Organization Basic Essay Format
Utah Valley State College Writing Center
A basic essay consists of three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. This basic essay format will
help you to write and organize an essay. However, flexibility is important. While keeping this basic essay
format in mind, let the topic and specific assignment guide the writing and organization.
PARTS OF AN ESSAY
INTRODUCTION
The introduction guides your reader into the paper by grabbing attention and
introducing the topic. It should begin with a hook that catches the reader’s
interest. This could be a quote, an analogy, a question, etc. After getting the
reader’s attention, the introduction should give some background information
on the topic. The ideas within the introduction should begin as very general
and gradually get more specific until it ends with the thesis statement. (See the
Introductions handout for further information.)
THESIS STATEMENT
The thesis statement states concisely the main idea of the essay, sets limits on
the topic, and indicates the organization of the essay. The thesis works as a
road map for the entire essay, showing the readers what you have to say and
how you will support your ideas.
BODY
The body of the essay supports the main points of the thesis. Each point is
developed by one or more paragraphs and supported with specific details.
These details include support from books, articles, websites, personal experiences, etc. In addition to this
research or support, the author’s own analysis and discussion of the topic is important. This is what ties
ideas together and draws conclusions that support the thesis. The body paragraphs should be organized
according to the order of ideas set forth in the thesis statement. Refer to “Parts of a Paragraph” below for
further information on writing effective body paragraphs.
TRANSITIONS
Transitions help paragraphs connect to each other and to the thesis. They are used both within and
between paragraphs to help the paper flow fro