If you want to improve in academic writing, you need to pay close attention not only to the general idea of what you write about but also to the order you put your thoughts in. For that reason, apart from the essay structure as a whole, it is important to pay attention to the way you build every paragraph. However, there is solid logic behind it, so as soon as you understand the mechanics, you will not have any problems with that. The main thing is to understand the structural value of every paragraphical element, and you will not forget about that.
Types of paragraphs
Each type has its purpose and place in your writing, and it is impossible to switch places with each other.
1. Introduction
The introduction is the opening paragraph for your essay. You need it to introduce the topic you are going to discuss further. It may be the definition of a phenomenon, your observation of the recent dynamics of the issue, or an acknowledgment of when it all started. Then, you need to give your reader the context in which you will speculate on the issue and why it is important (it must be). Then, finally, the introduction must have a thesis statement: the main idea of your work and the thought that you will prove in the body of the paper.
2. Body
The body of an essay consists of several paragraphs that prove the idea in your thesis statement. It is important to separate the different arguments in paragraphs and, conversely, focus on a single idea in each of them. Normally, there must be at least three body sentences with three different claims that will make your reasoning valid and adequate. The microstructure of a body paragraph is similar to the one of the whole essay and follows the same logic—only it does it on the scale of a single claim.
3. Counterargument
A counterargument paragraph is not necessary for all types of essays but it is often needed in argumentative ones. This type of paragraph has the same structure as all the other body paragraphs, yet it presents a claim that opposes the idea in your thesis statement and gives reasons why it may be wrong. Usually, you need a counterargument paragraph to enlighten the complexity and controversy of the matter you discuss and to demonstrate your multi-faceted views on it.
4.Rebuttal
The rebuttal is essentially another body paragraph. The difference is that it is related to the counterargument more than to the thesis statement. This paragraph, logically, will only be in your essay if you include a counterargument. Sometimes, they can go as a single paragraph, and it is up to you or the planned length of your essay. In any case, you need to introduce a claim that is stronger than your counterargument in this paragraph.
5. Conclusion
The conclusion is another compulsory element of a well-developed and thoughtful essay. You do not need any new information in it. This paragraph is necessary to complete your argument and to wrap it up. Additionally, a conclusion may contain the space for further research or the final idea that closes the case.
How to write an introduction?
The introduction part is the trickiest one because here is where writer’s block awaits you. The first sentence of the first paragraph can be the toughest one as you need to catch the reader’s attention and make them want to read on. So, the very first sentence must be interesting and informative at the same time. However, it must be general so you can move on with a further explanation. You can define the thing you will write about or draw on the recent status of the matter.
Then, when the reader is on the same page with you, you need to end your introduction with an thesis statement, which is the main thing in it. To write a good thesis statement, you need to include three logical components:
- Your opinion on the issue of the conclusion you want to arrive
- The reason why you believe so
- The possible oppositions to it
Connect these three components with the linking words and proceed to the essay. Make sure your thesis statement is descriptive, as it may reduce the validity not only of the sentence itself but of your essay as a whole.
The elements of a body paragraph
Each of the body paragraphs must support the thesis statement from your introduction and has to be dedicated to a single aspect of the problem. You should start any paragraph with a topic sentence: you can consider it as a micro thesis. Importantly, the topic sentence must be concise and worded with your own ideas. When you have the topic sentence, the rest of the paragraph is for you to elaborate on it. It is a good idea to refer to reputable sources and to support your claims with citations. However, you need to make sure they fit the topic of your paragraph. Also, you need to fully cover one idea in a single paragraph.
Finally, each body paragraph needs a micro-conclusion as well. It is the final sentence, in which you wrap up your claim and summarize it. Make sure the last sentence of the body paragraph is your original thought and not a cited reference.
How to write a counterargument?
Although a counterargument paragraph is not compulsory in all types of essays, there are still certain writing peculiarities you may need to keep in mind. In the topic sentence, you need to acknowledge that there are different facets to the issue and that opposing opinions also have a solid ground. As the purpose of the counterargument is to demonstrate your acknowledgment of the complexity of the problem, you need to introduce it in the topic sentence and go on like in any other body paragraph. You will also need to present the proof that the opposite opinion is valid by citing reliable sources. The very last sentence must also wrap up the passage and state that there are reasons to have such an opinion.
If you understand the purpose of each structural element of an essay and what every component of a paragraph stands for, it is simple to build a well-organized one. With these basic principles, your essay will never be messy. However, if you want to build a perfect structure, it is best to start writing your work with an outline.
