Structure of an essay

An essay has three parts: the introduction, a body and a conclusion. Write using your detailed plan. Expect to write several drafts.

An essay has a beginning (introduction) that:

introduces topic/context
states argument
outlines main points.

It has a middle (body) that:

has a series of paragraphs that develop the argument
each paragraph contains one main idea
each topic sentence links directly to the argument.

It has an end (conclusion) that:

restates argument
sums up
relates to broader context.

The introduction tells the reader what the essay is about.

Introductions are written from broad topics to narrow ones. They introduce the topic, outline main points and state the argument (thesis).

Introduction structure, from broad to narrow.

Notice the clearly defined structure in the sample introduction below.

Topic/context
Argument/thesis statement
Outline

 Teamwork plays a significant role in the daily and strategic functioning of many organisations. In the current business climate, numerous theories exist on how best to manage teams, and it is often challenging to measure the effectiveness of each team structure.1Screen reader users, this is the topic or context.   This essay examines two enterprises with vastly different approaches to team management to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each model.2Screen reader users, this is the argument/thesis statement.  The first is BJD Minerals, which uses project teams to achieve its goals, and the second is ACM Chemicals, which employs parallel teams to enhance output and employee involvement.3Screen reader users, this is the outline.

The body of an essay is made up of connected paragraphs presenting your argument. A well written body section can be one of the keys to assignment success. A commonly-used paragraph structure in academic writing is called the TEEL paragraph, which stands for topic sentence, explain, evidence/example and link.

We recommend that you visit the Writing paragraphs page to learn about this structure.

Here is a brief explanation of TEEL:

Make sure each paragraph contains one main idea, which you express in a topic sentence. This is usually the first sentence of the paragraph. The topic sentences develop the argument (thesis) of the essay.

Next, expand on the topic sentence in the rest of the paragraph. Add sentences that:

explain or elaborate on the topic sentence
provide evidence (with references) or examples to support the topic sentence.
link back to the main idea in the topic sentence

The hamburger metaphor represents how to write a paragraph using TEEL.

Hamburger metaphor: topic sentence, explain/elaborate, evidence/examples, linking sentence

By reading the topic sentences only, you should be able to see the development of the argument.

Explore the TEEL structure within the paragraph. Notice how references have been used throughout the paragraph to support the claims.

Topic sentence
Explanation
Evidence
Example
Link

One factor that impacts positively on team effectiveness is the notion of team cohesiveness.1Screen reader users, this is the topic sentence. Team cohesiveness is the key to enabling a diverse group of individuals to work towards common goals.2Screen reader users, this is the explanation. Kang et al. (2024) note that the right mix of people sets the stage for a team to be effective, with performance quality and innovation as a result.3Screen reader users, this is the evidence. BJD Minerals' project teams were established on an opt-in basis following the idealistic model, where members were motivated by clear goals and an understanding of the required skill sets for their tasks (Rhone, Wang & Sandberg, 2022). The project assigned to the team was also well resourced, with clear timelines and an end date (BJD Minerals 2023).4Screen reader users, this is the example. This idealistic team model validated the diverse skills that individuals brought to the team, celebrating both personal satisfaction as well as the team's project achievements.5Screen reader users, this is the link.

The conclusion tells the reader what was covered.

Conclusions are written from narrow topics to broad ones. They restate the argument, sum up, and look at the big picture.

Conclusion structure, from narrow to broad.

Notice the clearly defined structure in the sample conclusion below.

Restate argument
Sum up main points
Relate to the 'big picture'

 Although there are many team models used in today’s organisations, to be effective, the selected team model needs to ensure both personal satisfaction and clear, shared goals.1Screen reader users, this sentence restates the argument.  ACM Chemical’s personnel fit model showed some success in the early stages, but failed to adapt to changes in the longer term. On the other hand, BJD Minerals’ opt-in, project team model provided individual incentives as well as team benefits to achieve project success. Teams were then terminated to allow for re-formations for new and emerging goals.2Screen reader users, this sums up main points.  Effective teams do achieve significant gains for organisations and BJD Minerals’ opt-in project model demonstrates that personal validation alongside realistic goals can be more effective on a personal and a company level. 3Screen reader users, this sentence relates the paragraph to the 'big picture'.