Organize your essay

Last updated: 13 Oct 2008

It is important to have some sort of organization or structure for the essay at least in mind, even if you do not write it down. The most basic and common structure for an essay like this is the following:

Introduction

Establish the issue or the parameters of the author's argument, state the position you will take in the essay (1 paragraph)

Body

Make your arguments and defend/support them here (1-3 paragraphs)

Conclusion

Make a summary of your position (1 paragraph)

The area that people usually do a terrible job on is the conclusion, often because they run out of time. Remember to budget enough time for yourself to do a good job of the conclusion.

Essay Models

Here are some models for the structure of the essay. Practice a couple of them, and use whichever one best suits both your style of writing and your method of making a point.

Model 1

1^st paragraph: state the author's argument before announcing whether you agree or disagree with it

2^nd paragraph: support your critique

3^rd paragraph: further support

4^th paragraph: further support

5^th paragraph: conclusion

Model 2

1^st paragraph: establish the argument of the author

2^nd paragraph: state your position on the author's argument

3^rd paragraph: support your critique

4^th paragraph: conclusion

Next page: Putting it all together