Task B: Essay paragraphs

You will learn:

• How to write an introduction
• How to write a body paragraph
• How to write a conclusion

Writing the introduction

In an undergraduate essay, the introduction should be about one paragraph and should make up 5%-10% of the overall word limit. It has a structure that should be followed.

A good introduction SHOULD:

1. begin with a general statement that identifies the topic
2. give essential background information and/or definitions of key words if necessary
3. state the main points of your argument in the order in which they will be discussed in the body
4. indicate your stance or the direction of your argument in the last sentence.

A good introduction SHOULD NOT:

1. include information that requires referencing (unless it refers to a definition)
2. use first person unless instructed to do so.

Don't expect to get your introduction RIGHT in your first draft. As you write the body, you might change the order of the main points or include some different points and leave others out. Just write what you have planned. When you have finished writing the body of your essay, revise your introduction if necessary.

 

Writing a body paragraph

If you have developed a good essay plan and taken useful notes, the body of the essay should be fairly straightforward. Expand your notes into paragraphs with complete sentences, adding more details where necessary.

In an undergraduate essay, body paragraphs make up between 80%-100% of the overall word limit. They have a structure that should be followed.

A good paragraph SHOULD:

1. begin with a topic sentence
2. give a number of supporting sentences with referenced evidence to elaborate your argument
3. finish with a concluding sentence, if it suits the style of paragraph you are writing.

A good paragraph SHOULD NOT:

1. include information which has not been adequately referenced
2. have too many main ideas - try to limit the length of your paragraph to 6-8 concise sentences
3. contain information that is not signalled in your topic sentence
4. use first person unless instructed to do so.

 

Writing the conclusion

In an undergraduate essay, the conclusion should be about one paragraph and make up 5%-10% of the overall word limit. It has a structure that should be followed.

A good conclusion SHOULD:

1. start with a sentence that restates the main position of your argument
2. give a brief summary of the main points which supported that position
3. finish with a statement that gives a sense of completion and demonstrates that you have answered the question
4. be consistent with your introduction.

A good conclusion SHOULD NOT:

1. introduce new information
2. include materials that require referencing
3. use first person unless instructed to do so.

Conclusions are often difficult to write. There is a tendency for students to ramble in an attempt to finish their essays on an impressive note, rather than to show logically that they have answered the question well. The function of the conclusion is to tie your essay together and demonstrate that you have answered the question.

Once you have finished the first draft, you need to edit and proofread before submitting your essay. This is an essential step as your lecturers expect your writing to be of a high standard.