Organizing an Academic Essay References © 2001 by Ruth Luman Introduction Conclusion Body Paragraphs.

Organizing an Organizing an Academic EssayAcademic Essay

References

© 2001 by Ruth Luman

Introduction

Conclusion

Body Paragraphs

IntroductionIntroductionWhat is an essay ?

An essay is a piece of writing that usually has five or moreparagraphs. An essay is written about one topic that hasseveral main points. The main points are introduced in anintroductory paragraph and supported in bodyparagraphs. The conclusion is the last paragraph.

Essay

Introduction

_____________

Body Paragraph 1

_____________

Body Paragraph 2

_____________

Body Paragraph 3

_____________

Conclusion

_____________

Parts of an EssayParts of an EssayAn Introduction

An introductory paragraph is the first paragraph in an essay. It contains two parts.

1. General Statements: a few sentences about your subject that catch the attention of your reader.

2. A Thesis Statement: one sentence that tells your reader the main points of your topic and states the overall “plan” of your essay.

ExampleExampleAn Introduction

General Statements

Thesis Statement

“Metropolitan City is full of charm and scenic beauty, so visitors

from around the world come to enjoy its famous theaters,museums,countless ethnic restaurants, and scenic wonders. AlthoughMetropolitan City seems like a paradise, it isn’t. The city hasseveral serious problems: poor public transportation, congestedstreets, and expensive housing” (Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 92).

Parts of an EssayParts of an EssayBody Paragraphs

The body consists of one or more paragraphs following theintroduction. Each paragraph supports the main idea ofyour essay by breaking it down into smaller ideas or sub-topics. Each body paragraph consists of a topic sentenceand several supporting sentences. A conclusion sentencedraws the paragraph together.

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3Introduction

ExampleExampleBody Paragraph

Topic Sentence

Supporting SentencesConcluding Sentence

“The first and most important problem is Metropolitan City’s inadequate

public transportation system. Thousands of residents rely on the city’s busesand streetcars to travel throughout this large city, but Metro TransportationSystem’s daily schedules are totally unreliable. A bus or streetcar that shouldarrive at 7:45 may not arrive until 8:00 or later. Moreover, it is not unusualfor a bus driver to pass up groups of people waiting for the bus, because hewants to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, people often end up going towork late or missing important appointments. In order for people to get totheir destinations on time, people must allow for waiting time at the bus and

streetcar stops” (Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79).

Parts of an EssayParts of an EssayConclusion

The conclusion paragraph is the last paragraph in the essay. Itcompletes the essay by summarizing or repeating the mostimportant ideas. The conclusion can also include an opinion, aprediction, or a solution to a problem.

Body Paragraph 1

Introduction

Conclusion

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

ExampleExampleConclusion

Summary of Main Ideas

Prediction

“In conclusion, Metropolitan City must improve its public transit system,

clear up the massive traffic jams caused by slow-moving traffic in thedowntown areas, and keep rentals down to affordable levels. In other words,Metropolitan City must improve its image, or it will soon become just anothermediocre city due to the lack of administrative responsibility to solve theseunfortunate problems”(Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79).

ExampleExampleAn Introduction

General Statements

Thesis Statement

Going to a new school can be exciting, but for an international

student, the years of education in a different country can bedifficult and tumultuous. When I first arrived in the U.S. to attend auniversity, I was overwhelmed and confused by everything new. Fortunately, I met three very special friends who made a positiveimpact on my life during those years and helped me survive thetrials of being a foreigner in a completely different educationalsystem.

ExampleExampleBody Paragraph

Topic Sentence

Supporting SentencesConcluding Sentence

One of the first people I met was Joe Frieda. I first met Joe standing in a

line at the bookstore. I was having a difficult time finding the books for theEnglish classes I was taking my first semester here. He not only helped mefind my books, but he also gave me some good advice on where to gettutorial help on campus and where I could find some good restaurants. We’ve become better friends since then and he has been so helpful inanswering any questions I have about going to school in the U.S. and aboutAmerican culture. If I hadn’t met Joe that day, I might still be looking for theright books for my classes!

