IWC Online Resources Introduction to Essay Writing: Format and Structure Scroll down or follow the links to the section you want to focus on: Index Components of an Essay (with Structural Diagram) Essay Outline Complete Example Essay: Coffee in Modern Society by Katie Flannery Introduction Overview Introduction Analysis Thesis Statement Body Paragraph Overview Body Paragraph Analysis Conclusion Overview Conclusion Analysis Different Essay Formats
Components of an Essay A basic essay is made up of three main components or parts: The Introduction (Click here for Introduction Paragraph Analysis) The Body Paragraphs (Click here for Body Paragraph Analysis) The Conclusion (Click here for Conclusion Paragraph Analysis) Structural Diagram The Introduction introduces the Topic and Main Idea (Thesis Statement) of the essay. It creates a central idea which is then supported and explained by the Body Paragraphs. Each body paragraph introduces a new idea or point that supports the main idea of the essay. The number of body paragraphs depends on how many supporting points or ideas (or information) are necessary. First Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: First Supporting Idea. Examples and details explain the idea and how it links to the Thesis Statement. Second Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: Next Supporting Idea. Examples and details explain the idea and how it links to the Thesis Statement. Third Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: Next Supporting Idea. Examples and details explain the idea and how it links to the Thesis Statement. The Conclusion brings the essay to a close. There are different techniques, but generally it summarizes the main points and ends with a final statement on the topic of the essay.
Coffee in Modern Society: Essay Outline This is an overview of the content of the essay focusing on the key sentences and supporting examples. INTRODUCTION Topic: Coffee (and its place in society) Thesis Statement: Because of its popularity and the number of variations, coffee has found its way into many different aspects of everyday life. BODY PARAGRAPHS Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: Coffee is a popular drink for many different people in the morning time. Example 1: Business people like it to start their day. Example 2: University students use it to stay awake during their early morning classes and late nights of homework and studying. Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Coffee has a special place in the corporate world. Example 1: typically the preferred drink to serve at business meetings. Example 2: A cup of coffee can also act as a fashion accessory for people who want to show their social status. Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: There is a social aspect associated with drinking coffee. Example 1: In many neighborhoods, it is common to host a coffee get-together for friends or neighbors. Example 2: For students, going for a cup of coffee with a friend is an opportunity to take a break from studying and kick back and relax. Example 3: For new couples, going for a cup of coffee is an easy way to spend a first date. Paragraph 4 Topic Sentence: There is also the personal side of drinking coffee. Example 1: One of my favorite things to do on a quiet afternoon is to take a book and sit in my favorite coffee shop. CONCLUSION Closing Point 1: Few beverages can claim the world-wide popularity of coffee Closing Point 2: There is a coffee for every taste and budget, and the drink can be used in almost any social situation. Closing Point 3: Coffee is and will continue to be a major part of modern society and a common part of our daily lives.
Complete Example Essay Coffee in Modern Society - by Katie Flannery Introduction It has been said that a cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent; needless to say, coffee is part of our everyday life. Since its discovery in Ethiopia in the 17 th century, coffee has gone on to become one of the most popular drinks in the modern world. Whether you drink it to kick start your day or relax with a friend, there is always an opportunity to enjoy it. Some of us can t function in the mornings without a cup of coffee and some of us need it periodically throughout the day to keep us focused and alert while we work or study. Because of its popularity and the number of variations, coffee has found its way into many different aspects of everyday life. Coffee is a popular drink for many different people in the morning time. It wakes us up and gets us started in our daily routines. Business people especially like a strong cup of coffee to kick-start their day. The caffeine jolts the nerves and allows them to be fully awake when they get to work. Additionally it helps us to stay alert and enhances our performance by letting us focus on our tasks. University students use it to stay awake during their early morning classes and late nights of homework and studying. Body Paragraphs Coffee has earned a special place in the corporate world. It is typically the preferred drink to serve at business meetings, and is often offered to clients or colleagues as an ice breaker and to help them relax and to be open minded. The serving of coffee provides a welcoming atmosphere and can rid people of any nervous feelings they may have by making them feel more at home. A cup of coffee can also act as a fashion accessory for people who want to show their social