Thesis: Should state argument and map out the structure of the essay. For instance: “While evidence shows that in certain countries legalizing drugs has reduced the problems of crime and addiction, legalizing drugs in the United States would not work the same way for the following three reasons. First, GIVE REASON ONE. Second, GIVE REASON TWO. Third, GIVE REASON THREE. Solutions that are better suited to addressing the problems associated with drugs and addiction in the United States include: solution one; solution two; solution three. Finally, it is only by recognizing the differences at work in various countries that we can begin to solve this problem.”
Supporting Paragraphs:
Topic sentence that follows the map that the thesis has set up. Explanation of the topic sentence. Use of evidence (logos) to support your point. Use signal phrases for quotations. Remember to use MLA in-text citation for all quotes, information, statistics, and examples that come from other sources. Analysis of evidence to show how it supports your point. Reiterate the way this point connects back to and supports your thesis.
Build your credibility (ethos) by showing you are knowledgeable about conversations about the topic. Also, include the credentials of those you cite in your text if they have high credibility. For example: Dr. Jane Doe, a highly respected neurobiologist at Harvard University, has established “blah blah blah” (56).
Be sure to include transitions between supporting paragraphs. Repeat key words from you concluding sentence of one paragraph in the first sentence of your next paragraph. Use transitional phrases like “in addition,” “in contrast,” “further,” “another significant claim is…” “building on the previous point,” etc.
In addition to using logos, find ways to appeal to your reader emotionally (pathos). Use anecdotes about or testimonials from individual people, use quotes from people that connect to the reader on an emotional level, and consider incorporating images.
Conclusion:
Include a one sentence summary of your argument. Go beyond the summary and pose some questions that the essay brings up. These questions do not directly have to relate to your topic but should instead show the broader implications of your argument or the kind of thinking your argument relies on. You don’t have to answer these questions but they help the reader keep thinking about the larger picture that starts with your essay but that the essay helps move the reader beyond.