Organize your essay

Last updated: 9 Sep 2006

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.

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