Essay Structure

The first paragraph in an essay. It introduces the topic and indicates the focus of the essay.

• Thesis Statement

• Topic Sentence

• Introduction

The first part of the introduction that introduces the topic and gives some general information about it.

• Transitions

• Background

• Supporting Ideas

The most important sentence in an essay that comes at the end of the introduction. It expresses the main idea or purpose of the whole essay.

• Topic Sentence

• Thesis Statement

• Conclusion

These make up the main section of an essay where all the key ideas and supporting details are discussed.

• Supporting Ideas

• Details

• Body Paragraphs

Usually the first sentence of a paragraph and expresses its main idea or central focus.

• Transitions

• Topic Sentence

• Introduction

These are found in the body paragraphs. They come after the topic sentence and provide support for its main idea.

• Supporting Ideas

• Transitions

• Background

Usually follow supporting ideas and develop them through such things as explanations, examples, or definitions.

• Topic Sentence

• Body Paragraph

• Details

This comes at the end of a body paragraph to restate the main idea.

• Thesis Statement

• Concluding Sentence

• Conclusion

This is the last paragraph of an essay. It reminds the reader of the thesis statement and summarises the key points discussed in the body paragraphs.

• Concluding Sentence

• Thesis Statement

• Conclusion

Words or phrases that link important ideas within a paragraph or between paragraphs.

• Supporting Details

• Transitions

• Topic Sentence