Essay structure

An argumentative or expository essay has a structure that teachers repeat because it works: a thesis that makes a claim, paragraphs that each prove one part of it, evidence that is explained rather than dropped in, and a fair look at the other side. The five-paragraph essay is a training version of this shape; real essays keep the logic and drop the rigid count.

The weak point in most essays is the analysis between thesis and evidence: the sentences that say how a quote or figure proves the claim. Make that link explicit in every paragraph, using the person's own sources and ideas.

When to use it

• A student with an essay prompt and some reading or notes.
• A research paper or literature review that needs an argument, not a list.
• A draft essay that "goes off topic" or "just summarizes".