“The significance of the kindness that these three people showed me and

the impact that it has made on my life during my experience as aninternational student at State University cannot be underestimated. I willnever forget their friendship and will remember their examples of kindness tome whenever I encounter other foreigners in my own country.

ExampleExampleConclusion

Summary of Main Ideas

Promise or Resolution

Overview of an EssayOverview of an Essay

Body Paragraphs

Support the main ideas of the thesis statement

Begin with topic sentences

Introduction

General statements and information about the topic

Thesis statement- lists the main ideas in the essay

Conclusion

Brief summary of main points of the essay

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

Making an OutlineMaking an Outline

References

© 2001 by Ruth Luman

A Plan That Builds an EssayA Plan That Builds an Essay

Essay

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IntroductionIntroductionWhat is an outline ?

Before you begin writing the firstdraft of your essay, it is best to makean outline. An outline is a generalplan of what you are going to write. You can compare making an outlineto drawing plans to build a house. Before one begins to build a house, itis best to draw up plans to make surethat a house is built in the way youwant. The same is true with writingan essay and making an outline.

IntroductionIntroductionThe Benefits of an Outline

An outline of an essay can be very helpful for two reasons:

An outline will help make your essay more organized. A careful plan will help your body paragraphs stay focused on the ideas in your thesis statement.

An outline saves time for writers. Preparing an outline can take time, but when you are finished, you will be able to write the rough draft of your

essay more quickly than if you didn’t have an outline.

Why Write An Outline?

It will help you organize all of the It will help you organize all of the ideas running around your brain!ideas running around your brain!

Why Write An Outline?It will allow you to find any gaps in It will allow you to find any gaps in

your research or ideas early your research or ideas early enough to fix them.enough to fix them.

Why Write An Outline?It will make writing you essay less It will make writing you essay less

stressful because you will KNOW stressful because you will KNOW what you have to work with.what you have to work with.

Why Write An Outline?Professors are often willing to look Professors are often willing to look

over an outline for you to make over an outline for you to make sure that you are on the right track!sure that you are on the right track!

How?An Outline Organizes Your Information Into 3 major parts in Preparation For Your Paper:

Your Introduction

Your Body Paragraphs

Your Conclusion

{Click Mouse to Continue}{Click Mouse to Continue}

ExampleExampleOutline

Here is an example of how a blank outline might look:Essay Outline

I. Introduction Thesis: _____________________

II. Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _____________

A. supporting idea

B. supporting idea

III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: ____________

A. supporting idea

B. supporting idea

IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: ____________

A. supporting idea

B. supporting idea

V. Conclusion

The ProcessThe ProcessMaking an Outline

In a formal outline,Roman numerals canbe used to representparagraphs. Capitalletters can be used torepresent supportingdetails for theparagraphs.

Click here to see alist of Roman

numerals.

Essay Outline

I. Introduction Thesis: ____________________

II. Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _________

A. supporting idea

B. supporting idea

III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: _________

A. supporting idea

B. supporting idea

IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: _________

A. supporting idea

B. supporting idea

V. Conclusion

The ProcessThe ProcessThesis Statement

To begin an outline, you need to start with your thesisstatement. The thesis statement will be your guidethroughout the process of writing your essay. From thethesis statement, you can begin writing the topic sentencesfor the body paragraphs in the outline.

ESSAY OUTLINE

Thesis Statement

Topic Sentence #1

Topic Sentence #2

Topic Sentence #3

The ProcessThe ProcessTopic Sentences

The topic sentence for each body paragraphshould support the thesis statement. The

topicsentences need to agree with the main idea orsubpoints in the thesis statement; otherwise,the essay could be confusing.

Thesis Statement

A job interview can often make or break your chances of getting your dream job. There are several things that you can do in an interview to increase the possibility of your success such as dressing properly, answering interview questions thoroughly, and asking good questions at the end of the interview.

The ProcessThe ProcessTopic Sentences

Topic Sentence Paragraph #1:

The way you dress can have a big impact on an interview panel’s first impressions of you.

Topic Sentence- Paragraph #2:

An interview is an opportunity for potential employers to get to know you better, so it is important that you answer each question as completely as possible.

