Essay Organisation Overview

“Compare and contrast the teaching and / or use of the study skills below in both higher
and secondary education: Essay writing; Evaluating sources; Seminar Skills”

Stages of Essay Purpose / Content of stage

Hook Opening sentence to draw reader in

To introduce the reader to the topic /
General or background statement
subject of the essay
To explain the meaning of any important
Definition (if necessary)
Introduction words to the reader
To show the importance of the topic or
More specific ideas about the topic
Gives an overall why it is relevant (context)
view of the Thesis statement:
essay
“This essay will argue … “ To give writer’s purpose (why is he/she
“This paper will show… “ writing the essay)
“It is the purpose of this paper to … “
To tell the reader what will be included in
Outline
the essay
 One main idea
 Topic Sentence
Paragraph 1  Supporting sentences
 Evidence / sources
 Concluding sentence
 One main idea
 Topic Sentence
Body Paragraph 2  Supporting sentences
 Evidence / sources
 Concluding sentence
 One main idea
 Topic Sentence
Paragraph 3  Supporting sentences
 Evidence / sources
 Concluding sentence

Signposting expression to introduce

i.e. “In conclusion, … “
the conclusion

Conclusion
Restatement of Thesis i.e. “This paper set out to show that … “
(No new ideas
or information is
given in the To restate the writer’s thesis and
Summary
conclusion) summarise the main ideas.

Future implication / recommendation To give some idea of future trends or

- make sure they link to / are in possible consequences considering the
support of your thesis evidence in the essay.

REFERENCE LIST (Harvard style)

Kathleen Hargreaves 
 Basic Outline & Structure

Feature Points to Look for Notes

- Hook /
Introduction Background
Context and aim of
the essay. State your
argument. Indicate - Thesis
how you will answer
the question.
- Outline

How teleworking has affected communication

and social lives.
1st Main Idea
&
Topic Sentence
Body

Develop argument 2nd Main Idea

point by point. Put
forward the reasons &
that support the
argument you Topic Sentence
declared in your
introduction.

3rd Main Idea

&
Topic Sentence

Conclusion - Summary of
main points
Summarise the
reasons that support
your argument, with
no new information. - Re-state thesis
Remind the reader
what you have
covered and how you - Future
have answered the prediction /
question. implication