Unit 3 Essay Structure

Overview

In unit 3, we are going to look at the basic foundations of any academic paper you will write during your program. To start, we will look at writing general introductions with effective thesis statements and conclusions. We will then move on to writing clear body paragraphs and focusing on strategies in writing topic sentences and supporting sentences. Finally, we will review paragraph development and create cohesion and flow in body paragraphs.

Topics

This unit is divided into the following topics:

  1. Paper Structure (introductions, conclusions, and thesis/purpose statements)
  2. Paragraph (structure and development)
  3. Cohesion

Learning Outcomes

When you have completed this unit, you should be able to:

  • Review and explain the purpose of introductions and conclusions and having a strong thesis statement.
  • Deconstruct the basic components of the structure of academic papers.
  • Evaluate the strength of paper and paragraph structure and their effectiveness.
  • Analyze thesis statements, identifying purpose and strengths.
  • Assess body paragraphs within a paragraph for their strength and connection to the thesis.
  • Choose effective transitions between and within paragraphs to create flow in writing.
  • Analyze use of transitions to convey meaning and purpose (argument, compare/contrast, addition, causation, etc.).

Activity Checklist

The learning activities in this course are ungraded, unless specified. They are designed to help you succeed in your assessments in this course, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them.*

Unit 3 Learning Activities

Click here for a checklist of learning activities you will benefit from in completing this unit. You may find it useful for planning your work.

Activity 3.1: 📗 Read an introduction paragraph and identify the components of an introduction.
Activity 3.2: 🎦Watch a video on thesis statements and purpose statements to understand how they are used in academic writing.
Activity 3.3: ✏️ Analyze three thesis statements to assess their effectiveness.
Activity 3.4: 🎦 Watch the video about paragraph structure and do the activity while watching the video.
Activity 3.5: 📗 Read example topic sentences and evaluate for which is the stronger topic sentence.
Activity 3.6: 🎦 Extra Practice: Watch this video on building a critical argument in your body paragraphs then reflect on your own writing.
Activity 3.7: ✏️ With your team, analyze an essay to identify essay and paragraph components and evaluate their effectiveness.
Activity 3.8: 🎦 Watch a video on creating cohesion in your writing. Consider and discuss the methods in managing cohesion and creating flow in your academic writing.
Activity 3.9: ✏️ Check your understanding by matching transition type with the key words.
Activity 3.10: 📗 Read a sample paragraph and identify places where transitions could be used to improve the flow of the paragraph.

Assessment

✏️ Reverse Outline: Read an essay and identify the main components of an academic paper.
📔 Unit 3 Learning Log

3.1 Paper Structure

We begin Unit 3 by looking at the basic structure of a paper which will provide a foundation for all types of writing you will be doing in your graduate studies.

Many APA papers will be dictated by required sections or headings. For example, “Method” or “Results” sections. You would know this from the essay instructions. However, all essays will have the following components:

  • Introduction (with a Thesis)
  • Topic Sentences
  • Support (quotes, paraphrase, data)
  • Analysis/Evaluation
  • Transitions
  • Conclusion

3.1.1 Introduction

In most of the papers you will write, each paper will require an introduction. An introduction provides background and context to help anchor your reader and prepare them for what will be covered in your paper. It gets readers invested in your work and it gives that purpose or argument for the paper. So, readers understand the overall background or context of the problem/situation, the specific topic and why it is important, and what the argument of the paper will be.

Figure 3.1: Structure of an Introduction Paragraph. Graphic from How to build an essay from  Monash University

Context

The first part of the introduction introduces the paper’s context to the readers. It establishes the context (problem or topic) you’re going to be discussing and why it is important. You can use a hook (attention-getting sentence), question, quote, definition, or just a statement about the context. Most graduate essays are formal and will use a general statement of the context. Providing the necessary context will help the reader understand the thesis.

Your Position

Once the context is established, you can state the thesis, or purpose of the paper. When stating your thesis statement, it could be just one sentence, but in longer papers, it can also be 2 -3 sentences explaining in more detail. Your thesis statement could be just one sentence, or it could take 2 -3 sentences to explain your purpose in more detail, especially in longer papers. The exact format and characteristics of the thesis will vary depending on the type of paper you are writing. Thesis statements are tailored to specific types of writing, including persuasive, research, argumentative, and analysis papers. When writing the paper, use the thesis statement to check that the content in the paper’s body is developing the assertion you made.

We will cover how to write an effective thesis statement below, but for now, let’s continue to identify the other components of the introduction paragraph.

