academic essay structure

However, when writing an essay, it can also be difficult to come up with a point of view early on. Therefore, instead of developing a thesis statement first, you may choose to read up on the assignment question and make notes on relevant concepts, theories, and studies. Once you have these notes and can develop a summary of the issues, it should be much easier to write a thesis statement.
For more information on analysing the assignment question and planning your essay, see planning assignments.

Writing an Introduction

• Section One is a neutral sentence that will engage the reader’s interest in your essay.
• Section Two Picks up the topic you are writing about by identifying the issues that you are going to explore.
• Section Three is an indication of how the question will be answered. Give a brief outline of how you will deal with each issue, and in which order.

A writer must consider his or her purpose, subject matter and anticipated audience in order to form an appropriate structure from these elements. However, knowing the structure that you would like to achieve is not sufficient to tell you the process by which to get there.

• Sentences
• Paragraphs
• Topic sentences within paragraphs
• Transition sentences between paragraphs
• Thesis statement
• Title
• Quotations & Citations

References:

http://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/how-to-write-an-essay/essay-structure
http://spark.library.yorku.ca/essay-structure-elements-of-structure/
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Academic-Essay