status. Many corporate types like to be seen holding an expensive cup of coffee from companies like Starbucks or Seattle Coffee, as it can help create an air of wealth and importance. It sends the message that they are too busy to sit down for a cup of Jo, and must opt instead to get it to go. There is also a social aspect associated with drinking coffee. In many neighborhoods, it is common to host a coffee get-together for friends or neighbors. Often this happens during the morning when children are in school and parents have some free time. Hours are spent chatting and enjoying coffee together. For students, going for a cup of coffee with a friend is an opportunity to take a break from studying and kick back and relax. It provides a chance to meet and chat with our friends in an informal setting, away from the stresses of study or work. For new couples, going for a cup of coffee is an easy way to spend a first date. Unlike going out to dinner, there is not as much pressure or romantic suggestion in going for a coffee. The date can last as long or short as the drinkers wish depending on how much they actually like each other. Of course, there is also the personal side of drinking coffee. Although coffee serves many purposes in life, one of my favorite things to do on a quiet afternoon is to take a book and sit in my favorite coffee shop. There is something very welcoming about the aromatic wave that hits me as soon as I open the door of the café. My favorite coffee shops are the ones with relaxing music playing in the background, and the miss-matched furniture reflecting the array of coffees served. On a cold winter afternoon it is the perfect way to unwind; it is so comforting and relaxing. Conclusion Many countries boast of their national drinks, but few beverages can claim the world-wide popularity of coffee, largely due to its adaptability and functionality. The vast array of flavors and blends ensures a coffee for every taste and budget, while the use of the drink can be adapted to suit almost any situation. From the struggling undergraduate student to the high-profile CEO; from first dates to boardroom meetings, coffee has become and will continue to be a major part of modern society and a common part of our daily lives.
Introduction Paragraph Overview Components: Introduction paragraphs generally contain A lead-in or opening sentence which introduces the General Topic of the essay Background information to help the reader understand the issue being written about or the purpose of the essay A Thesis Statement which states the main idea of the essay. The rest of the essay will support or explain this main idea. The purpose of the introductory paragraph is to: Make the reader interested in the essay Help the reader understand the subject and purpose of the essay with background information Provide the main idea of the essay in a thesis statement Writers often use one or more of the following techniques or tools in their introductions: General to Specific Information Writers often begin with a general statement about their topic. This is often referred to as lead-in sentence. From this sentence the person reading the essay can understand what the essay will be about. It can also provide clues as to the writer s opinion or point of view on the subject. The information that follows becomes more specific until the writer presents the thesis statement, which is the focus of the essay. Quotations Writers sometimes open with a quote related to their topic. It may be from a famous person or expert on the subject; it may be a proverb or old saying. Alternatively it can be from a newspaper or magazine. Questions Writers sometimes use questions in their introductions. These questions are referred to as rhetorical questions; writers used them to help the reader focus on the subject they are writing about. NOTE: Typically, writers use only one or two rhetorical questions. The answers to these questions may be provided in the body of the composition. Facts & Statistics Using facts or statistics related to the topic or main idea in the introduction can add credibility to the essay. It shows that the writer is not just relying on his or her own ideas or opinions, but has done some research and knows something about the topic. See Analysis
Introduction Analysis The writer opens the introduction with a saying. This common saying indicates the general topic of the essay that will follow. spent; It has been said that a cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well Needless to say, coffee is part of our everyday life. The writer adds some factual details as part of the background information. This sentence brings us closer to the main idea. Since its discovery in Ethiopia in the 17 th, century coffee has gone on to become one of the most popular drinks in the modern world. Additional background information helps the reader understand the writer s subject and point of view Whether you drink it to kick start your day or relax with a friend, there is always an opportunity to enjoy it. Some of us can t function in the mornings without a cup of coffee and some of us need it periodically throughout the day to keep us focused and alert while we work or study. Because of its popularity and the number of variations, coffee has found its way into many different aspects of everyday life. The thesis statement establishes the main point of the essay. All subsequent paragraphs will support this main idea.
