Your title should reflect the THESIS or central argument of your essay.
Avoid repeating the TOPIC as assigned (or selected).
2.2 Opening Paragraph
Begin with a statement about the general TOPIC and proceed to your particular
THESIS and approach to it. This structure will orient your reader. Avoid
giving a summary of what is to follow. Summaries are best left to conclusions.
Avoid writing about your essay; write only about your subject. (In other
words, avoid such statements as: "In this section I shall discuss x." Simply
discuss x.)
2.3 Body
The middle section of the essay should be divided into carefully connected
paragraphs, each consisting of four to eight sentences. Avoid overly long
or short paragraphs. Each paragraph should contain one major point, and
must be related logically and grammatically to the preceding and following
ones. Use connecting words (such as: however, therefore, in addition, nevertheless,
and so on) to ensure smooth and clear transitions between points and paragraphs.
Make sure that the argument progresses in a manner that is both coherent
and convincing. Never apologize. Avoid too such statements as "in my opinion,"
since the entire essay is assumed to be your opinion -- that is, an opinion
based upon and supported by material from the texts.
2.4 Conclusion
Since the argument has built up to your strongest point, your conclusion
should begin with what your argument proved -- your THESIS. A brief and
reworded summary of your main points could follow for emphasis, but a plodding
repetition should be avoided. End with an "opening outwards" to the general
implications of your findings, remembering that the reader should be left
with a feeling of your conviction, not your doubt or hesitation.
