how to structure & write an essay

Structuring & Writing a good essay

Blackburn College: Sociology Access (Level 3)

Use Objective language

• Consider the example sentences below (which do you think are correct)?

Use Objective language

• Consider the example sentences below (which do you think are correct)?

Here’s What An Essay “Looks” Like:

• Title - always start your essay off with the full/complete title

• Introduction• Overview of main topic areas; what your essay

will cover; key definitions

• Body of Essay (paragraph 1)• Topic sentence• Supporting details

• Body of Essay (paragraph 2 … etc.) • Topic sentence• Supporting details

• Summary/Conclusion

Introduction• Your first or introductory paragraph

should explain your topic and provide any key definitions of terms.

• Your introductory paragraph (or paragraphs) contain statements that help your reader focus on what exactly you are going to talk about in the upcoming body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs

• Body paragraphs support and explain the response to the essay question/title.

• Cohesive, neat paragraphs are important, as they make your essay:

• ‘Reader friendly’• They help make the essay look

organized.• And, of course, they help you meet your

essay’s word-length requirement.

Some advice for paragraphs

• Generally, a paragraph starts with a topic sentence, that tells what the paragraph is about, (the other sentences provide details and support.

• Each paragraph is a complete thought• A paragraph focuses on a particular theme,

topic, or argument• As soon as you start to change thoughts, or if

your writing goes in a new direction, start a new paragraph

• Don’t be afraid of having several paragraphs.• But likewise, don’t have too many

Conclusions

• A concluding paragraph is the final paragraph in your essay

• It presents an important summary of your essay; and, it should link directly back to the title/introduction

• PS: Don’t forget a full & accurate Bibliography