MBERI P [MR] Basic Essay Format
PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH
A paragraph is a portion of the essay that discusses one idea in detail and supports the thesis or main idea
of the essay. Each paragraph in the body of the paper should include a topic sentence, supporting details
to support the topic sentence, and a concluding sentence. The paragraph's purpose and scope will
determine its length, but paragraphs must contain at least two complete sentences. For more information
on this topic, see the Basic Paragraph Format handout.
TOPIC SENTENCE
The main idea of each paragraph is stated in a topic sentence that shows how the idea relates to the thesis.
Generally, the topic sentence is placed at the beginning of a paragraph, but the location and placement
may vary with individual organization and audience expectation. Topic sentences often serve as
transitions between paragraphs.
SUPPORTING DETAILS
Supporting details elaborate upon and prove the topic sentences and thesis. Supporting details should be
drawn from a variety of sources including books, interviews, experiences, etc. plus the author's analysis.
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
Each paragraph should end with a final statement that brings together the ideas brought up in the
paragraph and emphasizes the main idea one last time.
EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires eating a
Topic Sentence
nutritious diet and getting regular exercise. A nutritious diet
Supporting Detail #2
includes eating a variety of foods from each of the four food
Supporting Detail #1 groups: meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and grains. Regular
exercise is also an essential part of keeping a healthy lifestyle.
Most experts recommend exercising at least thirty minutes a day,
Supporting Detail #3
six days a week. These two aspects, eating a healthy diet and Concluding Sentence
exercising on a regular basis, will maintain a healthy lifestyle.
UNITY AND COHERENCE
Proper essay and paragraph format helps to achieve unity and coherence and enhance the reader's
understanding. Using well-worded topic sentences and concluding sentences will help maintain unity
and coherence throughout the essay.
◄ Unity is the continuity of a single idea (the thesis) throughout the essay. Each detail and example
should develop logically and refer back to the original focus.
◄ Coherence means that each point should be linked to the previous and following points to help the
essay flow and progress logically and clearly. An easy way to link paragraphs together is through
transitions in each paragraph's topic sentence.
Organization Basic Essay Format
A basic essay consists of three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. This basic essay format will
help you to write and organize an essay. However, flexibility is important. While keeping this basic essay
format in mind, let the topic and specific assignment guide the writing and organization.
PARTS OF AN ESSAY
INTRODUCTIO N
The introduction guides your reader into the paper by grabbing attention and Introduction
introducing the topic. It should begin with a hook that catches the reader's
interest. This could be a quote, an analogy, a question, etc. After getting the
reader's attention, the introduction should give some background information Thesis Statement
on the topic. The ideas within the introduction should begin as very general
and gradually get more specific until it ends with the thesis statement. (See the Main Idea
Introductions handout for further information.)
Main Idea
THESIS STA TEMENT
The thesis statement states concisely the main idea of the essay, sets limits on
the topic, and indicates the organization of the essay. The thesis works as a Main Idea
road map for the entire essay, showing the readers what you have to say and
how you will support your ideas.
BODY Conclusion
The body of the essay supports the main points of the thesis. Each point is
developed by one or more paragraphs and supported with specific details.
These details include support from books, articles, websites, personal experiences, etc. In addition to this
research or support, the author's own analysis and discussion of the topic is important. This is what ties
ideas together and draws conclusions that support the thesis. The body paragraphs should be organized
according to the order of ideas set forth in the thesis statement. Refer to "Parts of a Paragraph" below for
further information on writing effective body paragraphs.
TRANSITIONS
Transitions help paragraphs connect to each other and to the thesis. They are used both within and
between paragraphs to help the paper flow from one topic to the next. These transitions can be one or two
words (First, Next, In addition, etc.) or one or two sentences that bring the reader to the next main point.
The topic sentence of a paragraph often serves as a transition. (See the Transitions handout for further
information.)
CONCLUSION
The conclusion brings together all the main points of the essay. It refers back to and restates the thesis
statement. The conclusion leaves readers with a final thought and sense of closure by resolving any ideas
brought up in the essay. In the conclusion, new topics or ideas that were not developed in the paper
should not be introduced. (See the Conclusions handout for further information.)
CITATIONS
If your paper incorporates research, be sure to give credit to each source. In-text citations and a Works
Cited/ References/ Bibliography page will help ensure that you do not plagiarize. Refer to the MLA Format,
APA Format, or Turabian Format handout for help with this.
Utah Valley State College Writing Center