Main Points

The thesis statement will be followed by a road map of how you will prove or support the purpose of your paper. This usually involves outlining the main supporting points of your paper or an explanation of how you will prove your thesis.

Writing Tip. Make sure the essay is responding to the assignment instructions! Sometimes instructors will provide specific instructions on writing different components of the paper, such as word count, citation requirements, level of analysis expected, etc. Be sure to read not only the instructions, but the grading rubric or criteria if this is provided.

3.1.2 Activity: Read and Evaluate

Read the introduction paragraph below. Then decide which sentences (1) provide information about the context/background; (2) which sentences state the thesis or purpose of the paper; (3) and which sentences provide information about the structure or main point of the essay.

Business leadership has been described as the “ability to influence, motivate and enable others to contribute to the effectiveness and success of the organizations” (Northouse, 2021). Whether this ability is something a person is born with, or whether it is something that a person an learn, has been the subject of considerable debate. Kambil (2010) has outlined two categories of leadership attributes that help to frame the discussion: traits, which are mostly innate, and skills which can be developed through experience or training. This essay will draw on the trait theory of leadership to argue that leaders are first born, but then must be made. While good business leaders share certain traits that are essential to success, including curiosity, courage, perseverance, personal ethics, and confidence (Kambil, 2010). Leaders also need learnable skills, such as communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution that are only developed through practice. A potential leader should develop their natural traits as well as learn and practice skills which will help them to persuade, equip and inspire others to realize their vision.

Answer

Business leadership has been described as the “ability to influence, motivate and enable others to contribute to the effectiveness and success of the organizations” (Northouse, 2021).Whether this ability is something a person is born with, or whether it is something that a person an learn, has been the subject of considerable debate. Kambil (2010) has outlined two categories of leadership attributes that help to frame the discussion: traits, which are mostly innate, and skills which can be developed through experience or training. This essay will draw on the trait theory of leadership to argue that leaders are first born, but then must be made. While good business leaders share certain traits that are essential to success, including curiosity, courage, perseverance, personal ethics, and confidence (Kambil, 2010). Leaders also need learnable skills, such as communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution that are only developed through practice. A potential leader should develop their natural traits as well as learn and practice skills which will help them to persuade, equip and inspire others to realize their vision.

  • Background/Context
  • Position/Contention
  • Structure or main point of the essay

Thesis Statements

The thesis is a clear statement of the overall argument of the paper. It will define the specifics of the topic within the essay parameters. It comes in the introduction and is normally one-two sentences long. Everything in the paper must work to prove the thesis.

The exact format and characteristics of the thesis will vary depending on the type of paper you are writing. Davis et al. (2013) explain that thesis statements are tailored to specific types of writing, including persuasive, research, argumentative, and analysis papers. When drafting the paper, use the thesis statement to check that the content in the paper’s body is developing the assertion you made.

3.1.3 Activity: Watch and Take Notes

Watch the video on ‘the difference between a thesis and purpose statements’ and take notes. Consider the following questions:

  1. What is a thesis statement?
  2. How is a purpose statement different from a thesis statement?
  3. What are the main components of both the thesis and purpose statements?

What is an Effective Thesis Statement or Purpose Statement?

An effective thesis statement includes the following characteristics:

  1. A specific claim or purpose to your paper
  2. Explanation of how you will prove your claim: The events, ideas, sources, and details that you choose to prove your claim
  3. Explanation of the significance of your claim: This answers the question ‘so what’?

3.1.4 Activity: Read, Evaluate, and Discuss

Read the following thesis statements. Based on the criteria of effective thesis statements, which are effective and why?

  1. Patient care can be improved by implementing communication standards which can be applied to shift changes, use of electronic health records, and hand washing protocol.
  2. Smaller neighbourhood stores do more for local economies because the money spent there stays local and they tend to be more invested in the community.
  3. Small business owners employ 35% of the British Columbia’s workers, so in this paper, I will show the importance of small business owners.

Body Paragraphs

This is where you will support your thesis or purpose statement. Each body paragraph will have one main idea (or topic sentence) to connect it back to the thesis statement and the main idea will be supported by evidence – intext citations, explanations, examples etc. The topic of paragraph structure will be covered in the following unit topic on paragraph structure and development.

Conclusion

Your conclusion serves the purpose of reminding the readers of the main points of the essay. It answers the question: What should they remember about what they have read?

Figure 3.2: Structure of a Concluding Paragraph. Graphic from How to build an essay from  Monash University

The conclusion should begin by restating the thesis (paraphrased), connecting the main points discussed in the paper, and point to the larger context. The final sentences will address the broader picture and call for more research, implications of the study, and answering the question, “Why does this all matter?”

