Essay Writing — Structure

An essay is a piece of writing that develops a central idea (the thesis) through organized, connected paragraphs. A good essay has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Part 1: Introduction (1 paragraph)

Purpose: Hook the reader + introduce the topic + state your main argument (thesis)

Components:

1. Hook: An interesting opening — a question, a surprising fact, a short anecdote, or a bold statement
2. Background: 1–2 sentences giving context
3. Thesis statement: The main argument or purpose of the essay in one clear sentence

Example (essay on "Importance of Trees"):

(Hook) "What if every third breath you take disappeared? (Background) Trees produce 28% of the world's oxygen and absorb millions of tonnes of CO₂ every year. (Thesis) Trees are not just plants — they are the lungs of our planet, and protecting them is essential for human survival."

Part 2: Body (2–4 paragraphs)

Each body paragraph = one main point, developed with evidence and explanation.

Structure of each body paragraph (PEEL):

• P — Point: State the main idea of the paragraph
• E — Evidence: Give a fact, example, or reason
• E — Explanation: Explain how the evidence supports the point
• L — Link: Connect back to the thesis OR transition to the next paragraph

Example (one body paragraph):

(Point) "Trees play a vital role in maintaining the water cycle. (Evidence) Forests hold water in their roots and release it through transpiration, contributing to rainfall patterns across hundreds of kilometres. (Explanation) Without forests, rainfall decreases and droughts become more frequent — a pattern already visible in deforested regions of Brazil and India. (Link) Beyond the water cycle, trees also support biodiversity..."

Part 3: Conclusion (1 paragraph)

Purpose: Wrap up the essay — do NOT introduce new points.

Components:

1. Restate the thesis (in different words)
2. Summarise the main points briefly
3. Final thought: A call to action, a broader implication, or a memorable closing

Example:

"Trees sustain the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the biodiversity we depend on. Every tree planted is an investment in the future of life on Earth. The question is not whether we can afford to protect them — it is whether we can afford not to."

I. Introduction
   A. Hook
   B. Background
   C. Thesis statement

II. Body Paragraph 1
   A. Topic sentence (Point)
   B. Evidence / Example
   C. Explanation
   D. Linking sentence

III. Body Paragraph 2
   A. Topic sentence
   B. Evidence
   C. Explanation
   D. Linking sentence

IV. Body Paragraph 3 (if needed)
   [Same structure]

V. Conclusion
   A. Restate thesis
   B. Summary of points
   C. Final thought / call to action

1. What are the three parts of a standard essay?
2. What does PEEL stand for?
3. Write an introduction (3 sentences) for the essay: "Technology has made our lives easier."
4. Is this a good conclusion opener? "In conclusion, as I said before, trees are important." — Why or why not?
5. Stretch: Write a full outline (not the essay, just the plan) for: "Smartphones — Boon or Bane for Students?"