Essay structure and thesis statements

English (Précis and Composition) · Précis and composition skills. The idea in plain words, the rules to remember, the mistake to avoid and a worked example, written and checked by Mega Lecture.

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The idea

An essay has an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. The introduction ends with the thesis statement: one sentence that states the writer's position and the line of argument. A good thesis is specific and arguable. A bare fact, a question, a vague remark or an announcement such as This essay will discuss is not a thesis.

Each body paragraph makes one point. Its topic sentence, usually the first, states that point, and every other sentence supports it. A sentence on another subject breaks the unity of the paragraph.

Sentences are joined by linking words that show the logic between them: addition, contrast, cause, result, example or sequence. To put jumbled sentences in order, find the general opening sentence, then follow the links and pronouns.

Rules to remember

Thesis = a clear position + the main reasons, placed at the end of the introduction.
A thesis must be open to argument; a fact that nobody can dispute is not a thesis.
Topic sentence = the one idea of the paragraph, general enough to cover every sentence in it.
Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition. Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand.
Result: therefore, consequently, as a result, hence. Example: for example, for instance.
Sequence: firstly, secondly, then, finally. Summary: in conclusion, in short.
A sentence that begins with a linking word or with this, these, it or such usually cannot open the paragraph. The conclusion restates the thesis and adds no new point.

Common mistake

Candidates take a broad general statement or a plain fact for a thesis, and pick a linking word by its sound. Name the relation between the two sentences first, then choose the word.

Worked example

Choose the best order. (1) For this reason, many cities now ban them near schools. (2) Loud horns do more than annoy. (3) Studies link constant traffic noise to poor concentration in children. A 1, 2, 3. B 2, 3, 1. C 3, 2, 1. D 2, 1, 3.

Sentence 1 begins with For this reason and uses them, so it needs a reason and a noun before it. It cannot come first.
Sentence 2 is the general claim and names the horns, so it opens the paragraph.
Sentence 3 gives the evidence for that claim, the harm to children.
Sentence 1 then gives the result: the ban near schools. The order is claim, evidence, result.

Answer: B: 2, 3, 1.

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