Essay Structure(Introduction and Outline)

Basic Essay Structure(Logical Division of Ideas)

Introduction

Body Paragraphs

Conclusion

The Introduction

An introductory paragraph has 2 parts:General statement

• Introduce the general topic of the essay.

• Capture the reader’s interest.

Thesis statement• States the specific topic.

• May list subtopics or subdivisions.

• May indicate the pattern of organization.

• Is normally the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.

Types of Introductions

Funnel Introduction:

Begins with one or two general sentences about the topic.

Sentences become increasingly focused on the topic.

Ends with your thesis statement.

Types of Introductions

Funnel Introduction:

Types of Introductions

Attention Getting Introductions:

Dramatic, Interesting, or Funny Story

Surprising Statistics or Facts

Historical Background

Thesis Statement

The Thesis Statement:

is the most important sentence in the introduction.states the specific topic of the essay.sometimes lists the subtopics that will be discussed in the body.sometimes indicates the pattern of organization that the essay will follow.

Thesis Statement:

Is the most important sentence in theintroduction.

Native Americans have made many valuable contributions to modern U.S. culture.The large movement of people from rural to urban areas has major effects on cities.

Thesis Statement:

Sometimes lists the subtopics that will be discussed in the body.

Native Americans have made many valuable contributions to modern U.S. culture, particularly in the areas of language, art, food, and government.The large movement of people from rural to urban areas has major effects on a city’s ability to provide housing, employment, and adequate sanitation services.

Thesis Statement:

Sometimes indicates the pattern oforganization that the essay will follow.

When buying a used car, use these fourstrategies to get the best price.There are several differences between a nurse practitioner and a physician’s assistant.

Thesis Statement:

Common Thesis Statement Pitfalls.

Problem 1: The thesis is too general.Problem 2: The thesis makes a simple

announcement. Problem 3: The thesis states the obvious

Thesis Statement:The thesis is too general.

Too general: A college education is a good investment.

Improved: A college education is a good investment for four reasons.

Too general: Lasers are very useful.Improved: Lasers have several

applications in industry and medicine.

Thesis Statement:The thesis makes a simple announcement.Announcement:I am going to write about sports injuries.

Improved:Avoid sports injuries by taking a few simpleprecautions.

Thesis Statement:The thesis states an obvious fact.

Obvious fact:The internet is a communicationsuperhighway.

Improved:The explosion of the internet has had bothpositive and negative consequences.

Logical Division of Ideas

Keys to a logical division of ideas:

Divide your topic into subtopics and discuss each subtopic in a separate paragraph.Write a thesis statement that indicates a logical division.Use transitions between paragraphs to guide your reader from one paragraph to the next.

Logical Division of Ideas

Good Thesis Statements:

Native Americans have made valuablecontributions to modern U.S. culture infour main areas.Native Americans have made valuablecontributions to modern U.S. culture,particularly in the areas of language, art, foodand government.

Transitions Between Paragraphs

Linking paragraphs with transitions helpsyour reader to see how subtopics arerelated. Transitions may be:

A single wordA phraseA dependent clause that repeats or summarizes the preceding paragraph.

Transitions Between Paragraphs

Transition Words

One way an angry driver may react is tocut off another motorist. (+ supportingsentences)

Another way is to tailgate the other car.(+supporting sentences)

Transitions Between Paragraphs

Transition Phrases

In addition to cutting off and tailgatingother cars, aggressive drivers often userude language or gestures to show theiranger. (+ supporting sentences)

Transitions Between Paragraphs

Transition Clauses

Although law enforcement authorities warnmotorists against aggressive driving, thenumber who act out their angry impulses hasnot declined. (+ supporting sentences)