ESSAY STRUCTURE
Introduction
• Hook Statement
• General Statements
• Thesis Statement
Body Paragraphs
A. Topic Sentence
1. Support
2. Support
3. Support
B. Topic Sentence
1. Support
2. Support
3. Support
C. Topic Sentence
1. Support
2. Support
3. Support
Conclusion
Restatement or summary of the
main points or final comments.
EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTIONS
• Hook Statement – first sentence which is catchy and attracts the reader.
• General Statements – give the reader background information and set the scene.
• Thesis Statement – Last line of the introductory paragraph.
• states the topic
• May list subtopics
• Give a general impression about the topic
• Sets the direction for the topic
FUNNEL INTRODUCTIONS
• Gradually moves from a general information about the topic to more specific aspects of the
topic.
Narrowing the idea.
BODY PARAGRAPHS
• Follows the paragraph structure
• Each paragraph supports the thesis statement
For e.g.
Young people who live at home have several advantages.
A. They can rely for emotional support on family members during hard times
B. Family can provide financial support as well.
C. They get to participate in all family functions, occasions and festivities.
PRACTICE
• My City/Country has several interesting places to visit.
• There are several types of movies that I enjoy watching.
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
• Signals the end of the essay
• Reminds the reader of the main points or thesis statement
• Leaves the reader with your final thoughts on the topic
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
EXAMPLE
• In short, Mr Smith had several qualities of a great teacher. He was well informed about his
subject, and his enthusiasm for it rubbed off on his students. Furthermore, his lectures were
well organized, and he returned papers and tests promptly. His classes were always
interesting, and he told funny stories to keep even the sleepiest student awake and engaged
in learning. Mr. Smith taught more than just history, he taught us to love learning.
ORGANIZING YOUR ESSAY
• Logical division of ideas – divide a topic into parts and discuss each part separately.
• Achieve coherence or unity by using consistent nouns and pronouns and using transitional
signals to show how one idea is linked to the other.
TRANSITIONAL SIGNALS
• Words or phrases that connect one idea to another.
• Include Time order and spatial order phrases
Sentence Connectors
Firstly,
Secondly
Meanwhile
Now
Soon
Then
After that
To list ideas logically
• Therefore
• However
• In addition
• Moreover
• Also
• Furthermore
To link similar ideas
• Similarly
• Likewise
To Link opposite ideas
On the other hand
However
But
