An essay has three main parts:

Introduction - (or thesis statement) Here is presented a statement that you intend to prove or a question that you intend to answer in the body of your essay. The introduction tells what lies ahead and draws the reader in. It introduces your topic and gives just enough information to make the reader want to read the rest of your paper.

Body - The body of your essay provides particular information about the subject matter stated in your introduction. This part consists of three or more paragraphs, each of which must contain:

a topic sentence which focuses upon one aspect of your over-all theme or subject as stated in your introduction.

Several sentences that provide more information about your topic sentence - supporting concrete details, examples and comments that prove your statements to the reader.

A transitioning sentence. The last sentence of the paragraph should lead the reader into the next paragraph.

Conclusion - The conclusion restates the introduction in different words and answers the question, "So what?" - In other words, why is it important, and what should we do about it? 

• 1. Use the Essay Template to help you organize your   thoughts. 
• 2. Use the ARMS Revision Process to revise your work.
• 3. Use the Revision Checklist to review your work.