Appendix 1: Essay Parts – Location, Function, and Features

Part

Location

Function

Features

Paragraphs

Introduction Paragraph

– First paragraph of an essay

– Introduces the topic and the purpose/thesis of the essay; can include definition of key terms

– Often contains a hook to attract the interest of readers, information about a topic that moves from general to more specific, and ends with a thesis statement

Body Paragraph

– After the introduction paragraph and before the conclusion paragraph(s)

– Provides main points which are supported by examples, explanations, and external sources

– Contains a topic sentence, supporting sentences with details and a concluding sentence that may link to the next body paragraph

Conclusion Paragraph

– The last paragraph of an essay

– Summarizes the focus and main points in the body paragraphs; concludes the essay

– Contains a summary of the thesis and main points, and a final statement; typically moves from specific points to more general

Sentences

Hook

– The first one or two sentences at the beginning of an essay

– Provides interesting information about the topic and encourages people to read

– Hooks can be interesting examples or facts

General Statements

– After the hook

– Help to introduce the topic and provide background information

– General topic information that helps readers understand the topic

Thesis Statement

– Usually the final sentence of the introduction paragraph

– Explains the topic focus (controlling idea) of the essay; gives overview of supporting points

– Unified in terms of the topic; has a specific idea focus and gives enough information without too much detail

Topic Sentence

– The first sentence of each body paragraph

– Introduces the topic and the controlling idea of the paragraph

– Commonly implies that there are several supporting points that follow it; not too specific nor too general

Supporting Sentences

– Follow the topic sentence

– Support the controlling idea in the topic sentence by giving some explanation, description, reason, fact or example

– Maintains unity and coherence of the paragraph with a focus on one main point

Detail Sentences

– Follow supporting sentences

– Provide detailed information about the controlling idea

– Provides details about the explanation, description, reason, fact or example

Concluding Sentence

– The last sentence of a paragraph

– Sums up a paragraph and often connects the paragraph to the following paragraph

– Restates (paraphrases) the topic sentence and usually summarizes the main points in the supporting sentences; commonly begins with transitional words or phrases

Restated thesis statement

– The first sentence in the conclusion paragraph

– Recalls the thesis statement

– Paraphrases the ideas in the thesis statement

Summary of main points

– After the restated thesis statement

– Gives a brief summary of main points explained in the body paragraphs

– Mentions main points briefly, does not introduce new information

Final comment

– End of conclusion paragraph

– Concludes the essay

– Gives final impression about the topic, may connect to the hook or general statements in the introduction

Other Parts

In-Text Citation

– Within text of essay

– Tells readers where support for the thesis comes from

– Includes the family name of author and date, if known

Reference List

– At the end of an essay

– Provides a complete list of materials used to write an essay

– Includes author name, date, title and source name