An essay is expository prose which attempts to communicate an idea to a reader. Each letter, word, sentence, or paragraph in any language has a beginning, middle, and end. Essays are no exception. If the frame of reference between a writer and a reader is not the same, real communication can not occur.
Introductory Paragraph. Communication begins by introducing the subject matter. Writers often present ideas without transition or reason, causing the reader to ask "who cares?" It is the writer’s job to make the reader care! In their introduction, writers must involve the reader so that they are interested in continuing. An introduction is usually general in nature, and not necessarily an abstract of the remaining essay.
Thesis Statement. Within the introductory paragraph is the statement of purpose, or thesis. This sentence states the controlling idea of the essay, and is usually found in the middle of a paragraph, or as a transitional statement at the paragraph’s end. By their very nature, thesis statements are general. The specifics will be found in the body.
Body. The body (or middle) of an essay is the support for the thesis. Two, three, or more paragraphs may be needed to fully develop and illustrate your ideas, depending on the complexity of your topic. Be sure to show your reader exactly what you mean, using examples, illustrations, and comparison or contrasts. Don’t merely TELL them---SHOW them.
Topic Sentence. Just as each paragraph must have a beginning, middle, and end, each paragraph must contain a topic sentence, which is main idea of that paragraph. The topic sentence introduces the subject, while the body provides examples.
Transitions. Good essays have a flow of ideas which are unified, coherent, and logical. In order to combine ideas of a different nature within an essay, transitions are required. A transition is a bridge or connection from one idea to another. The transition may be a word, phrase, or sentence.
Conclusion. Every unit of communication must lead to a conclusion. From the body of the paper, which is the support for the ideas, each idea should logically lead to the conclusion. Remember that the ideas of the paper stem from the original idea, or thesis. The conclusion may be a summation of ideas presented in the essay, or it may be a solution to a problem presented in the essay.
Tip Sheet #16 (April 2006)
Prepared by the PCC Library Team, 900 West Orman Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81004