Topic Sentence- Paragraph #3:

By preparing some thoughtful questions for the end of the interview, you can show the panel that you have prepared for the interview and want the job.

The ProcessThe ProcessSupporting Details

Under the topic sentence for each paragraph,list some of the supporting details, examples,or ideas you want to include in each paragraph.

The ProcessThe ProcessSupporting Details

II. Body Paragraph #1:

Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have a big impact on an interview panel’s first impressions of you.

A. Men and women should consider wearing dark suits.

B. Conservative dress will show the interview panel you are serious about what you do.

C. Don’t carry too many things into the interview. A notebook, pens, and/or laptop computer should be carried in a briefcase.

D. Hair and nails should be clean and neat.

supporting details,examples, and ideas

I. Introduction- Thesis Statement: A job interview can often make or break your chances of getting your dream job. There are several things that you can do in an interview to increase the possibility of your success such as, dressing properly, answering interview questions thoroughly, and asking good questions at the end of the interview.

II. Body Paragraph #1:

Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have a

big impact on an interview panel’s first

impressions of you.

A. Men and women should consider wearing dark suits.

B. Conservative dress will show the interview panel you are

serious about what you do.

C. Don’t carry too many things into the interview. A notebook, pens,

and/or laptop computer should be carried in a briefcase.

D. Hair and nails should be clean and neat.

III. Body Paragraph #2:

Topic Sentence: An interview is an opportunity

for potential employers to get to know you

better, so it is important that you answer each

question as completely as possible.

A. Ask interviewers to repeat questions you don’t understand.

B. Take some time to think about the questions before you answer.

C. A notebook to write down key words in interview questions is

sometimes helpful.

IV. Body Paragraph #3:

Topic Sentence: By preparing some thoughtful

questions for the end of the interview, you can

show the panel that you have prepared for the

interview and want the job.

A. Research the job and/or company before you go to the

interview.

B. The interview is your opportunity to get to know your potential

employer. Ask questions about company goals, mission, expectations of employees, etc.

C. Don’t ask questions about benefits or salary during the interview.

You should try to get this information before you apply for the job.

IV. Conclusion: Don’t underestimate the importance of a good interview.

Example OutlineExample Outline

The Thesis StatementThe Thesis Statement

© 2001 by Ruth Luman

A Road Map for Your EssayA Road Map for Your Essay

References

ESSAYIntroductionThesis StatementBody Paragraph #1Body Paragraph #2Body Paragraph #3

IntroductionIntroductionThesis Statements

After you have brainstormed and you have some main

ideas of what you would like to write in your essay, you canbegin thinking about writing a thesis statement.

What’s a thesis statement????

DefinitionDefinition

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a complete sentencethat contains one main idea. This idea controlsthe content of the entire essay. A thesisstatement that contains subpoints also helps areader know how the essay will be organized. Look at the introductory paragraph below. Seeif you can identify the thesis statement andsubpoints.

When I was young, I always knew that I wanted to become a teacher someday. When I played, I would often gather my dolls together and pretend to teach them how to do math problems or how to read a book. As I grew older, my desire to become an ESL teacher became clearer as I did some volunteer teaching overseas and in the United States. As I look back on my reasons for becoming a teacher, there are three reasons that stand out. They are: my love for the English language, my innate interest in how people learn, and my desire to help other people .

DefinitionDefinitionThesis Statement

The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.

Subpoints in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized

Psychologists have argued for decades about how a person’s character is formed. Numerous psychologists believe that one’s birth order (i.e. place in the family as the youngest, oldest, or middle child) has the greatest influence. I believe birth order can have a significant impact in the formation of a child’s character based on my own experience growing up in a family of four children. Birth order can strongly affect one’s relationship with parents, relationships with others, and how one views responsibility as an adult.

Thesis StatementThesis StatementAnother Example

The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.

Subpoints in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesThesis Statement

states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question.

states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself.

is usually at the end of an introduction.

often lists subtopics.

does not directly announce your main topic.

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesMain Idea in a Complete Sentence

Since the thesis statement is the mainstatement for the entire essay, it should expressa complete thought and be a complete sentence.The thesis statement is asserting an opinion oridea, so it should not be a question. Look at theexamples below to see how they can be madeinto thesis statements.

