How To Structure An Essay For University?

April 27, 2019 Tutors India

The essay is a written format that conveys an idea or a set of ideas with the reasoning that appeals to the reader’s logic. The central function of an academic essay is to present the writer’s ideas and view into a convincing argument that adequately explains their concepts, sufficiently counters the counterarguments that could be raised against the writer’s argument with reasons, and properly explains the significance of the case put forward in the essay.

There are different types of essays depending on its format and style like compare and contrast essays, classification essays, etc. But there are no set guidelines on how to fashion these essays. In the following passages, I will present an overview of ideas that may come in handy to structure your essay.

Writing an academic essay must be done by keeping the reader in mind. The principle behind any writing is effective communication of something. Hence, the arguments presented in the essay must come in anticipation of the reader’s logic and questions that will arise in them while reading. The essay must be coherent with proper transitions when moving from one idea to the next.

Almost all, if not all, essays are presented in a linear narration. That is, the essay introduces the reader with one idea at a time. The other characteristic feature of all academic essays is its general structure that consists of:

Introduction and conclusion are common to all essays. The opening is of paramount importance to a composition, especially an academic one that will be graded and influence one’s academic performance reports. The introduction presents the first impression of the essay to the reader, and it must induce curiosity in them to keep reading.

The introduction section introduces the argument to the reader and gives a context and idea of the structure and flow the essay will take.

The body of the essay forms the crux of it. Generally, most essays follow a three-part structure where the argument is introduced and explained in the beginning. This includes the context and validity of the statement. The writer should be cautious as to contain the section within a third of the total essay. Otherwise, the piece will look like an explanation or observation.

Once the reader is presented with the statement or the argument, the next section must be a defence of the case against the counterarguments. The argument presented in the beginning will raise questions within the reader; the writer gives their reinforcement of the argument against the anticipated issues. This section provides the validity of the argument.

The section that follows is the explanation of the significance of the arguments and statement written in the essay. This section must explain the need and importance of the thesis presented by the writer with respect to the field of study. It makes the essay look complete. It is followed by an overview of the arguments in conclusion.

Tips:

The best way to go about writing an essay that is coherent in its flow and appeals to the logic of the reader is by writing a rough draft of all the ideas the writer wants to present. This will serve to map the essay and structure it better. The writer must always keep their readers in mind while writing.