3.2 Paragraph Structure

When you are writing the body paragraphs of your papers, you must include a strong topic sentence, supporting sentences with explanations (analysis/evidence), and a concluding sentence. It is important to make sure that you are managing cohesion between sentences to create flow that makes it easier for your reader to understanding your ideas/opinions.

The image below shows the components of the paragraph: the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and concluding sentences. We will go through these points in detail below, as well as some key tips on analysing your supporting ideas using transitions between sentences.

Academic paragraphs are usually between 200 and 300 words long (they vary more than this but it is a useful guide). The important thing is that they should be long enough to contain all the above material. Only move onto a new paragraph if you are making a new point. 

Many students make their paragraphs too short (because they are not including enough evidence with analysis); or, they are too long due to either repeated information or irrelevant (they are made up of several different points).

3.2.1 Activity: Read, Identify, and Evaluate

Watch the video about paragraph structure and take notes.

Focus on each aspect of effective paragraph writing and what you will need to do to improve your body paragraphs to be a more effective writer.

Use this paragraph while watching the video:

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can generate a positive reputation for a company leading to possibly more sales and growth. According to Jones et al (2019), a corporation that invests in the environmental and ethical approaches of CSR will demonstrate to the public and the media that they are a responsible company. Watson (2018) states that this improves consumer sales as customers tend to support ethical green business practice thus improving profitability and encouraging growth. For example, a yoghurt company called Yeo Valley has been investing in making its products organic, creating fully recyclable packaging, and reducing its CO2 output. As a result, profits have doubled within the last two years providing the company with a range of opportunities to expand (Peterson, 2019). Overall, the evidence seems to suggest that investing in CSR can improve brand image and productivity.

Source: How to write an academic paragraph, by Academic English UK (2021).

3.2.2 Writing Effective Body Paragraphs

Topic Sentences

Topic sentences are connected to the thesis (proving a specific sub-point). Topic sentences, and thus paragraphs, focus on ONE main idea or a claim that helps support your thesis.

Topic sentences contain both a main idea (the subject, or topic, that the writer is discussing) and a controlling idea (the writer’s specific stance, or point of view, on that subject). Different writers may use the same main idea but can steer their paragraph in a number of different directions according to their stance on the subject.

If you just read the thesis and topic sentences, the essay should make sense and follow a clear argument.

Here are some tips on writing topic sentences:

Watch: How to Write a Topic Sentence

Topic Sentences Writing Strategies:

When writing your topic sentence, check to make sure you can answer “yes” to the following:

  1. Does it support your thesis or is it relevant to the purpose of your paper?
  2. Does it clearly state the topic and controlling idea of the paragraph?
  3. Is it written in your own words (not a quote or paraphrase)?
  4. Does it start with a transitional element?

3.2.3 Activity: Read and Evaluate

Read the following Topic Sentences, then decide which is stronger. (H5P activity)

  1. Which is a stronger topic sentence?
    1. In this paper, I am going to discuss the rising suicide rate among young professionals.
    2. The rising suicide rate among young professionals is a cause for immediate concern.
  2. Which is a stronger topic sentence?
    a. In general, writing an essay, thesis, or other academic or nonacademic document is considerably easier and of much higher quality if you first construct an outline, of which there are many different types.
    1. Most forms of writing can be improved by first creating an outline.
Answers

Question 1

  1. In this paper, I am going to discuss the rising suicide rate among young professionals.
    • This is the weaker topic sentence as it provides a main idea, but it does not present a controlling idea or thesis.
  2. The rising suicide rate among young professionals is a cause for immediate concern.
    • This is the stronger topic sentence as it presents the writers opinion on the subject of rising suicide rates among young professionals.

Question 2

a. In general, writing an essay, thesis, or other academic or nonacademic document is considerably easier and of much higher quality if you first construct an outline, of which there are many different types.
- This is the weaker topic sentence as it includes a main idea and a controlling idea, but the confusing sentence structure and unnecessary details included make it less clear and harder for your reader to follow.
b. Most forms of writing can be improved by first creating an outline. - This is the weaker topic sentence as it cuts out unnecessary wordiness and simplifies the previous statement, making it easier for the reader to follow. A more direct topic sentence makes it easier for your reader to follow.

3.2.4 Supporting Ideas

A supporting idea is anything that supports/proves the topic sentence. Every sentence in the paragraph should connect to the topic sentence. If not, it should be cut or moved to a different paragraph. Supporting sentences should include both evidence and an analysis of that evidence.

Evidence in Context

Choose your evidence source and summarize the context. All evidence you will use must support the main idea (topic sentence) of your paragraph.