Thesis Statement Development The thesis statement gives the main idea of your essay. In other words it expresses the important point you want to make about the topic you have chosen. From that, readers will be able to understand the purpose of your essay as well as the focus. NOTE: Sometimes a writer may know their central idea and might have a thesis statement before they begin writing. Often, however, a writer doesn t know what they want to focus on until they have thought about the subject, done some research or started outlining their composition. Once they have started bringing their ideas together they realize what important point they want to make. There are several factors that need to be considered when creating a thesis statement. 1. A good thesis statement will be debatable. In other words, the best essays are written about something people might disagree with. Your purpose is to make readers understand your point of view, show that your main idea is correct (or acceptable) or make people agree with your opinion. 2. A thesis statement should not be a question. Rhetorical questions can be used to guide the reader or focus their attention (see Introduction Overview), but they should not be used to express your main idea. Remember: it s a thesis statement, not a thesis question. 3. A thesis statement should not be a commonly known fact. Everyone knows that fast food is unhealthy and that smoking causes cancer therefore, no one will disagree with you. Find something different to write about your topic. 4. A thesis statement should not be too general. Travel and could provide a good topic for an essay, but using I want to talk about traveling is too general to be used as a focus for your composition. 5. A thesis statement should not be too specific. Specific details are generally used to explain support5ing ideas and examples (see Body Paragraph Overview). A specific point should not be used as a thesis statement as it doesn t require any further explanation. For example: A plane ticket to New York from Seoul will cost about $1500 is very specific what would the rest of your essay discuss? Back to Introduction Analysis
Body Paragraph Overview The purpose of body paragraphs is to provide information that supports the main idea (i.e. the thesis statement) as presented in the introduction. This is the main section of the essay. Body paragraphs generally contain: A Topic Sentence, which becomes the focus of the paragraph. The topic sentence introduces information or facts that will support the essay s thesis statement. Examples are used to illustrate or explain the topic sentence (which, together, help to support the thesis statement) Additional Details are usually given with each supporting example. These details help make the examples stronger or clearer, and often make the essay more interesting. They typically answer the questions how or why. NOTE: The number of body paragraphs will depend on how much supporting information you have or need for your thesis statement. See Analysis
Body Paragraph Analysis Body paragraphs typically start with a topic sentence that gives the general topic of the paragraph. There is also a social aspect associated with drinking coffee. common to host a coffee get-together for friends or neighbors. Example 1 In many neighborhoods, it is Details to clarify Example 1 Often this happens during the morning when children are in school and parents have some free time. Hours are spent chatting and enjoying coffee together. Example 2 For students, going for a cup of coffee with a friend is an opportunity to take a break from studying and kick back and relax. Details to enhance Example 2 It provides a chance to meet and chat with our friends in an informal setting, away from the stresses of study or work. Example 3 For new couples, going for a cup of coffee is an easy way to spend a first date. Unlike going out to dinner, there is not as much pressure or romantic suggestion in going for a coffee. The date can last as long or short as the drinkers wish depending on how much they actually like each other. Details to explain Example 3
Conclusion Paragraph Overview The purpose of the concluding paragraph is to bring the essay to a close. Writers often use different devices or techniques depending on the subject or purpose of the essay, but typically conclusions end the composition by: Summarizing and paraphrasing the main idea of the essay Restating the main supporting points of the essay Adding a final thought or statement on the subject at the end NOTE: conclusions should not contain any new examples or ideas not related to the thesis statement. Writers often use one or more of the following techniques or tools in their conclusions: Questions Questions can be used to keep the reader thinking about the topic even after they have finished reading. Questions can also be used to make a strong final point about the subject. Usually only one question is used. Solutions, Recommendations or Predictions Depending on the topic or purpose of the composition, writers sometimes offer brief solutions to problems discussed in the essay, recommendations to the audience related to the topic, or predictions about what might happen in the future in regards to the issue discussed. See Analysis
Conclusion Analysis This sentence restates the point about coffee s popularity. Many countries boast of their national drinks, but few beverages can claim the world-wide popularity of coffee, largely due to its adaptability and functionality. Here the writer paraphrases the main idea of the composition. The vast array of flavors and blends ensures a coffee for every taste and budget, while the use of the drink can be adapted to suite almost any situation. From the struggling undergraduate student to the high-profile CEO; from first dates to boardroom meetings, coffee has become and will continue to be a major part of modern society and a common part of our daily lives. Here the writer refers back to the people and situations that commonly use coffee and finishes with a prediction about the subject.
