1. Organizing an Academic Essay
Conclusion
Introduction
Body Paragraphs
© 2001 by Ruth Luman
References

2. Introduction What is an essay ?
An essay is a piece of writing that usually has five or more
paragraphs. An essay is written about one topic that has
several main points. The main points are introduced in an
introductory paragraph and supported in body
paragraphs. The conclusion is the last paragraph.
Essay
Body Paragraph 1
_____________
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
Introduction
_____________
Conclusion
_____________

3. Parts of an Essay An Introduction
An introductory paragraph is the first paragraph in an essay. It contains two parts.
1. General Statements: a few sentences about your subject that catch the attention of your reader.
2. A Thesis Statement: one sentence that tells your reader the main points of your topic and states the overall “plan” of your essay.

4. Example An Introduction
General Statements
“Metropolitan City is full of charm and scenic beauty, so visitors
from around the world come to enjoy its famous theaters,museums,
countless ethnic restaurants, and scenic wonders. Although
Metropolitan City seems like a paradise, it isn’t. The city has
several serious problems: poor public transportation, congested
streets, and expensive housing”
(Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 92).
Thesis Statement

5. Parts of an Essay Body Paragraphs
The body consists of one or more paragraphs following the
introduction. Each paragraph supports the main idea of
your essay by breaking it down into smaller ideas or sub-
topics. Each body paragraph consists of a topic sentence
and several supporting sentences. A conclusion sentence
draws the paragraph together.
Introduction
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3

6. Example Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
“The first and most important problem is Metropolitan City’s inadequate
public transportation system. Thousands of residents rely on the city’s buses
and streetcars to travel throughout this large city, but Metro Transportation
System’s daily schedules are totally unreliable. A bus or streetcar that should
arrive at 7:45 may not arrive until 8:00 or later. Moreover, it is not unusual
for a bus driver to pass up groups of people waiting for the bus, because he
wants to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, people often end up going to
work late or missing important appointments. In order for people to get to
their destinations on time, people must allow for waiting time at the bus and
streetcar stops” (Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79).
Concluding Sentence
Supporting Sentences

7. Parts of an Essay Conclusion
The conclusion paragraph is the last paragraph in the essay. It
completes the essay by summarizing or repeating the most
important ideas. The conclusion can also include an opinion, a
prediction, or a solution to a problem.
Body Paragraph 1
Introduction
Conclusion
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3

8. Example
Conclusion
Summary of Main Ideas
“In conclusion, Metropolitan City must improve its public transit system,
clear up the massive traffic jams caused by slow-moving traffic in the
downtown areas, and keep rentals down to affordable levels. In other words,
Metropolitan City must improve its image, or it will soon become just another
mediocre city due to the lack of administrative responsibility to solve these
unfortunate problems”
(Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79).
Prediction

9. Example An Introduction
General Statements
Going to a new school can be exciting, but for an international
student, the years of education in a different country can be
difficult and tumultuous. When I first arrived in the U.S. to attend a
university, I was overwhelmed and confused by everything new.
Fortunately, I met three very special friends who made a positive
impact on my life during those years and helped me survive the
trials of being a foreigner in a completely different educational
system.
Thesis Statement

10. Example Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
One of the first people I met was Joe Frieda. I first met Joe standing in a
line at the bookstore. I was having a difficult time finding the books for the
English classes I was taking my first semester here. He not only helped me
find my books, but he also gave me some good advice on where to get
tutorial help on campus and where I could find some good restaurants.
We’ve become better friends since then and he has been so helpful in
answering any questions I have about going to school in the U.S. and about
American culture. If I hadn’t met Joe that day, I might still be looking for the
right books for my classes!
Concluding Sentence
Supporting Sentences

11. Example
Conclusion
Summary of Main Ideas
“The significance of the kindness that these three people showed me and
the impact that it has made on my life during my experience as an
international student at State University cannot be underestimated. I will
never forget their friendship and will remember their examples of kindness to
me whenever I encounter other foreigners in my own country.
Promise or Resolution

