The first sentence of the propositional essay introduction must identify the general concept, followed by a specific proposition. The balance of the introduction should summarize the support, or justification, for the proposition. Tell the reader how the essay will support the proposition by stating whether you will list facts to support your proposition, discuss options to solve a problem or use research to prove a position. The introduction should pique the reader's interest.
The body of the propositional essay should consist of two or three paragraphs. Each paragraph should begin with justification or support for the proposition stated in the introduction. The justification must be supported by research and a rational argument for application of the research to the proposition. Begin each paragraph by stating clearly the nature of the support for your proposition followed by the details of the supporting research.
Each assertion must be supported by specific research or data. Avoid making generalizations that are not supported by the evidence. State the logical conclusion based on a rational examination of the data and research cited to support your proposition. For example, a justification for the proposition that fossil fuels contribute to climate change may be: "Temperature data collected over a 100-year period show an increase in temperature directly proportional to the percentage of increase in fossil fuel consumption over the same period of time."
Restate the original question the essay set out to answer or the proposition supported by the essay. Summarize the main points from the body of the essay. Justify your proposition by reiterating how research supports the proposition. The conclusion should transition from specific information to generalizations as they are supported by the essay. Pose questions to the reader to encourage thinking from new perspectives.