Essay

Organization
What is the purpose of organization?

Gives your essay

structure

Creates a logical
path for readers
to follow

Aids in the clarity

of your ideas
Introductions

Start with a hook – something attention-grabbing

(Separate handout will be provided on hooks)

Then, offer background and context on the issue.

What is the debate?

Lastly, offer your position and answer the prompt

question in the form of your thesis statement.
 In general, stick to one idea per paragraph. For
example, if you think speech should be more
restricted in the US, each paragraph should
focus on one reason at a time. Here’s a sample
outline:

Body • Paragraph I: Hate speech causes emotional

harm
Paragraphs • Paragraph II: Banning hate speech creates a
more civil society
• Paragraph III: Many other Western
democracies are taking action to protect
vulnerable minority groups
Body Paragraphs

• In the body of your essay, aim to create a relationship of causality

between paragraphs. In other words, one idea should lead to the
next
• In the last example, Paragraph I discusses how hate speech causes
emotional harm. Paragraph II takes it a step further: When people
are protected from harm, it creates a more welcoming and civil
society
• Notice how it would not make sense to put II before I!
Transitions
• Help readers move
from thought to
thought—from
sentence to
sentence, paragraph
to paragraph
• When you’re
revising, you should
make a point to see
whether your
transitions make
sense
Types of Transitions
• To signal causes and effects: accordingly, as a result, because,
consequently, hence, so, then, therefore, thus
• To signal comparisons: also, in the same way, like, likewise, similarly
• To signal changes in direction or exceptions: although, but, even
though, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, nonetheless, on
the contrary, on the one hand . . . on the other hand, still, yet
• To signal examples: for example, for instance, indeed, in fact, such as
• To signal sequences or similarities: again, also, and, and then,
besides, finally, furthermore, last, moreover, next, too
• To signal time relations: after, as soon as, at first, at the same time,
before, eventually, finally, immediately, later, meanwhile, next,
simultaneously, so far, soon, then, thereafter
• To signal a summary or conclusion: as a result, finally, in a word, in
any event, in brief, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in the end,
on the whole, therefore, thus, to summarize
Conclusions
Don’t neglect your conclusion: it is the last thing readers read and a
powerful rhetorical moment!
 • Summarize the main points of your
discussion
• Reiterate your thesis in different
language
• Discuss the implications of your
argument. Look to the future, e.g.,
what would America look like in 10,

Conclusions
15, or 50 years if we had a hate
speech ban?
• End with an anecdote. Don’t be
afraid to make the writing more
personal. What impact has this
issue had on your own life?