The main parts
of an essay are:
1. the
introduction
2. the body
3. the
conclusion.
1. THE
INTRODUCTION
As
its name implies, the introductory paragraph or section should provide a clear introduction
to the content of your essay. It should introduce the central idea or main
purpose of your writing. A good introductory paragraph or section will serve as
a focus and stimulus to your readers, encouraging them to continue reading. You
should make sure the length of the introduction is in proportion to the rest of
the essay; the length may range from a single paragraph to a complete section
in itself.
An examination answer may not require an introduction at all. The level of formality
of the language should be appropriate to academic work and the style of language
should reflect that of the rest of the essay.
Extended
pieces of academic writing (i.e. dissertations or theses) and, in many cases,
academic journal articles, will be preceded by an abstract, which is a
brief summary
of the whole text and not an introduction. Below is an example from a journal
article in which a brief abstract (in bold type) is followed by the introduction.
2. THE BODY
Key
ideas and issues presented in the introduction should be developed in the main body
of the essay in a logical and coherent manner. The purpose of your essay must be
clear and the reader must be able to follow its development without any
problems. The
relationship between parts of the writing should be easily recognisable.
Main points should be presented in separate paragraphs and should be pertinent
to the main purpose of the essay. Main ideas and
arguments should be presented clearly and support for these ideas
should be provided. In an academic essay or paper, the main ideas and supporting
arguments are often positioned immediately after the introduction.
3. THE
CONCLUSION
The conclusion
should signal to your readers that you have finished your writing and
should leave them with the clear impression that the purposes of the essay have been
achieved. The most common types of conclusion may include:
a) A summary of
the main points.
b) Concluding
statements drawn from the points made in the main body.
c)
Recommendations of action to be taken.
Sources:
Mackay, John T & S.E. (1998). Study Skills For Academic Writing. London: Prentice Hall
Internaional English Language Teaching.
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