STRUCTURE OF A DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY

1. Introduction
Like all essay types, the introduction of a descriptive essay is composed of three key elements:
A hook, some background information, and a thesis statement.
However, the thesis statement of a descriptive essay is different from the thesis statements of
most academic essays. It simply makes a claim regarding the subject of your choosing.
Here’s an example of a descriptive essay introduction:
• Hook
• Background information
• Thesis statement
2. Body paragraph
A descriptive essay usually has three body paragraphs. However, the length and number of
paragraphs may vary depending on the complexity and scope of your essay topic.
A body paragraph comprises of a topic sentence that focuses on a particular aspect of the
subject. The topic sentence is elaborated upon by sensory, contextual, and emotional
descriptors. Each paragraph ends with a transition sentence that provides context for the next
paragraph.
• Topic sentence
• Description
• Transition sentence
3. Conclusion
The conclusion of your essay should begin with the restatement of your thesis statement along
with its broader implications. You can then provide a quick summary of all the important
aspects mentioned in the body paragraphs.
Finally, you can end your essay with a powerful statement or a clincher. This can include
anything from a powerful lesson to a thought-provoking quote. The goal is to leave the reader
with something to think about.
• Restated thesis statement
• Summary of body paragraphs
• Concluding statement

Source: Kelkar, N. (2023, November 29). Guide to a perfect descriptive essay [examples &
outline included]. PaperTrue. https://www.papertrue.com/blog/descriptive-essay/
 STRUCTURE OF A CAUSE-AND-EFFECT ESSAY
I. Introduction
Hook: Start with an engaging statement or fact. Example: 'Did you know that stress can
significantly impact your overall health?'
Background Information: Provide context for your topic. Example: 'In today's fast-paced world,
stress has become an increasingly prevalent issue.'
Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main cause and its corresponding effects. Example: 'This essay
will explore the causes of stress and their profound negative effects on physical and mental
health.'
II. Body Paragraphs
A. Causes
Topic Sentence: Introduce the first cause you'll discuss. Example: 'One major cause of stress is
heavy workload.'
Supporting Details: Provide evidence and examples to support the cause. Example: 'For instance,
individuals juggling multiple job responsibilities and tight deadlines often experience heightened
stress levels.'
Transition: Link to the next cause or move on to the effects.

B. Effects
Topic Sentence: Introduce the first effect. Example: The effects of chronic stress on physical
health can be devastating.'
Supporting Details: Present data or examples illustrating the impact. Example: 'Studies have
shown that prolonged stress can lead to cardiovascular problems, including hypertension and
heart disease.'
Transition: Connect to the next effect or cause.
C. Causes (Continued)
Topic Sentence: Introduce the next cause in a new cause and effect paragraph. Example: 'Another
significant cause of stress is financial strain."
Supporting Details: Explain how this cause manifests and its implications. Example: 'Financial
instability often results in anxiety, as Individuals worry about bills, debts, and their financial
future.
Transition: Prepare to discuss the corresponding effects.
D. Effects (Continued)
Topic Sentence: Discuss the effects related to financial strain. Example: The psychological effects
of financial stress can be profound."
Supporting Details: Offer real-life examples or psychological insights. Example: 'Depression and
anxiety are common consequences of constant financial worries, affecting both mental well-
being and daily life.

III. Conclusion
Restate Thesis: Summarize the main cause and effects. Example: 'In summary, the heavy
workload and financial strain can lead to stress, impacting both physical and mental health.
Closing Thoughts: Reflect on the broader significance of your analysis. Example: "Understanding
these causal relationships emphasizes the importance of stress management and financial
planning in maintaining a balanced and healthy life.”

Source: S, J. (2024, January 24). How to write a cause and effect essay: A step-by-step guide. How to Write
a Cause and Effect Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide. https://essaypro.com/blog/cause-and-effect-essay
 STRUCTURE OF A PROBLEM AND SOLUTION ESSAY
I. Introduction
Identify the problem in a nutshell. Explain why
this is a problem, and mention who should be
concerned about it. State your thesis statement.
II. Body
Problem Paragraph(s): Explain the problem
clearly and specifically. Demonstrate that this is
not just a personal complaint, but a genuine
problem that affects many people.
Solution Paragraph(s): Offer a concrete solution
to the problem, and explain why this is the best
one available. You may want to point out why
other possible solutions are inferior to yours. If
your solution calls for a series of steps or actions
to be followed, present these steps in a logical
order.
III. Conclusion
Restate your thesis statement and summarize
your points. Reemphasize the importance of the
problem and the value of your solution.