Incorporate appropriate evidence to support your claim. The evidence may consist of:

  • quotations or paraphrased sources
  • statistics, facts
  • examples
  • personal observations and anecdotes

Remember to cite your sources if they are not from your own experience. For example, a paraphrased sentence/idea must be cited appropriately, even if it is in your own words.

Analysis of the Evidence

Provide an analysis or interpretation of the evidence and evaluation of how it connected to your main idea.

Explain what the evidence means and how it connects to the main idea or argument in your paragraph or thesis statement. Each piece of evidence provided must be followed up with your reasoning including it (through analysis, interpretation, and evaluation).

Below is an example of a body paragraph that uses the claim->evidence->analysis structure. Here we can find a clear topic sentence (the claim), followed by the evidence (with analysis) which are cited appropriately. The final sentence, or the concluding sentences is not an analysis, but a link related back to the thesis and to the next paragraph.

Example of an academic paragraph

3.2.5 Activity: Extra Practice: Watch and Reflect

Watch this video on building a critical argument in your body paragraphs with supporting ideas. 

 

After, reflect on your previous written assignments or on your writing diagnostic. You can discuss this with your classmates.

  1. Do you have a clear topic sentence that includes both a main and controlling idea?
  2. Do you include evidence that supports that topic sentence?
  3. What kind of evidence do you include?
  4. Is your evidence from sources cited appropriately?
  5. Have added an analysis or interpretation of your evidence?

3.2.6 Concluding Sentence

The Concluding Sentence connects the content in the paragraph to the main idea (the topic sentence). It can also act as a link to the next body paragraph. The concluding sentence may do the following:

  • Restate the main idea.

Example: Childhood obesity is a growing problem in North America.

  • Summarize the key points in the paragraph.

Example: A lack of healthy choices, poor parenting, and an addiction to video games are among the many factors contributing to childhood obesity.

  • Draw a conclusion based on the information in the paragraph.

Example: These statistics indicate that unless we take action, childhood obesity rates will continue to rise.

  • Make a prediction, suggestion, or recommendation about the information in the paragraph.

Example: Based on this research, more than 60 percent of children in North American will be morbidly obese by the year 2030 unless we take evasive action.

3.2.7 Transitions

Transitions connect one idea or paragraph with another. Often transitions are boiled down to one word; however, in university writing, it is helpful to use full sentence transitions.

The first part of the sentence recaps the previous point, and the second part of the sentence introduces the next one.

Here are some helpful sentence templates to get you started on transition sentences:  

3.2.8 Activity: Read, Identify, and Evaluate

When you meet with your class this week, you will participate in the following activity. Be sure to follow the directions carefully.

Download both the essay “Food as a Cultural Identity” and this activity handout which each team will submit (1 per group). Read and follow instructions as a group, identifying and highlighting the following:

  1. Identify the Thesis Statement. Highlight in yellow.
  2. For each body paragraph, identify the main idea/topic sentence. Highlight in blue.
  3. Identify the evidence used to support each topic sentence. Highlight in green.
  4. Underline the transitions used in each paragraph.
  5. Analyze the essay components highlighted above.
  6. Evaluate the thesis statement:
    • Is the thesis statement clearly stated?
    • Is it effective?
    • Why or why not?
  7. Evaluate each topic sentence – Does it connect back to the thesis statement?
    • Does the evidence/supporting sentences support or explain the main idea of the body paragraph? Why or why not?
  8. Is there a concluding sentence in each body paragraph?
  9. What is the function of the concluding sentence?
    • Is it to summarize or to transition to the next body paragraph?
  10. Read and evaluate the concluding paragraph. What is the focus of this paragraph?
    • Is it to summarize main ideas?
    • Does it connect back to the essay’s thesis statement?
Questions to Consider

After completing the activities above, consider the following questions:

  • Before you write your papers, do you outline your body paragraphs, including the topic sentences and supporting sentences?
  • When writing body paragraphs, do your supporting sentences include evidence and analysis (in addition to the topic and concluding sentences)?
  • Do you check that each topic sentence connects to either the thesis statement or the purpose/plan for your paper?
  • When you revise your papers, do you check that all components of the paragraph are present in each body paragraph?

3.3 Paragraph Development and Cohesion

What is cohesion?

As graduate writers, in your academic writing and professional writing, your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely in a well-organized paper. One important aspect of this is cohesion, which refers to the logical flow and connection in a paper. This is achieved using transitions to link sentences together so there is a logical flow between ideas from one sentence to the next, one paragraph to the next, and one section to the next.