12. Overview of an Essay Introduction
General statements and information about the topic
Thesis statement- lists the main ideas in the essay
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
Body Paragraphs
Support the main ideas of the thesis statement
Begin with topic sentences
Conclusion
Brief summary of main points of the essay

13. A Plan That Builds an Essay
Making an Outline
A Plan That Builds an Essay
Essay
© 2001 by Ruth Luman
References

14. Introduction What is an outline ? Before you begin writing the first
draft of your essay, it is best to make
an outline. An outline is a general
plan of what you are going to write.
You can compare making an outline
to drawing plans to build a house.
Before one begins to build a house, it
is best to draw up plans to make sure
that a house is built in the way you
want. The same is true with writing
an essay and making an outline.

15. The Benefits of an Outline
Introduction
The Benefits of an Outline
An outline of an essay can be very helpful for two reasons:
An outline will help make your essay more
organized. A careful plan will help your body
paragraphs stay focused on the ideas in your
thesis statement.
An outline saves time for writers. Preparing an
outline can take time, but when you are finished,
you will be able to write the rough draft of your
essay more quickly than if you didn’t have an
outline.

16. It will help you organize all of the ideas running around your brain!
Why Write An Outline?
It will help you organize all of the ideas running around your brain!

17. Why Write An Outline?
It will allow you to find any gaps in your research or ideas early enough to fix them.

18. Why Write An Outline?
It will make writing you essay less stressful because you will KNOW what you have to work with.

19. Why Write An Outline?
Professors are often willing to look over an outline for you to make sure that you are on the right track!

20. How?
An Outline Organizes Your Information Into 3 major parts in Preparation For Your Paper:

21. Example Outline Here is an example of how a blank outline might look:
Essay Outline
Introduction Thesis: _____________________
Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _____________
A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea
III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: ____________
IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: ____________
V. Conclusion

22. The Process Making an Outline In a formal outline, Roman numerals can
be used to represent
paragraphs. Capital
letters can be used to
represent supporting
details for the
paragraphs.
Click here to see a
list of Roman numerals.
Essay Outline
I. Introduction Thesis: ____________________
II. Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _________
A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea
III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: _________
IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: _________
V. Conclusion

23. The Process Thesis Statement
To begin an outline, you need to start with your thesis
statement. The thesis statement will be your guide
throughout the process of writing your essay. From the
thesis statement, you can begin writing the topic sentences
for the body paragraphs in the outline.
ESSAY OUTLINE
Thesis Statement
Topic Sentence #1
Topic Sentence #2
Topic Sentence #3

24. The Process Topic Sentences
The topic sentence for each body paragraph
should support the thesis statement. The topic
sentences need to agree with the main idea or
subpoints in the thesis statement; otherwise,
the essay could be confusing.

25. The Process Topic Sentences Thesis Statement
Topic Sentence Paragraph #1:
The way you dress can have a big impact on an interview panel’s first impressions of you.
Thesis Statement
A job interview can often make or break your chances of getting your dream job. There are several things that you can do in an interview to increase the possibility of your success such as dressing properly, answering interview questions thoroughly, and asking good questions at the end of the interview.
Topic Sentence- Paragraph #2:
An interview is an opportunity for potential employers to get to know you better, so it is important that you answer each question as completely as possible.
Topic Sentence- Paragraph #3:
By preparing some thoughtful questions for the end of the interview, you can show the panel that you have prepared for the interview and want the job.

26. The Process Supporting Details
Under the topic sentence for each paragraph,
list some of the supporting details, examples,
or ideas you want to include in each paragraph.

