Essay Structure and Organization

Natasha Luepke

Agenda

Essay OrganizationEssay StructureIntrosConclusions

SequentialChronologicalSpatialDivision and classificationDecreasing order of importanceIncreasing order of importanceGeneral to specificComparison

Some Ways to Organize

Making a sandwichPosting to the Kaplan discussion boardDinner optionsUsing a new database at the officePros and cons of using emailExplaining why your favorite TV is the

best

What are some ways to organize the following?

Thinking about Structure

An essay’s “skeleton”General to specific, specific to generalHook the readerExplain main point (thesis)Support main pointReiterate main points

Introductions

Hook the reader. Draw them in. Strategies: A surprising fact, a startling

statistic.Connect this to the essay’s theme. Why

should the reader care?Expand on this.Move into the paper’s main point.

Introductions

Hook the reader. Draw them in. Strategies: A surprising fact, a startling statistic. “Many people do not realize that 75% of all paper is thrown away,

instead of recycled (Smith, 2009).” Connect this to the essay’s theme. Why should the reader care? “This translates to a lot of wasted resources and a lot of wasted money.” Expand on this. “However, there are many things this company can do to save both.” Move into the paper’s main point: “Creating a company-wide recycling program will benefit not only the

environment, but this company’s bottom line.” Is the thesis debatable? Yes. Why? Maybe there are better

ways to save money. Maybe it will cost too much money to start this program. Maybe the company should do more than just start a recycling program.

Sample Intro

Many people do not realize that 75% of all paper is thrown away, instead of recycled (Smith, 2009). This translates to a lot of wasted resources and a lot of wasted money. However, there are many things this company can do to save both. Creating a company-wide recycling program will benefit not only the environment, but this company’s bottom line.

Conclusions

Mirror the introNO new ideasRestate main points/how they fit togetherLeave the reader with something to think

about

Conclusions

Restate main points: “While it a recycling program might initially cost the

company in the short run, in the long run, it will pay for itself. Recycling will save paper, save, money, and save time.”

Show how they fit together: “In turn, this company can spend more time on the

important things, such as designing useful products and offering terrific customer service. This will improve the company’s image and allow it to reach new customers.”

Leave the reader with something to think about: “By helping the environment, this company can also help

its employees, and itself.”

Sample Conclusion

While it a recycling program might initially cost the company in the short run, in the long run, it will pay for itself. Recycling will save paper, save, money, and save time. In turn, this company can spend more time on the important things, such as designing useful products and offering terrific customer service. This will improve the company’s image and allow it to reach new customers. By helping the environment, this company can also help its employees, and itself.