Transitions between sections.

As the papers you will be writing can be somewhat long, it can be necessary to include a transitional paragraph that summarize for the reader the information you just covered. Transitions can also help specify the relevance of this information to the discussion in the following section.

Transitions between paragraphs.

We use transitions between paragraphs to help organize your paragraph so that the content of one paragraph transitions logically to the next paragraph. Similar to using transitions between sentences, you must consider the relationship that already exists by summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something from the content of the paragraph that follows.

A transition between paragraphs can be a word or two (e.g. however, for example, similarly), a phrase, or a sentence. Transitions can be at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places.

Transitions within paragraphs.

As with transitions between paragraphs and sections, transitions within paragraphs function as cues by helping your reader anticipate what is coming before they read it.

Within a paragraph, transitions tend to be words or short phrases. Check out these websites to help in choosing the best transition word/phrase for your purpose (what you are trying to convey):

3.3.1 Activity: Watch, Take Notes, and Discuss

Before you watch the video below, jot down some notes on the following questions:

  1. What makes a ‘good’ paragraph? How important is it for your body paragraphs to include basic components of a paragraph?
  2. What is needed to create ‘flow’ and ‘cohesion’ in academic writing?

Then, watch the videos and take notes, using these questions as a guide. Finally, discuss the following questions in with your classmates.

  1. What are transitions? What is their purpose?
  2. What are the different types of transition words discussed? Give examples.
  3. What do you need to think about when using transition word/phrases? Why?
  4. How do you transition from body paragraph to body paragraph?

Transitional Expressions

Using Keywords to Improve Flow

How to use Transition Words and Sentences in Essays

What are Transitional Devices?

Transitional devices are like bridges between parts of your paper. They are cues that help the reader interpret ideas a paper develops. Transitional devices are words or phrases that help carry a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another. And finally, transitional devices link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.

There are several types of transitional devices, and each category leads readers to make certain connections or assumptions. Some lead readers forward and imply the building of an idea or thought, while others make readers compare ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts.

How do I choose the best transition word?

Check for overused, awkward, or absent transitions when you are editing and proofreading your paper.

Consider what type of transition you need. It is to extend an idea, compare/contrast, or add more information? Is it to begin your paragraph/topic sentence, or give chronological order? See these links for transition terms and types:

If you have used some terms repeatedly, find a substitute transition from the list and use that instead. This will help vary your writing and enhance flow and communication of ideas.

3.3.2 Activity: Check your understanding

Match the transition type with the word/phrase.

3.3.3 Activity: Read and Revise

Read the following paragraph and identify places where a transitional device could be used to improve the flow of the paragraph. Then, revise by highlighting the changes/additions made.

There is a script that technical support employees follow to deal with common problems. They suggest that you turn your device off and turn it back on. If the problem is still there, they will actually try to solve it. This does solve the problem. It can be frustrating if you know there is a real issue - if you have already tried restarting your device and it did not work. Try to remember that technical support is just as frustrating for the support staff on the other end of the phone as it is for you.

Possible answers

When it comes to technical support, there is often a script that employees follow to deal with common problems. First, they suggest that you turn your device off and then turn it back on; finally, if the problem is still there, they will actually try to solve it. In fact, this does usually solve the problem, although it can be frustrating if you know there is a real issue - for example, if you have already tried restarting your device, and it did not work. Above all, try to remember that tech support is ultimately just as frustrating for the support staff the other end of the phone as it is for you!

Unit 3 Summary

In this third unit, you have had the opportunity to learn about the basic structure of a paper, writing effective thesis statements, paragraph structure, and improving flow and cohesion within your paragraphing and your papers.

Assessments

Essay Reverse Outline

For this assignment you will deconstruct an essay by completing a reverse outline using the provided template. See the assessment section for more details and submit in the assignment dropbox in Moodle.

Learning Log Entries

After you have completed this unit, you can draw on the lessons and learning activities to complete your Unit 3 Learning Log Entry.

Go to the Assessment section in this book for details, including the grading rubric. Your instructor will let you know if there are any other changes in what to submit.

Please submit assignments in the dropboxes located in the Assessment sections in Moodle.

Checking your Learning

Before you move on to the next unit, you may want to check to make sure that you are able to:  

  • Explain the purpose and format of an introduction and conclusion in a paragraph.
  • Deconstruct a paper, identifying components of an essay, but also paragraphs.
  • Identify the features of an effective thesis statement. 
  • Evaluate body paragraphs for structure, cohesion, and flow. 
  • Apply strategies of cohesion and use of transition signals/words/phrases within your papers.