Common Essay Formats Essays typically use one of four format structures: Classic, Block or Modified Block Follow the links to see the Essay Coffee in Modern Society by Katie Flannery in each format with explanatory notes. Classic Format (often used in books, magazines and newspapers) Block Format (often used in business and academic writing) Modified Block Format (sometimes used in academic writing)
Coffee in Modern Society - by Katie Flannery (Classic Format) Back to Format List First line Indentation 5-7 Spaces No space between Paragraphs It has been said that a cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent; needless to say, coffee is part of our everyday life. Since its discovery in Ethiopia in the 17 th century, coffee has gone on to become one of the most popular drinks in the modern world. Whether you drink it to kick start your day or relax with a friend, there is always an opportunity to enjoy it. Some of us can t function in the mornings without a cup of coffee and some of us need it periodically throughout the day to keep us focused and alert while we work or study. Because of its popularity and the number of variations, coffee has found its way into many different aspects of everyday life. Coffee is a popular drink for many different people in the morning time. It wakes us up and gets us started in our daily routines. Business people especially like a strong cup of coffee to kick-start their day. The caffeine jolts the nerves and allows them to be fully awake when they get to work. Additionally it helps us to stay alert and enhances our performance by letting us focus on our tasks. University students use it to stay awake during their early morning classes and late nights of homework and studying. Coffee has earned a special place in the corporate world. It is typically the preferred drink to serve at business meetings, and is often offered to clients or colleagues as an ice breaker and to help them relax and to be open minded. The serving of coffee provides a welcoming atmosphere and can rid people of any nervous feelings they may have by making them feel more at home. A cup of coffee can also act as a fashion accessory for people who want to show their social status. Many corporate types like to be seen holding an expensive cup of coffee from companies like Starbucks or Seattle Coffee, as it can help create an air of wealth and importance. It sends the message that they are too busy to sit down for a cup of Jo, and must opt instead to get it to go. There is also a social aspect associated with drinking coffee. In many neighborhoods, it is common to host a coffee get-together for friends or neighbors. Often this happens during the morning when children are in school and parents have some free time. Hours are spent chatting and enjoying coffee together. For students, going for a cup of coffee with a friend is an opportunity to take a break from studying and kick back and relax. It provides a chance to meet and chat with our friends in an informal setting, away from the stresses of study or work. For new couples, going for a cup of coffee is an easy way to spend a first date. Unlike going out to dinner, there is not as much pressure or romantic suggestion in going for a coffee. The date can last as long or short as the drinkers wish depending on how much they actually like each other. Of course, there is also the personal side of drinking coffee. Although coffee serves many purposes in life, one of my favorite things to do on a quiet afternoon is to take a book and sit in my favorite coffee shop. There is something very welcoming about the aromatic wave that hits me as soon as I open the door of the café. My favorite coffee shops are the ones with relaxing music playing in the background, and the miss-matched furniture reflecting the array of coffees served. On a cold winter afternoon it is the perfect way to unwind; it is so comforting and relaxing. Many countries boast of their national drinks, but few beverages can claim the world-wide popularity of coffee, largely due to its adaptability and functionality. The vast array of flavors and blends ensures a coffee for every taste and budget, while the use of the drink can be adapted to suit almost any situation. From the struggling undergraduate student to the high-profile CEO; from first dates to boardroom meetings, coffee has become and will continue to be a major part of modern society and a common part of our daily lives. Back to Format List
Coffee in Modern Society - by Katie Flannery (Block Format) Back to Format List No indentation It has been said that a cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent; needless to say, coffee is part of our everyday life. Since its discovery in Ethiopia in the 17 th century, coffee has gone on to become one of the most popular drinks in the modern world. Whether you drink it to kick start your day or relax with a friend, there is always an opportunity to enjoy it. Some of us can t function in the mornings without a cup of coffee and some of us need it periodically throughout the day to keep us focused and alert while we work or study. Because of its popularity and the number of variations, coffee has found its way into many different aspects of everyday life. Space between Paragraphs Coffee is a popular drink for many different people in the morning time. It wakes us up and gets us started in our daily routines. Business people especially like a strong cup of coffee to kick-start their day. The caffeine jolts the nerves and allows them to be fully awake when they get to work. Additionally it helps us to stay alert and enhances our performance by letting us focus on our tasks. University students use it to stay awake during their early morning classes and late nights of homework and studying. Coffee has earned a special place in the corporate world. It is typically the preferred drink to serve at business meetings, and is often offered to clients or colleagues as an ice breaker and to help them relax and to be open minded. The serving of coffee provides a welcoming atmosphere and can rid people of any nervous feelings they may have by making them feel more at home. A cup of coffee can also act as a fashion accessory for people who want to show their social status. Many corporate types like to be seen holding