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General structure of an essay
Much of your college writing will be in the form of five-hundred-word essays― papers of several paragraphs that support a single point. An essay typically consists of an introductory paragraph, three supporting paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. The central idea, or point, developed in an essay is called a thesis statement rather than, as in a paragraph, a topic sentence. A thesis appears in the introductory paragraph, and the specific support for the thesis appears in the paragraphs that follow. The supporting paragraphs allow for a fuller treatment of the evidence that backs up the central point than would be possible in a single-paragraph paper.
Introductory Paragraph
The introductory paragraph of an essay should start with several sentences that attract the reader’s interest. It should then advance the central idea or thesis that will be developed in the essay. The thesis often includes a plan of development ― a “preview” of the major points that will support the thesis. These supporting points should be listed in the order in which they will appear in the essay. In some cases, the plan of development is presented in a sentence separate from the thesis; in other cases, it is omitted.
Body: Supporting Paragraphs
Most essays have three supporting points, developed at length over three separate paragraphs. (some essays will have two supporting points, others four or more. For the purposes of this book, your goal will be three supporting points for most essays.) Each of the supporting paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence that states the point to be detailed in that paragraph. Just as the thesis provides a focus for the entire essay, the topic sentences provide a focus for each supporting paragraph.
Concluding Paragraph
The concluding paragraph often summarizes the essay by restating briefly the thesis and, at times, the main supporting points of the essay. In addition, the writer often presents a concluding thought about the subject of the paper.
Diagram of an Essay
The following diagram shows you at a glance the different parts of a standard college essay, also known as a one-three-one essay. This diagram will serve as a helpful guide when you are writing or evaluating essays.
Title of the Essay
Introduction Opening remarks to catch reader’s interest
Thesis statement
Plan of development(optional)
Body Topic sentence 1 (supporting point 1)
Specific evidence
Topic sentence 2 (supporting point 2)
Specific evidence
Topic sentence 3 (supporting point 3)
Specific evidence
Conclusion Summary (optional)
General closing remarks
(Or both)
出典: Langan, John, College Writing Skills. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 1996.
