A successful introduction sets the tone of your paper. Refrain from listing three main points and then a thesis statement as you did in middle and high school. Instead, use the introduction as a tool that introduces your paper topic and sets context. Explain what is at stake and why your topic is important. For a persuasive paper assignment, the introduction should include one to three paragraphs. If writing a literature review for an honors thesis, include a longer introduction that demonstrates exhaustive knowledge of your topic.
The thesis statement always appears as the final sentence in the introduction. As a stripped-down statement of your argument, the thesis reveals your position to the reader. Your thesis should state your opinion on the issue discussed in the introduction. When the instructor sees this, she expects each remaining element of the paper to serve the purpose of your argument. A clear, concise thesis statement makes the writing easier for you and impresses instructors.
The body of your essay includes a discussion of the information you found while researching. The presented data should include information that supports your position. Each paragraph should follow logically from the one that precedes it. Do not assume that the reader understands how the data relates to your thesis statement. Rather, explain and clarify how the data supports your thesis. Include topic sentences in the body of your analysis as needed to provide clarification and/or smooth transitions.
Acknowledge one or two possible objections to your argument. If applicable, discuss one or two important scholarly articles or books in your essay to illustrate prominent views in opposition to your own. Drawing on the data and analysis already presented, explain why you think the noted objections to your position are wrong. This demonstrates thorough research and showcases your ability to engage critically and thoughtfully with alternative perspectives.
Do not turn in a paragraph resembling the concluding summary that you likely wrote in primary school. The conclusion should never be a restatement of the thesis or argument. Your conclusion should place your work in larger context. Consider various gaps in the prominent literature. Raise issues not considered in previous research, and suggest future research projects. This shows that you understand your work in relationship to previous and future scholarship, and pushes the reader to think about what comes after your essay.