Make an Outline

• An outline is an essay in a highly structured note format. Support and sub-topics are indented under the main point to which they refer. Before deciding on the opinion for the essay, consider all of the facts. After you have chosen a side, compose your thesis statement, which is one sentence that states your opinion on the argument at hand. Outline the two body paragraphs of the essay: one in favor of the argument in the prompt and one that argues against it. Every time you make a new point, provide examples and other support for it.
  
  

Write Topic Sentences

• A topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph. It should state the topic and opinion of the paragraph. Write topic sentences for both body paragraphs. These should indicate whether the paragraph will argue for or against the idea in the prompt. Write a topic sentence for the conclusion paragraph. This should indicate whether the author's conclusion is for or against the idea in the prompt.
  
  

Fill in the Body Paragraphs

• The body paragraphs of an essay provide examples and support for the topic sentences, and ultimately, for the thesis statement. These examples and support come from your outline, and so writing the body paragraphs should not be time-consuming. Use a transition sentence or phrase at the end of the first body paragraph to tie the second body paragraph to the one before it. For example, the first body paragraph about Smith could end with "In contrast to Smith, James did not support the notion of complete independence."
  
  

Introduction

• The introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of an essay. It should begin in a broad manner. If the essay prompt is from a book, the introduction should state the title and author of the book. It should then narrow in on the essay prompt and narrow further to the thesis statement, which is the last sentence of the introduction.
  
  

Conclusion

• The conclusion paragraph should provide a broader significance of the essay topic and your conclusion regarding it. It is OK to summarize your essay briefly but you should also provide a broader perspective, such as the consequences of taking the two courses of action that you discussed. The conclusion paragraph need not be as long as either of the body paragraphs. Proofread your essay.