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12: Essay Organization

Last updated

Jul 5, 2022
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- 11.7: Giving and Receiving Feedback
- 12.1: Developing a Thesis Statement

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Learning Outcomes

Write a thesis that summarizes the main point of an essay
Write a topic sentence that summarizes the main point of a paragraph
Introduce relevant specific evidence to support a topic sentence
Integrate quotations and paraphrases from other texts as support
Connect a new idea to a previous point or to the thesis
Introduce essays in ways that engage the reader in the specific topic
Conclude essays in ways that sum up as needed and point toward further questions or implications.

12.1: Developing a Thesis Statement
A short, clear statement of the main idea of an essay will help readers stay focused and see the writer's purpose.
12.2: Topic Sentences
Each paragraph needs to focus on one idea and include a sentence that summarizes that idea.
12.3: Showing How a New Idea Fits in (Transitions)
As we move from one point to the next, we can signal to readers how the new point fits into the overall argument.
12.4: Referring Back to Make the Connection (Cohesion)
We can help orient readers to a new idea in the course of an essay by referring back to an old idea and showing how it connects.
12.5: Developing Paragraphs
In addition to a topic sentence, a paragraph needs supporting sentences to explain and give evidence for its main idea.
12.6: Quoting and Paraphrasing
We can use quotations and paraphrases as support by introducing them and clarifying how they relate to the ideas in the paragraph.
12.7: Introductions
Introductions serve to interest the reader in the topic and build up to the thesis.
12.8: Conclusions
Conclusions can go beyond restating the main point to suggesting an area for further thought or action.

Colored wooden building blocks arranged in a pyramid with gaps between blocks and no top level. — "Building Blocks" is by Karl Abuid on Unsplash under the Unsplash License.

Learning Outcomes

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