Why does my teacher say my essay needs more structure?

Answer 1

When your teacher says your essay needs more structure, they are likely referring to the organization and coherence of your ideas. A well-structured essay is easier to understand and follow, making your arguments more convincing. Here are some reasons why your teacher may be suggesting your essay needs more structure, and some potential solutions:

1. Lack of clear organization: If your ideas are not arranged in a logical order, your essay may be difficult to follow. A well-structured essay presents information in a way that flows smoothly from one point to another, with each idea building on the previous one.
2. Create an outline: Before you start writing, create an outline that includes your main points and the evidence you plan to use to support them. This will help you organize your ideas and maintain a logical flow throughout your essay.
3. Weak or missing thesis statement: A strong thesis statement serves as the foundation of your essay and guides the reader through your arguments. If your thesis statement is weak or missing, your essay may lack a clear focus, making it difficult for your reader to understand your main point.
4. Develop a strong thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly articulate your main argument and guide your reader through your essay. Make sure your thesis statement is specific, arguable, and relevant to your topic.
5. Inadequate transitions: Transitions are essential for connecting your ideas and maintaining a smooth flow throughout your essay. If your transitions are weak or missing, your essay may appear disjointed, making it harder for your reader to follow your line of reasoning.
6. Use transitions effectively: Incorporate transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas and ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs. Transitions help guide your reader through your argument and make your essay easier to understand.
7. Inconsistent paragraph structure: Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, with a clear topic sentence and supporting evidence. If your paragraphs lack focus or are poorly organized, your essay may lose structure and become confusing.
8. Focus on paragraph structure: Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence, followed by supporting evidence and analysis. Keep your paragraphs focused on a single idea and make sure they are logically connected to your overall argument.
9. Insufficient development of ideas: An essay with weakly developed ideas may lack depth and substance, making your argument less convincing. Ensure you provide enough evidence and explanation to support your points, and consider addressing potential counterarguments to strengthen your essay.
10. Revise and edit: After completing your first draft, review your essay for coherence and organization. Make any necessary changes to improve the structure, flow, and clarity of your essay. It may be helpful to ask a peer or your teacher for feedback.

To improve your essay's structure, you should try to address these issues and incorporate these suggestions, so you are able to create a well-structured essay that effectively communicates your ideas and engages your reader. Please let me know if you need any further assistance or guidance!

Answer 2

Because, most likely, your paper is a first draft or close to a first draft. Here are some tips about the "structure" issue.

1. A first draft is like herding a bunch of cats. Your ideas are going to be scattered, disorganized, unfocused. Do not panic. This is the nature of both first drafts and cats.
2. It is actually impossible to organize cats. I've tried; failed. But you can organize your ideas.
3. Make a list of your ideas/points/insights. If you have trouble making a list, you probably haven't analyzed your material enough. So, take more time. This is why, folks, a good essay writer starts writing and brainstorming early, i.e. does not wait until an hour before deadline.
4. Division works for English not just Math. That is, learn to divide your thoughts. Sure, we all know Rey Skywalker is heroic, but see if you can come up with six or seven different (I do mean different) ways she is heroic. Not so easy, huh? Yes, welcome to the world of literary analysis..or, well, film in this example/
5. Once you have a list, disregard two or three points or insights. If you're not throwing stuff out at this stage, then you probably haven't thought enough about your project.
6. Once you've settled on your favorite ideas/points, put them in any order that feels good to you, but try not to put them in a chronological order that follows the story plot. OK, you can if you want to, but the best essays usually use a different organizational scheme.
7. Good rule of thumb: Save your best idea for last. Finish big. Readers like that sort of thing.
8. Once your ideas are in order, your chief task is to discuss each of those items separately--in a single paragraph is a common technique. That is, you want to focus on Point 1, and not mention Points 2 or 3 in the section devoted to Point 1. And so forth. (Tip: When teachers say your paper has good organization, they often mean that the key points are all clearly differentiated. The paper does not feel "blurry."
9. Finally, your paper will feel structured if it has a conclusion that does not just stop or fall off a cliff. Conclusions can be tricky, but of course one way to write them is to re-state the thesis in some new way, a common move. Better, however, is the conclusion that answers the dreaded "so what?" question. Imagine a friend reading your essay and your conclusion and saying, "Hey, that's real nice...but, you know, so what...?" Having a good response to that will make readers feel that they've really had a good time and learned something.
10. Final Point: As hard as this may be to believe, essay writing is not that difficult. It responds very well to practice. Unlike cats, who I think respond only to food!