Essay Structure and Strategies

Essay Structure

• An essay has three parts: Introduction, Body, Conclusion
• The Introduction aims to grab the reader's attention and introduce the main topic
• The Body paragraphs develop and support the main idea
• The Conclusion summarizes the main points and provides a sense of closure

Introduction Don'ts

• Do not introduce a new idea or fact, or announce what has been discussed, rephrase the introduction, or apologize

Introduction Dos

• An anecdote, a short personal story, can be used to illustrate a point
• A quotation from a famous or authoritative source can be used to support an idea
• A question can be used to engage the reader
• A stat, short for statistic, is a numerical fact
• An analogy can be used to explain a complex idea by comparing it to something familiar
• Background information can set the context for the topic
• Facts can be used to provide evidence for the main idea

Conclusion Don'ts

• Do not introduce a new idea or fact, use stats, suggest, summarize, use anecdotes, use analogies, or ask a question

Conclusion Dos

• Facts can be used to restate the main idea
• Stats can be used to reinforce the argument
• A prediction can be made about the future
• A solution can be offered to a problem
• A recommendation can be made
• A summary of key points can be provided
• An analogy can be used to provide a final thought
• A thought-provoking question can leave the reader with something to ponder

Proof Reading & Editing

• Proofreading focuses on small errors like spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Revising and editing ensures that the essay has a logical structure, consistent meaning, and is easy to follow

Coherence & Unity

• Coherence refers to the logical organization of ideas in an essay, making it easy to follow
• Unity means that all parts of the essay relate to the main idea and support it
• Topic sentences introduce the main points of each paragraph and supporting details provide evidence

Process Essay

• A process essay explains how to do something step-by-step
• The Introduction explains the process and lists the supplies needed
• The Body describes each step in detail
• The Conclusion summarizes the main steps and emphasizes the importance of the process

Coherence: Respect

• Parallel structure ensures that similar ideas are expressed in a similar grammatical way
• Repeating key words helps to maintain the focus of the essay
• Structural elements like headings and subheadings can guide the reader
• Pronouns can help to connect ideas and avoid repetition
• Using synonyms can make the writing more interesting and avoid repetition
• Transitional words help to connect ideas and create a smooth flow

Narration Essay

• A narration essay tells a story
• The Introduction provides context and sets the scene
• The Body describes the events, characters, and dialogue
• The Conclusion provides a sense of closure

Descriptive Essay

• A descriptive essay uses sensory details to paint a picture in the reader's mind
• The Introduction introduces the object or place being described
• The Body uses sensory details to create a vivid image
• The Conclusion summarizes the key features of the object or place

Comparison and Contrast Essay

• A comparison and contrast essay examines similarities and differences between two things
• The Introduction introduces the two things being compared and contrasts
• The Body can be organized in a block format or an alternating format
• The conclusion summarizes the main points and provides insights

Classification Essay

• A classification essay groups items into categories
• The Introduction introduces the categories
• The Body describes each category in detail
• The Conclusion summarizes the main categories and provides a recommendation or insight