The basic essay

 
This resource and others are available at www.douglascollege.ca/learningcentre 
WR 4.30 (8/20) 

Notice how each of these examples introduces a topic and then focuses on a particular aspect of that 

topic. 
In some types of essays, a thesis statement expressing a point of view is not needed. In those essays, the 
thesis statement simply clarifies what the essay is about. Consult our assignment instructions or 
instructor to clarify what type of thesis statement you need.
Developing the Introduction
: Once you have written a thesis statement, you can develop your 
introduction in a number of ways. One way to develop your introduction is to start with a statement 
relating to one key concept in your thesis. This statement should be interesting enough to encourage 
your reader to read on. Then in subsequent sentences, narrow your focus to something more specific 
and closer to your thesis statement. The introduction ends with the thesis statement, the most specific 
sentence in the introduction.
The Body Paragraphs 
The body of an essay is made up of several sections. In a short essay, a section is the same as a 
paragraph. In a longer essay, each section may be broken up into a few paragraphs. The number of body 
paragraphs depends on what the writer has to say and the length of the essay required.
An essay has more than one body paragraph. Each body paragraph has the following components: 
Topic Sentence
: The specific point to be developed in a paragraph is stated in its topic sentence, 
usually at the beginning of the paragraph. Typically, key words or concepts from the thesis statement 
should be reflected in the topic sentences. This helps the flow of the essay by clearly connecting each 
section back to the main point of the essay as stated in the thesis in the introduction. 
Support (Evidence and Explanation)
: After the topic sentence, you need to provide support for the 
point you are making. Often this will involve several supporting points. Each supporting point needs 2 
parts: 1) evidence, and 2) explanation. The evidence might include facts, statistics, quotes, anecdotes, 
logical arguments, examples, elaboration, description or definition. The second part of giving support 
–
explanation 
–
is crucial because the reader needs to be told how the evidence supports the point that 
the writer is making. The purpose of the evidence and explanation is to prove the truth of the topic 
sentence.
Unity
: Each body paragraph needs to be unified. This means that each sentence in the paragraph must 
clearly relate to the topic sentence of that paragraph.
Coherence
: Each body paragraph needs to be coherent. This means that each sentence is logically 
connected to the sentence before it. This smooth flow of ideas can be created using transitions, 
repetition of key words and ideas, and presentation of ideas in a logical order.
The Concluding Paragraph 
The concluding paragraph generally includes: 
•
A brief summary of the main points of the essay and/or a restatement of the thesis statement 
•
A final comment on the topic. This might be a discussion of the implications of the truth of your 
thesis (answering the question, 
so what?) 
or some discussion providing food for thought for 
your reader concerning the thesis or a related topic. 

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Document Outline

• A Visual Overview of the Basic Essay
• The Introductory Paragraph
• The Body Paragraphs
• The Concluding Paragraph