconline.com/  to schedule a meeting with a professional tutor. 

• Parts of an Essay This handout breaks down an essay into it core parts. This short video will provide you with essay structure help.
• Creating a Strong Thesis Statement Here are some brief tips about how to write a strong thesis statement for your college writing project.
• How to Write an Excellent Introduction This handout leads you through a number of successful strategies to garner reader interest and transition into your thesis statement.
• Creating Body Paragraphs This resource walks you through paragraph creation including how to implement good topic sentences, proper organization, and excellent development.
• Crafting a Strong Conclusion We often focus on creating a strong introduction, but crafting a well-written conclusion is just as important.
• << Previous: Writing Process
• Next: Paragraph Structure >>
• Last Updated: Dec 4, 2024 3:04 PM
• URL: https://guides.baker.edu/writing
• Search this Guide Search

Essay writing: Main body

• Introductions
• Conclusions
• Analysing questions
• Planning & drafting
• Revising & editing
• Proofreading
• Essay writing videos

Jump to content on this page:

“An appropriate use of paragraphs is an essential part of writing coherent and well-structured essays.” Don Shiach,   How to write essays

The main body of your essay is where you deliver your argument . Its building blocks are well structured, academic paragraphs. Each paragraph is in itself an  individual argument  and when put together they should form a clear narrative that leads the reader to the inevitability of your conclusion.

The importance of the paragraph

A good academic paragraph is a special thing. It makes a clear point, backed up by good quality academic evidence, with a clear explanation of how the evidence supports the point and why the point is relevant to your overall argument  which supports your position . When these paragraphs are put together with appropriate links, there is a logical flow that takes the reader naturally to your essay's conclusion. 

As a general rule there should be one clear key point per paragraph , otherwise your reader could become overwhelmed with evidence that supports different points and makes your argument harder to follow. If you follow the basic structure below, you will be able to build effective paragraphs and so make the main body of your essay deliver on what you say it will do in your introduction.

Paragraph structure

• A topic sentence – what is the overall point that the paragraph is making?
• Evidence that supports your point – this is usually your cited material.
• Explanation of why the point is important and how it helps with your overall argument.
• A link (if necessary) to the next paragraph (or to the previous one if coming at the beginning of the paragraph) or back to the essay question.

This is a good order to use when you are new to writing academic essays - but as you get more accomplished you can adapt it as necessary. The important thing is to make sure all of these elements are present within the paragraph.

The sections below explain more about each of these elements.

The topic sentence (Point)

This should appear early in the paragraph and is often, but not always, the first sentence.  It should clearly state the main point that you are making in the paragraph. When you are planning essays, writing down a list of your topic sentences is an excellent way to check that your argument flows well from one point to the next.

This is the evidence that backs up your topic sentence. Why do you believe what you have written in your topic sentence? The evidence is usually paraphrased or quoted material from your reading . Depending on the nature of the assignment, it could also include:

• Your own data (in a research project for example).
• Personal experiences from practice (especially for Social Care, Health Sciences and Education).
• Personal experiences from learning (in a reflective essay for example).

Any evidence from external sources should, of course, be referenced.

Explanation (analysis)

This is the part of your paragraph where you explain to your reader why the evidence supports the point and why that point is relevant to your overall argument. It is where you answer the question 'So what?'. Tell the reader how the information in the paragraph helps you answer the question and how it leads to your conclusion. Your analysis should attempt to persuade the reader that your conclusion is the correct one.

These are the parts of your paragraphs that will get you the higher marks in any marking scheme.

Links are optional but it will help your argument flow if you include them. They are sentences that help the reader understand how the parts of your argument are connected . Most commonly they come at the end of the paragraph but they can be equally effective at the beginning of the next one. Sometimes a link is split between the end of one paragraph and the beginning of the next (see the example paragraph below).

Paragraph structure video

Length of a paragraph

Academic paragraphs are usually between 200 and 300 words long (they vary more than this but it is a useful guide). The important thing is that they should be long enough to contain all the above material. Only move onto a new paragraph if you are making a new point. 

Many students make their paragraphs too short (because they are not including enough or any analysis) or too long (they are made up of several different points).

Example of an academic paragraph

Using storytelling in educational settings can enable educators to connect with their students because of inborn tendencies for humans to listen to stories.   Written languages have only existed for between 6,000 and 7,000 years (Daniels & Bright, 1995) before then, and continually ever since in many cultures, important lessons for life were passed on using the oral tradition of storytelling. These varied from simple informative tales, to help us learn how to find food or avoid danger, to more magical and miraculous stories designed to help us see how we can resolve conflict and find our place in society (Zipes, 2012). Oral storytelling traditions are still fundamental to native American culture and Rebecca Bishop, a native American public relations officer (quoted in Sorensen, 2012) believes that the physical act of storytelling is a special thing; children will automatically stop what they are doing and listen when a story is told. Professional communicators report that this continues to adulthood (Simmons, 2006; Stevenson, 2008).   This means that storytelling can be a powerful tool for connecting with students of all ages in a way that a list of bullet points in a PowerPoint presentation cannot. The emotional connection and innate, almost hardwired, need to listen when someone tells a story means that educators can teach memorable lessons in a uniquely engaging manner that is   common to all cultures. 

The cross-cultural element of storytelling can be seen when reading or listening to wisdom tales from around the world...

Key:   Topic sentence    Evidence (includes some analysis)    Analysis   Link (crosses into next paragraph)

• << Previous: Introductions
• Next: Conclusions >>
• Last Updated: Dec 5, 2024 2:22 PM
• URL: https://libguides.hull.ac.uk/essays
• Login to LibApps
• Library websites Privacy Policy
• University of Hull privacy policy & cookies
• Website terms and conditions
• Accessibility
• Report a problem