The structure
Introduction, three body paragraphs, conclusion. It is a scaffold, not a cage: once you can build it quickly, you can plan any essay in about five minutes.
- Paragraph 1: hook, one or two sentences of context, thesis statement.
- Paragraphs 2–4: one idea each — topic sentence, evidence, explanation, link.
- Paragraph 5: restate the argument in new words, then widen out to why it matters.
The introduction
Open with something concrete: a surprising fact, a short scenario, a sharp question. Avoid 'Since the beginning of time' openings — they say nothing.
Finish the paragraph with your thesis: one sentence that states your position and previews your reasons. 'Schools should start later because teenagers are biologically wired to sleep late, later starts improve grades, and they reduce accidents on the commute.'
Body paragraphs that earn marks
Use the same four moves in every body paragraph. Topic sentence: the single claim of this paragraph. Evidence: a quotation, statistic or example. Explanation: two or three sentences saying why that evidence proves the claim — this is where most marks are won and lost. Link: a short sentence tying it back to the thesis.
One idea per paragraph. If you can split a paragraph into two claims, split it.
The conclusion
Do not copy the introduction back. Restate the argument using different vocabulary, then answer the reader's silent question: so what? A recommendation, a consequence, or a wider implication ends the essay properly.
Checklist before you hand it in
Read only the topic sentences in order — they should sound like a summary of your argument. If they do not, your structure is wrong, and no amount of good sentences will fix that.
- Does the thesis state a position, not a topic?
- Does every body paragraph include real evidence?
- Is there more explanation than quotation?
- Does the conclusion add something instead of repeating?