All essays should be organized thoughtfully and clearly. The introductory paragraph has two main functions: to hook the reader and to state the thesis. The exposition section follows, helping to explain the thesis by providing any required background information -- such as definitions of specialized language with which the reader might not be familiar. Depending upon the topic, exposition sections might be lengthy or not at all necessary. The body comes next and is typically the longest section of any essay. Its job is to prove the thesis in the most thorough, yet efficient, manner possible. Strategies for an argumentative paper often focus on one of the three appeals (logos, pathos and ethos) and usually relate to the strategy used to hook the reader. The conclusion of an essay reinforces the thesis and leaves the reader with a new perspective regarding the topic.
Just as the essay follows a formulaic structure, so do individual paragraphs. Every paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that states the idea the paragraph is trying to convey. The idea is often illustrated by properly cited examples from outside texts, then supported by thoughtful and concise commentary linking the example to the idea. The final sentence of each paragraph should function as a transition, relating the current idea to the one that follows.
Nothing lends more credibility to a piece of writing than mastery of rhetoric and style. Conversely, an essay littered with grammatical errors appears incompetent and careless, regardless of the content. Clarity is key in expository writing, and improper punctuation, usage and construction can turn an essay into an obstacle course. Good essayists know that style is not so much a series of grammatical rules but rather an assortment of rhetorical tools that facilitate exactness.
Manners of form aside, uninteresting content can foul up even the most beautifully written essays, and poor content usually results from poor topic choice. Rich topics are often those about which the authors passionately care. Exigence is the author's gut-wrenching need to write about a particular topic, and strong exigence usually translates into inspired writing. Even when topics are assigned, good essayists find their entry points according to what aspects arouse their particular sensibilities.