Essay Structure

Essay Structure

1. There are no set formulas

   • but
     • There are certain guidelines

2. PARTS OF AN ESSAY

   • Introduction
     • Fixed
     • Introducing the argument
   • Backgroung material
     • Analyzing data
       • like
         • Historical context
         • Biographical information
         • theory or criticism
         • Definition of a term
   • Counterarguments
     • can be
       • free standing section, part of the beginning, before the ending
   • Conclusion

3. WATCH OUT!

   • Readers should have questions you're trying to answer
     • if they don't
       • your thesis is an observation, not an arguable claim
         • NOTICE some SIGNS OF TROUBLE
           • summarizing
           • Describing
           • Paragraph openers
             • "first", "next", "after, "then"
           • Listing words
             • "also", "another", "in addition"
           • REMEMBER
             • it's not about reproducing your sources
               • but about
                 • establishing an argumentative structure
     • WHAT
       • Do you have evidence showing your thesis is TRUE?
     • HOW
       • Can your thesis stand counterarguments?
     • WHY
       • is it important to others?