The Structure of a Formal Essay
An essay consists of four parts:
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
References
An essay is written in paragraphs and usually doesn’t have headings, subheadings, bullet points, lists and numbering. However, some courses do allow
these features. Consult your course guide and lecturer for specific
instructions.
Introduction (5-10% of the essay)
Like a road map, an introduction should give the reader a means to find their
way through the material to come. It should indicate the main points the
reader will encounter along the way, in the order in which they appear. The
introduction should clearly identify the main question or claim of the essay. It
should also signal the key issues addressed in support of your claim or in
answer to the question. You may need to include definitions and specify the
limits on the topic you are covering. Avoid going into too much detail at this
point. Often it is better to write the introduction last, once you have worked out
what you are trying to say in the essay as a whole.
Body of the Essay (80-90%)
The body of the essay consists of a series of paragraphs. Each paragraph
deals with one topic. The main claim of each paragraph is usually made in the
first sentence. It is then supported by evidence and the purpose of that
evidence should be made clear to the reader. Make sure that each paragraph
works to answer the essay question or task and that the paragraphs are
arranged in a logical order, so that each one builds on the point made in the
preceding paragraph.
Conclusion (5-10%)
The conclusion briefly summarises the main ideas and shows how you have
answered the question. Relate it back to the main question or claim raised in
the introduction and make sure you have responded to this. Tell the reader
where you want them to be by the end. Do not bring in any new material at
this point.
References
This is a list of all the resources you have referred to in the essay, including
books, articles in journals or material from web sites. Usually these are listed
in alphabetical order by author’s surname. Refer to your department’s
guidelines for instructions about the method for referencing. Many
departments at Unitec use the referencing style of the American
Psychological Association (APA).
SC/TUMcB/ Te Tari Awhina/Unitec/ 2005