The Parts and Structure of the Academic Essay
THE PARTS & STRUCTURE OF THE ACADEMIC ESSAY
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 An academic essay has the following parts:
An introductory paragraph of two sub-parts - general to specific statements leading to the specific topic, and the thesis statement.
Body paragraphs, which either present (1) information in a logical sequence, or (2) a supported argument to convince the reader of your opinion or answer to the essay question.
A concluding paragraph of two sub-parts - either a conclusion or summary of the essay in the first sub-part, and then your opinion and/or final comments.
1.2 Most academic essays have the following structure:
Within the structure are three components: the thesis, the argument and the support.
The thesis is your answer to the essay question. It is also called the claim or the main idea of the essay.
The argument is your method of convincing the reader that your thesis is true.
The support is the evidence, information, data, examples, illustrations, etc. that are used to prove the claims you use in your argument.
1.3 The aim of the essay
Essays are written either to describe or explain something, or to convince the reader of any claim you put forward.
2.0 THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
2.1 The introductory paragraph has four purposes:
1. It introduces the topic of the essay.
2. It gives a general background of the topic.
3. It should arouse the reader 's interest in the topic.
4. It often indicates the overall "plan" of the essay.
2.2 The structure of the introductory paragraph:
The introductory paragraph has two sub-parts: (a) general to specific statements and (b) a thesis statement.
(a) General to specific statements: should introduce the topic of the essay should give background information on the topic should start with a very general comment about the subject to attract the reader 's attention and indicate the area or field of the topic of the essay should become more
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 An academic essay has the following parts:
An introductory paragraph of two sub-parts - general to specific statements leading to the specific topic, and the thesis statement.
Body paragraphs, which either present (1) information in a logical sequence, or (2) a supported argument to convince the reader of your opinion or answer to the essay question.
A concluding paragraph of two sub-parts - either a conclusion or summary of the essay in the first sub-part, and then your opinion and/or final comments.
1.2 Most academic essays have the following structure:
Within the structure are three components: the thesis, the argument and the support.
The thesis is your answer to the essay question. It is also called the claim or the main idea of the essay.
The argument is your method of convincing the reader that your thesis is true.
The support is the evidence, information, data, examples, illustrations, etc. that are used to prove the claims you use in your argument.
1.3 The aim of the essay
Essays are written either to describe or explain something, or to convince the reader of any claim you put forward.
2.0 THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
2.1 The introductory paragraph has four purposes:
1. It introduces the topic of the essay.
2. It gives a general background of the topic.
3. It should arouse the reader 's interest in the topic.
4. It often indicates the overall "plan" of the essay.
2.2 The structure of the introductory paragraph:
The introductory paragraph has two sub-parts: (a) general to specific statements and (b) a thesis statement.
(a) General to specific statements: should introduce the topic of the essay should give background information on the topic should start with a very general comment about the subject to attract the reader 's attention and indicate the area or field of the topic of the essay should become more
References: Amnesty International (1996) Amnesty International Report, London: Amnesty International Publications. Calder, I.P. (2003) From Motherhood to Citizenship: Women’s Rights and International Organizations. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Clark, H. (2005) Constructing World Culture: International Nongovernmental Organizations since 1875. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press.