Source: Get free EBOOK. EAPFoundation.com. (n.d.).

https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/problemsolution/
STRUCTURE OF A COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY
 How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay
1. Begin by Brainstorming with a Venn Diagram.
The best compare and contrast essays demonstrate a high level of analysis. This means you will
need to brainstorm before you begin writing. A Venn diagram is a great visual tool for
brainstorming compare and contrast essay topics. A Venn diagram is a set of overlapping circles:
One circle shows the characteristics of the first subject, and another circle shows the
characteristics of the second subject; an overlapping section between the circles contains
characteristics shared by both subjects.
2. Develop a Thesis Statement.
Once you’ve mapped out the similarities and differences between your topics, you will begin to
understand the relationship between your subjects. This prewriting process will allow you to
develop your thesis statement and your topic sentences. Your thesis statement should function
as a road map for your essay.
3. Create an Outline.
After you have spent time with your data, your prewriting process moves on to outlining. A good
compare and contrast essay outline follows the standard essay format: introductory paragraph,
body paragraphs, conclusion. Remain faithful to your outline as you write. Great outlining
distinguishes tight, focused essays from meandering ones.
4. Write the Introduction.
A good introductory paragraph sets the tone for your entire essay. The best introductions start
with a hook—such as a rhetorical question or a bold statement. After your hook, introduce the
subjects that you will examine in your essay. Your thesis statement should come at the end of
the introduction.
5. Write the First Body Paragraph.
Begin with a topic sentence that explains one area of comparison between your first subject and
your second subject. For example, if your subjects are two different countries and your paragraph
topic is political structure, you can start by broadly describing each country's political processes.
You can then devote at least two sentences to how the countries’ politics are similar and two
sentences to how they are different.
6. Repeat the Process for the Next Paragraphs.
Comparative essays usually take their subjects through several points of comparison. Therefore,
plan on writing at least three body paragraphs that tackle your two subjects from a variety of
angles. Link your paragraphs with transition words.
7. Write the Conclusion.
A great compare and contrast essay needs a great conclusion. By this point, you will hopefully
have proven your thesis about how your two subjects are both different and alike. Your
concluding paragraph is your chance to share any final insights and to reinforce the thesis of your
overall paper. Do not introduce brand new information in your concluding paragraph; use it to
summarize the entire paper.

Source: How to write a compare and contrast essay - 2024. MasterClass. (2021, June 8).
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-compare-and-contrast-essay
 STRUCTURE OF A SEQUENCE ESSAY
I. Introduction
Start with a hook or attention-grabbing statement related to your sequence.
Provide background information on the topic and mention the purpose of the sequence essay.
Include a thesis statement that outlines the main stages or events you will be discussing.

II. Body
Each body paragraph should focus on a specific stage or event in the sequence.
Present the information in chronological order, ensuring a clear and logical flow.
Use transitional words and phrases to guide the reader through the sequence (e.g., first, next,
then, after, finally).
Include relevant details, examples, and explanations for each stage to help the reader understand
the significance.

III. Conclusion
Summarize the key points discussed in the sequence essay.
Reinforce the significance of the overall sequence or highlight any lessons learned.
End with a strong concluding statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Example:
Life Cycle of Tulips
A Tulip is a beautiful, bright, cup-shaped flower with a smooth green stem, belonging to
the family of liliaceous plants. Tulip means turban. Before dwelling on the life cycle of tulips you
should know something about the climate condition of their homeland, Central and West Asia.
The countries of Central and West Asia experience hot and dry summers and very cold winters.
Many plants including tulips have developed special methods to survive the extreme climatic
conditions by remaining dormant during the harsh winter and bloom during the spring and
summer months. The tulips have underground storage organs called bulbs to survive the long
months of winter.
First Stage in the Life Cycle of Tulips
The life cycle of tulips is interesting. The tulip bulbs are planted from mid-September to
mid-November. During this period the soil is moist. This fosters the growth of the bulb under the
ground. In the first cycle of growth, the roots start growing from the bulb to form a strong root
system. If you have planted the bulbs in the month of October, you can expect a strong root
system by December.
Second Stage in the Life Cycle of Tulips
When the snow-covered soil begins to thaw towards the end of winter, you can see a
healthy green shoot coming out from a tulip bulb. By early or mid April, the tulips would start to
bloom. The flowering season of tulips continue till the mid of May. During the flowering season
the leaves of the tulips develop.
Third and the Final Stage of the Life Cycle of Tulips
 The foliage plays an important role in the life cycle of tulips. The leaves of the tulips should
never be cut. The reason, is they are responsible for the process of photosynthesis. The food
derived from the solar energy is stored in the form of carbohydrate in the bulbs. This food is
required for the growth and the flowering process of tulip in the following year. Gradually, the
leaves turn yellow and wither away. Now the tulip bulbs enter a state of dormancy after
completing the yearly cycle.
Tulips have been cultivated for nearly 500 years. There are several thousand hybrid
varieties available today. Tulips are classified into 15 classes on the basis of season of bloom,
parentage and various floral characteristics. There is a huge demand for tulips in the flower
market around the globe.

Source: Unknown. (2012, May 15). Sequence essay example. Sequence Essay Example.
https://sagarasukma.blogspot.com/2012/05/sequence-essay-example.html