Traditional* Paragraph and Essay Structure *These rules for paragraph and essay structure are very useful and will give you a good foundation for this class and most other writing situations; however, there are many other ways to compose arguments. Learning this as a foundation will help your master many more complex styles in the future.

Topic: what is this paragraph about Topic: what is this paragraph about? What opinion are you trying to express? Evidence: explain your point logically, offer specific examples, offer relevant and reliable data (usually quotes). Connection: explain how/why your evidence supports or validates your opinion.

Topic: The Lakers are the greatest team in the NBA, but it’s been hard to be a fan for the last 4 years. Evidence: My favorite LA sports team, The Lakers, used to be an unstoppable dynasty, but they haven’t had a winning record since the 2012-13 season. I still remember watching Magic Johnson lead his team to consecutive championships in the late 80’s, and ten years later we had the Bryant/Shaq era 3-pete, when the Lakers won three championships in a row! Even when they didn’t win the big game, they were always part of the top echelon of teams until the 2013-14 season. For the last 4 years, we’ve been at the bottom of the pile instead of the top. Now other California teams, who used to be terrible, are winning league titles and championships. Connection: It’s been a hard few years, but a true fan sticks by their team through thick and thin, and my heart will always be purp and yellow!

Intro: Body: Body: Body: Conclusion: This basic format is also the way to organize a traditional essay: Topic Evidence Connection Intro: Topic Focus Thesis Body: Topic Evidence Connection Body: Topic Evidence Connection Body: Topic Evidence Connection Conclusion: Thesis Summary Future