an expensive cup of coffee from companies like Starbucks or Seattle Coffee, as it can help create an air of wealth and importance. It sends the message that they are too busy to sit down for a cup of Jo, and must opt instead to get it to go. There is also a social aspect associated with drinking coffee. In many neighborhoods, it is common to host a coffee get-together for friends or neighbors. Often this happens during the morning when children are in school and parents have some free time. Hours are spent chatting and enjoying coffee together. For students, going for a cup of coffee with a friend is an opportunity to take a break from studying and kick back and relax. It provides a chance to meet and chat with our friends in an informal setting, away from the stresses of study or work. For new couples, going for a cup of coffee is an easy way to spend a first date. Unlike going out to dinner, there is not as much pressure or romantic suggestion in going for a coffee. The date can last as long or short as the drinkers wish depending on how much they actually like each other. Of course, there is also the personal side of drinking coffee. Although coffee serves many purposes in life, one of my favorite things to do on a quiet afternoon is to take a book and sit in my favorite coffee shop. There is something very welcoming about the aromatic wave that hits me as soon as I open the door of the café. My favorite coffee shops are the ones with relaxing music playing in the background, and the miss-matched furniture reflecting the array of coffees served. On a cold winter afternoon it is the perfect way to unwind; it is so comforting and relaxing. Many countries boast of their national drinks, but few beverages can claim the world-wide popularity of coffee, largely due to its adaptability and functionality. The vast array of flavors and blends ensures a coffee for every taste and budget, while the use of the drink can be adapted to suit almost any situation. From the struggling undergraduate student to the high-profile CEO; from first dates to boardroom meetings, coffee has become and will continue to be a major part of modern society and a common part of our daily lives. Right Margin Justification Back to Format List
Coffee in Modern Society - by Katie Flannery (Modified Block Format) Back to Format List First line Indentation 5-7 Spaces It has been said that a cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent; needless to say, coffee is part of our everyday life. Since its discovery in Ethiopia in the 17 th century, coffee has gone on to become one of the most popular drinks in the modern world. Whether you drink it to kick start your day or relax with a friend, there is always an opportunity to enjoy it. Some of us can t function in the mornings without a cup of coffee and some of us need it periodically throughout the day to keep us focused and alert while we work or study. Because of its popularity and the number of variations, coffee has found its way into many different aspects of everyday life. Coffee is a popular drink for many different people in the morning time. It wakes us up and gets us started in our daily routines. Business people especially like a strong cup of coffee to kick-start their day. The caffeine jolts the nerves and allows them to be fully awake when they get to work. Additionally it helps us to stay alert and enhances our performance by letting us focus on our tasks. University students use it to stay awake during their early morning classes and late nights of homework and studying. Space between Paragraphs Coffee has earned a special place in the corporate world. It is typically the preferred drink to serve at business meetings, and is often offered to clients or colleagues as an ice breaker and to help them relax and to be open minded. The serving of coffee provides a welcoming atmosphere and can rid people of any nervous feelings they may have by making them feel more at home. A cup of coffee can also act as a fashion accessory for people who want to show their social status. Many corporate types like to be seen holding an expensive cup of coffee from companies like Starbucks or Seattle Coffee, as it can help create an air of wealth and importance. It sends the message that they are too busy to sit down for a cup of Jo, and must opt instead to get it to go. There is also a social aspect associated with drinking coffee. In many neighborhoods, it is common to host a coffee get-together for friends or neighbors. Often this happens during the morning when children are in school and parents have some free time. Hours are spent chatting and enjoying coffee together. For students, going for a cup of coffee with a friend is an opportunity to take a break from studying and kick back and relax. It provides a chance to meet and chat with our friends in an informal setting, away from the stresses of study or work. For new couples, going for a cup of coffee is an easy way to spend a first date. Unlike going out to dinner, there is not as much pressure or romantic suggestion in going for a coffee. The date can last as long or short as the drinkers wish depending on how much they actually like each other. Of course, there is also the personal side of drinking coffee. Although coffee serves many purposes in life, one of my favorite things to do on a quiet afternoon is to take a book and sit in my favorite coffee shop. There is something very welcoming about the aromatic wave that hits me as soon as I open the door of the café. My favorite coffee shops are the ones with relaxing music playing in the background, and the miss-matched furniture reflecting the array of coffees served. On a cold winter afternoon it is the perfect way to unwind; it is so comforting and relaxing. Many countries boast of their national drinks, but few beverages can claim the world-wide popularity of coffee, largely due to its adaptability and functionality. The vast array of flavors and blends ensures a coffee for every taste and budget, while the use of the drink can be adapted to suit almost any situation. From the struggling undergraduate student to the high-profile CEO; from first dates to boardroom meetings, coffee has become and will continue to be a major part of modern society and a common part of our daily lives. Back to Format List