English Practice Now

Structure

Example

Introductory Paragraph

A hook

Captures the reader’s attention.

Might be a quote, a story, a fact, a question, etc.

General background information about the topic

Explains the topic in a general way

Introduces it to the audience

The thesis statement 

Explains your main idea very specifically and states your opinion directly

Includes the topic

Includes the controlling idea

Normally includes a “map” of the 3 subtopics your essay will be about (Sometimes this map is alluded to, not stated directly. Some teachers don’t like this type.)

Almost everyone has done homework at some point in their lives. Many students like to complain about homework. Others love homework. What is the purpose of homework? Homework actually has three main benefits, including its help with learning, its use as an activity, and its use for making friends.

Body Paragraphs (3+)

Each body paragraph has: 

A topic sentence with:

A transition word

A connection to the main idea

If possible, a connection to the previous idea

The subtopic

Explanation of the topic sentence – this is done through developing the idea 

In longer essays, you will have 3 larger subtopics, each of which has multiple paragraphs 

The first reason why we should do homework is that it helps us learn. 

In addition to its educational impact, another benefit of homework is that it keeps us busy.

Aside from helping us stay active, a final benefit of homework is that it gives us an activity to do with friends.

The Concluding Paragraph: 

Summarizing transition word or phrase

The restated thesis statement

A concluding sentence that is either a prediction, suggestion or opinion

Overall, homework is very helpful. It helps us become smarter, make friends, and keep busy. If we stopped doing homework, our lives would become worse.