27. The Process Supporting Details II. Body Paragraph #1:
Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have a big impact on an interview panel’s first impressions of you.
A. Men and women should consider wearing dark suits.
B. Conservative dress will show the interview panel you are serious about what you do.
C. Don’t carry too many things into the interview. A notebook, pens, and/or laptop computer should be carried in a briefcase.
D. Hair and nails should be clean and neat.
supporting details,
examples, and ideas

28. Example Outline for potential employers to get to know you
better, so it is important that you answer each
question as completely as possible.
A. Ask interviewers to repeat questions you don’t understand.
B. Take some time to think about the questions before you answer.
C. A notebook to write down key words in interview questions is sometimes helpful.
IV. Body Paragraph #3:
Topic Sentence: By preparing some thoughtful
questions for the end of the interview, you can
show the panel that you have prepared for the
interview and want the job.
A. Research the job and/or company before you go to the interview.
B. The interview is your opportunity to get to know your potential employer. Ask questions about company goals, mission, expectations of employees, etc.
C. Don’t ask questions about benefits or salary during the interview. You should try to get this information before you apply for the job.
Conclusion: Don’t underestimate the importance of a good interview.
Example Outline
Introduction- Thesis Statement: A job interview can often make or break your chances of getting your dream job. There are several things that you can do in an interview to increase the possibility of your success such as, dressing properly, answering interview questions thoroughly, and asking good questions at the end of the interview.
Body Paragraph #1:
Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have a
big impact on an interview panel’s first
impressions of you.
A. Men and women should consider wearing dark suits.
B. Conservative dress will show the interview panel you are serious about what you do.
C. Don’t carry too many things into the interview. A notebook, pens, and/or laptop computer should be carried in a briefcase.
D. Hair and nails should be clean and neat.
III. Body Paragraph #2:
Topic Sentence: An interview is an opportunity

29. Roman Numerals I = 1 XI= 11 II= 2 XII= 12 III= 3 XIII= 13
IV= 4 XIV= 14
V= 5 XV= 15
VI= 6
VII= 7
VIII= 8
IX= 9
X= 10

30. A Road Map for Your Essay
The Thesis Statement
A Road Map for Your Essay
Introduction
ESSAY
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph #1
Body Paragraph #2
Body Paragraph #3
© 2001 by Ruth Luman
References

31. What’s a thesis statement????
Introduction
Thesis Statements
After you have brainstormed and you have some main
ideas of what you would like to write in your essay, you can
begin thinking about writing a thesis statement.
What’s a thesis statement????

32. Definition Thesis Statement A thesis statement is a complete sentence
that contains one main idea. This idea controls
the content of the entire essay. A thesis
statement that contains subpoints also helps a
reader know how the essay will be organized.
Look at the introductory paragraph below. See
if you can identify the thesis statement and
subpoints.

33. Definition Thesis Statement
When I was young, I always knew that I wanted to become a teacher someday. When I played, I would often gather my dolls together and pretend to teach them how to do math problems or how to read a book. As I grew older, my desire to become an ESL teacher became clearer as I did some volunteer teaching overseas and in the United States. As I look back on my reasons for becoming a teacher, there are three reasons that stand out. They are: my love for the English language, my innate interest in how people learn, and my desire to help other people .
Subpoints in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized
The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.

34. Thesis Statement Another Example
Psychologists have argued for decades about how a person’s character is formed. Numerous psychologists believe that one’s birth order (i.e. place in the family as the youngest, oldest, or middle child) has the greatest influence. I believe birth order can have a significant impact in the formation of a child’s character based on my own experience growing up in a family of four children. Birth order can strongly affect one’s relationship with parents, relationships with others, and how one views responsibility as an adult.
The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.
Subpoints in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized

35. Key Features Thesis Statement
states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question.
is usually at the end of an introduction.
states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself.
often lists subtopics.
does not directly announce your main topic.

36. Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
Key Features
Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
Since the thesis statement is the main
statement for the entire essay, it should express
a complete thought and be a complete sentence.
The thesis statement is asserting an opinion or
idea, so it should not be a question. Look at the
examples below to see how they can be made
into thesis statements.

37. Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
Key Features
Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
The sport of cross-country running.
This is not a complete sentence.
The sport of cross-country running has allowed me
to get in better shape and meet some interesting people.
Thesis Statement
This is a question, not a statement.
Why do I want to be a teacher?
Being a teacher is a great profession, because it allows me to work with students and be creative.
Thesis Statement

38. A Complete Sentence Another Example
The problem of pollution in big cities.
This is not a complete sentence.
The problem of pollution in major cities can be
alleviated by limiting the number of cars allowed to
drive on city streets and creating more efficient public
transportation systems.
Thesis Statement
Why should marijuana be legalized?
This is a question, not a statement.
Marijuana should be legalized because it is not any
more addictive than tobacco and it can provide
numerous medicinal benefits for those suffering from
terminal illnesses.
Thesis Statement

39. Key Features Location English readers like to know what an essay
will be about near the beginning of the essay
rather than at the end. This is why the thesis
statement is often found at the end of the
introductory paragraph.

40. Key Features
Location
For most of my life I have lived with bad health, smelly clothes, and a chronic cough. My children and husband begged me to stop the habit that caused these conditions, but I couldn’t. The habit of smoking had wrapped its addicting arms around me and was slowly strangling me until one day I realized I had to stop. This realization came after three terrifying events occurred in my family.
The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read about the events that caused the author to stop smoking in the rest of the essay.

41. Location Another Example
Maya Angelou is an accomplished African-American author in the United States. While growing up, she suffered tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult life events are portrayed in novels and poems such as, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Her written works often include strong themes such as perseverance through trials, love for family, and passionate optimism.
The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read more about how Maya Angelou expresses these themes in her writing.

42. States an Opinion or Attitude
Key Features
States an Opinion or Attitude
Good thesis statements often express a
writer’s opinion or attitude on a particular topic.
This makes the thesis statement more specific
and requires the writer to explain or prove
his/her opinion in the essay. Look at the
examples below.

43. Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude
Learning to play many musical instruments when I was young helped me to become a more intelligent and well-rounded person.
I learned to play many musical instruments when I was young.
This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about the experience of learning to play musical instruments. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why playing a musical instrument made him/her a better person.
This would not be considered a good thesis statement because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t give the writer’s opinion or attitude on playing musical instruments. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay.

44. An Opinion or Attitude Another Example
This would not be considered a good thesis statement, because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t reflect the writer’s opinion or attitude on Cancun. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay.
Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico.
Cancun is one of the best vacation spots in Mexico because of its comfortable climate and proximity to some well-known archeological sites.
This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about Cancun. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why going to Cancun is a good choice for visitors.

45. Key Features Subtopics You can make your thesis statement more
specific by including subtopics or supporting
ideas. By doing this, you give your reader a
clear idea of what will follow in the body
paragraphs of your essay.

46. Key Features Subtopics
The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the state.
No subtopics are named in this thesis statement.
subtopic #2
The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the ability of the state to provide housing, electricity, and jobs for all residents.
subtopic #1
subtopic #3
This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?

47. Inner-city public schools grapple with some serious problems.
Subtopics
Another Example
Inner-city public schools grapple with some serious problems.
No subtopics are named in this thesis statement.
subtopic #1
subtopic #2
Some of the most serious problems in today’s inner-city public schools are the overcrowded classrooms, the low percentage of trained teachers, and the lack of resources such as textbooks for students.
subtopic #3
This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?

48. Don’t State the Obvious
Key Features
Don’t State the Obvious
In thesis statements, you should avoid using
statements like, “This essay will discuss…” or
“I’m going to write about…”. Try to write a
thesis statement that captures your reader’s
attention without announcing your main topic
and stating the obvious. Look at the examples
below.

49. Don’t State the Obvious
Key Features
Don’t State the Obvious
In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects of long-term drug abuse.
Long-term drug use can have disastrous effects on one’s marriage, career, and health.

50. Don’t State the Obvious
Another Example
This essay will discuss some ways teachers can fight teenage drug abuse.
Teachers can fight teenage drug abuse by educating young people on its dangers and by being good role models.

51. Key Features
Review
states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question.
is usually at the end of an introduction.
states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself.
often lists subtopics.
does not directly announce your main topic.