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesMain Idea in a Complete Sentence

The sport of cross-country running.

Why do I want to be a teacher?

This is not a complete sentence.

The sport of cross-country running has allowed me to get in better shape and meet some interesting

people.

Being a teacher is a great profession, because it allows me to work with students and be creative.

This is a question, not a statement.

Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement

A Complete SentenceA Complete SentenceAnother Example

The problem of pollution in big cities.

Why should marijuana be legalized?

This is not a complete sentence.

The problem of pollution in major cities can bealleviated by limiting the number of cars allowed todrive on city streets and creating more efficient publictransportation systems.

Marijuana should be legalized because it is not anymore addictive than tobacco and it can providenumerous medicinal benefits for those suffering fromterminal illnesses.

This is a question, not a statement.

Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesLocation

English readers like to know what an essaywill be about near the beginning of the essayrather than at the end. This is why the thesisstatement is often found at the end of theintroductory paragraph.

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesLocation

For most of my life I have lived with bad health, smelly clothes, and a chronic cough. My children and husband begged me to stop the habit that caused these conditions, but I couldn’t. The habit of smoking had wrapped its addicting arms around me and was slowly strangling me until one day I realized I had to stop. This realization came after three terrifying events occurred in my family.

The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read about the events that caused the author to stop smoking in the rest of the essay.

LocationLocationAnother Example

Maya Angelou is an accomplished African-American author in the United States. While growing up, she suffered tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult life events are portrayed in novels and poems such as, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Her written works often include strong themes such as perseverance through trials, love for family, and passionate optimism.

The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read more about how Maya Angelou expresses these themes in her writing.

Good thesis statements often express awriter’s opinion or attitude on a particular topic.This makes the thesis statement more specificand requires the writer to explain or provehis/her opinion in the essay. Look at theexamples below.

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesStates an Opinion or Attitude

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesStates an Opinion or Attitude

I learned to play many musical instruments when I was young.

This would not be considered a good thesis statement because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t give the writer’s opinion or attitude on playing musical instruments. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay.

Learning to play many musical instruments when I was young helped me to become a more intelligent and well-rounded person.

This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about the experience of learning to play musical instruments. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why playing a musical instrument made him/her a better person.

An Opinion or AttitudeAn Opinion or AttitudeAnother Example

Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico.

This would not be considered a good thesis statement, because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t reflect the writer’s opinion or attitude on Cancun. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay.

Cancun is one of the best vacation spots in Mexico because of its comfortable climate and proximity to some well-known archeological sites.

This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about Cancun. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why going to Cancun is a good choice for visitors.

You can make your thesis statement morespecific by including subtopics or supportingideas. By doing this, you give your reader aclear idea of what will follow in the bodyparagraphs of your essay.

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesSubtopics

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesSubtopics

The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the state.

No subtopics are named in this thesis statement.

The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the ability of the state to provide housing, electricity, and jobs for all residents.

This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?

subtopic #1

subtopic #2

subtopic #3

SubtopicsSubtopicsAnother Example

Inner-city public schools grapple with some serious problems.

No subtopics are named in this thesis statement.

Some of the most serious problems in today’s inner-city public schools are the overcrowded classrooms, the low percentage of trained teachers, and the lack of resources such as textbooks for students.

This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?

subtopic #1 subtopic #2

subtopic #3

In thesis statements, you should avoid usingstatements like, “This essay will discuss…” or“I’m going to write about…”. Try to write athesis statement that captures your reader’sattention without announcing your main topicand stating the obvious. Look at the examplesbelow.

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesDon’t State the Obvious

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesDon’t State the Obvious

In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects of long-term drug abuse.

Long-term drug use can have disastrous effects on one’s marriage, career, and health.

Don’t State the ObviousDon’t State the ObviousAnother Example

This essay will discuss some ways teachers can fight teenage drug abuse.

Teachers can fight teenage drug abuse by educating young people on its dangers and by being good role models.

Key FeaturesKey FeaturesReview

states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question.

states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself.

is usually at the end of an introduction.

often lists subtopics.

does not directly announce your main topic.