(DC) Lesson Topic 2: Parts of an Essay Review

Lesson Topic 2: Parts of an Essay Review

Let's review the parts of an essay.   You have learned this information in previous modules, but it is always a good idea to review past material in order to help you with future assignments.

Thesis Statement

The thesis statement might be one of the most important parts of your entire essay. The thesis statement is the last sentence of your introductory paragraph. It will state the main idea of your essay and consist of your opinion on the topic. Thesis statements cannot state a fact. They are opinionated statements.

Your entire essay will support your thesis. Every one of your body paragraphs should directly relate back to your thesis. If not, you may need to rewrite your thesis statement.
Introduction The introduction is the first paragraph of an essay. The introduction always includes a thesis statement which is the last sentence of the introduction. The introduction provides the writer with the opportunity to introduce the topic of the paper. If you are writing about a piece of literature, always include the title of the piece and the author's name somewhere in the introduction.
Body Paragraphs

The body paragraph is the meat of your essay. If you think about the essay in terms of a sandwich, the introduction and conclusion are the pieces of bread. The body paragraphs represent the middle of the sandwich. Just like the middle of the sandwich is what makes it so good to eat, the body paragraphs are what makes the essay so interesting to read.

Your body paragraphs will include three main parts: the topic sentence, concrete detail, and commentary.
Conclusion

The concluding paragraph is the last paragraph of your essay. Your conclusion should be composed of all commentary. You should not have any concrete details in your conclusion. Contrary to popular belief, your conclusion does not need to repeat the thesis or any keywords from the introduction. However, it does give a finished feeling to the entire essay.

Remember that the conclusion is the last thing your reader will see, so you want to get your point across without stating any new ideas.

 

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