MODULE 3

1. Write an introduction to provide context. Once you've written your thesis and outline, write an
introduction to your essay. This should consist of a brief, general overview of your topic, along with your
thesis statement. This is the place to provide information that will help orient the reader and put the rest of
your essay in context.[9]
 For example, if you're writing a critical essay about a work of art, your introduction might start
with some basic information about the work, such as who created it, when and where it was created,
and a brief description of the work itself. From there, introduce the question(s) about the work you'd
like to address and present your thesis.
 A strong introduction should also contain a brief transitional sentence that creates a link to the
first point or argument you would like to make. For example, if you're discussing the use of color in a
work of art, lead in by saying you'd like to start with an overview of symbolic color use in
contemporary works by other artists.
Tip: Some writers find it helpful to write the introduction after they've written the rest of the essay. Once you've
written out your main points, it's easier to summarize the gist of your essay in a few introductory sentences.
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Present your argument(s) in detail. Working from your outline, write a series of paragraphs addressing each
of the major points you'd like to make. Each paragraph should contain a topic sentence, which is like a
miniature thesis—it briefly explains the main point you are trying to make with your paragraph. Follow up your
topic sentence with a few concrete examples to support your point.[10]
 For example, your topic sentence might be something like, “Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock
Holmes stories are among the many literary influences apparent in P. G. Wodehouse's Jeeves novels.”
You could then back this up by quoting a passage that contains a reference to Sherlock Holmes.
 Try to show how the arguments in each paragraph link back to the main thesis of your essay.
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Use transition sentences between paragraphs. Your essay will flow better if you build connections or smooth
transitions between your arguments. Try to find logical ways to link each paragraph or topic to the one before or
after.[11]
 When creating transitions, transitional phrases can be helpful. For example, use words and
phrases such as “In addition,” “Therefore,” “Similarly,” “Subsequently,” or “As a result.”
 For example, if you've just discussed the use of color to create contrast in a work of art, you
might start the next paragraph with, “In addition to color, the artist also uses different line weights to
distinguish between the more static and dynamic figures in the scene.”
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Address possible counterarguments. If you're writing an argumentative essay, get familiar with the major
arguments against your point of view. You'll need to incorporate those counterarguments into your essay and
present convincing evidence against them.[12]
 For example, if you're arguing that a particular kind of shrimp decorates its shell with red algae
to attract a mate, you'll need to address the counterargument that the shell decoration is actually a
warning to predators. You might do this by presenting evidence that the red shrimp are, in fact, more
likely to get eaten than shrimp with undecorated shells.
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Cite your sources properly. If you plan to use someone else's ideas or information that you got from another
source, you will need to credit the source of your information. This is true whether you're quoting another
source directly or simply summarizing or paraphrasing their words or ideas.[13]
 The way you cite your sources will vary depending on the citation style you're using. Typically,
you'll need to include the name of the author, the title and publication date of the source, and location
information such as the page number on which the information appears.
 In general, you don't need to cite common knowledge. For example, if you say, “A zebra is a
type of mammal,” you probably won't need to cite a source.
 If you've cited any sources in the essay, you'll need to include a list of works cited (or
a bibliography) at the end.
6.
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Wrap up with a concluding paragraph. To finish off your essay, write a paragraph that briefly reiterates the
main point of your essay. State how your arguments support your thesis and briefly summarize your major
insights or arguments. You might also discuss questions that are still unanswered or ideas that merit further
exploration.[14]
 Keep your conclusion brief. While the appropriate length will vary based on the length of the
essay, it should typically be no longer than 1-2 paragraphs.
 For example, if you're writing a 1,000-word essay, your conclusion should be about 4-5
sentences long.[15]