Parts of an Essay

I. Title
A title should attract the reader’s attention and also give a hint of what
the essay’s topic is.

II. Introduction with Thesis Statement

A. The introduction is the first paragraph of the essay that must
capture the audience’s attention and gets the reader to continue to
read the essay. The introduction should always start with a hook.
B. It sets the tone and might give some background information on
the topic. The thesis Statement is the last sentence or two of the
introduction that tells the reader exactly what information is going
to be covered in the essay. This statement will organize one’s
point for the reader by stating the topics of the body. The more
specific the thesis – the better it is!
Ex. The three most enjoyable subjects are English, Science, and
Math.

AVOID ANNOUNCEMENTS, SUCH AS: “My essay is

about…”, “I’m going to talk about…”

III. Body
The body contains two or more supporting paragraphs. Each
paragraph supports one topic of the thesis. Using the example from
above, one would write about English in the first body paragraph,
Science in the second, and Math in the third. All statements and
opinions (topic sentences) must be supported with information,
examples, and details (supporting sentences) to help the reader
clearly understand the point. The second and third body paragraphs
should ALWAYS begin with a transition sentence (using transition
words or phrases in a sentence).

IV. Conclusion
The concluding paragraph draws the essay to a close.
A. Begin the concluding paragraph by restating the thesis.
B. Summarize an idea from each of the body paragraphs.
C. Call to action or make a final statement.
A concluding paragraph should be four to six sentences