BASIC, FAILSAFE, NO-FRILLS ESSAY FORM
(Particularly Useful For In-Class Essays)

INTRODUCTION:

1. The introductory paragraph MAY begin by catching the reader's attention with:
   • a bold statement
   • a scenario
   • a question
   • a compelling statistic
   • a formulation of a problem
2. It should provide background information. Identify the topic of the paper (e.g., Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" or The unification of Italy). Give some context, a summary, or the main components of that topic. Sometimes it helps to answer a few of the 5 W's: who, what, where, when, why . . . and how.
3. The thesis statement should state the specific, main idea the paper will discuss. (For many in-class essays, you can rephrase the question as a statement.)

BODY OF THE ESSAY:

Each body paragraph should:

• have a topic sentence that clearly connects to the thesis & tells what point the whole paragraph will make
• develop support specific to the point of the topic sentence:
  • authorities cited
  • explanations
  • facts
  • examples
  • details
  • statistics
• use analysis to show "how" and "why" the types of support give insight into the topic
• provide transition (a word or two: "On the other hand"; a phrase: "An equally important program..."; or a sentence: "Frost uses this ironic theme again in 'The Road Not Taken.'") to show how your paragraphs are connected.

CONCLUSION:

1. Return to the thesis idea so the reader understands the importance of the main point of your paper.
2. Don't just repeat what was in the paper -- that has already been said.
3. State what you most want readers to remember or think about from your essay.
4. However, do not bring up new topics!

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