J. Kelly Robison
An essay has a specific format. The first paragraph states the problem and then
indicates what the answer to the problem is. This is the THESIS PARAGRAPH. The
thesis paragraph tells the reader what topic the writer is dealing with, what the writer
intends to do with the topic, the direction the writer is taking, and the interpretation
(thesis) the writer will attempt to argue.
After the thesis paragraph begins the argument. The argument is the BODYof the
essay; a series of paragraphs that establishes the writer's main ideas concerning the
topic. Each paragraph of the body of the paper begins with a TOPIC SENTENCE. A
topic sentence does two things. First, it introduces the basic idea to be developed or
proven in the paragraph. Second, it always relates back to the basic thesis statement. The
reader should always be reminded that a paragraph exists because it is related
to/connected to the thesis statement of the first paragraph. The rest of the paragraph
elaborates the topic sentence. Often, especially in history, the sentences are composed of
evidence--that is, facts which demonstrate the validity of the assertion made in the topic
sentence.
The final paragraph is a CONCLUSION in which the writer summarizes the entire
argument and restates the point of view (the thesis) that the author has taken.
This form should be used in writing essays for exams and writing research papers. Take time and prepare for the exams by writing an outline using the above instructions and the diagram on the following page as guides. Start with a simple outline and fill in the evidence as needed. Once the outline is complete, there is only a small jump to writing an essay. The act of preparing a detailed outline will help to prepare a student for an essay exam.