Sections/parts of the essay
There are three sections/parts of the essay.
These are:
● Introduction
● Body
● Conclusion
Function of each section/part
● The function of the introduction is to tell the reader in a clear and concise way what the
essay is going to say.
● The function of the body is to present the argument or thesis you have developed.
● The function of the conclusion is to restate your main idea and to draw together the
points you have made in the essay. The conclusion does not contain any new material.
Essay structure: introduction, body and conclusion
Introduction (This tells the reader what you are going to say. The introduction is about 10 –
15% of the essay.)
● Background/context. This provides some information and engages the reader’s interest.
● Thesis statement. This states the position you will take in the essay. This is the most
important statement in your essay because it tells the reader the main idea you will be
arguing.
● Outline. This gives the structure of your argument and outlines the ideas you will be
making.
Body (This sets out your argument. The body is about 80% of the essay.)
This presents the ideas logically, in well-structured paragraphs. Each body paragraph
contains
a. one main idea per paragraph
b. development
c. some reference material to support and enrich your argument.
Note: each idea is related to both the thesis statement and the outline that is mentioned in
the introduction.
Conclusion (This reminds the audience what you have said. The conclusion is about 5 – 10%
of the essay.)
● Restates the thesis statement.
● Draws the ideas and points together.
● Does not introduce new material.
