How do I properly structure an Essay?

Answer 1

This is the basic format for any essay:

Introduction: 1) Hook, 2) Define important terms 3) background information 4) three-part thesis statement (x is y because 1,2,3,).

Body Paragraphs:

Topic sentence restating your claim and one reason

Supporting evidence

Explain evidence (how does this support your topic sentence?)

Supporting evidence and explain evidence again (do this as many times as you can)

Concluding sentence that restates your topic sentence and links to the next paragraph

Repeat for each body paragraph

Conclusion:

Restate your thesis, summarize your points, tie them together and connect to a larger context or issue

Let me know if you would like to write incredible papers, constructed responses, or prepare for standardized test writing!

Answer 2

There are many ways to structure an essay. However, for someone who is relatively new to writing and a bit unsure, the 5-paragraph essay is a standard format. In this essay, the first paragraph is your introduction. This includes a statement of your thesis. The next three paragraphs each cover one supporting detail for your thesis. The final paragraph is your conclusion where you reiterate your thesis and how your points supported it. So, if the prompt was, "Should every person go to college?", your first paragraph would introduce that topic and state what you think: Every person should go to college, for example. Your second paragraph would have your first reason why: Every person should go to college because we should always be learning new things -- and explain how going to college fulfills that need. Your third peragraph would have your second support: People who go to college make more money than those that don't, and why that matters. Your third paragraph is your third reason: College is a time to learn more about yourself before you have to get a job and support yourself. Finally, your conclusion should combine all those points: Everyone should go to college in order to keep learning, to earn more money over their lifetimes, and to learn who they are in the world.

Each of those sentences is not a full paragraph, but that gives you an idea of the structure. Hate the idea of a five-paragraph essay? It's not a requirement (unless your teacher says it is). There are lots of other ways to structure an essay, but it is one easy way when you're unsure.