Write a thesis sentence. Tell the reader what information you will be proving in your essay. For the topic "how people are affected by caffeinated coffee" write "Caffeinated coffee can provide you with healthy antioxidants, but too much caffeine can cause symptoms like sleeplessness, irritability and anxiety, as well as caffeine addiction." Remember that your essay is to inform, not persuade or tell a story.
Complete your introductory paragraph in about four or five sentences. Introduce your subject, discuss a few of your main points briefly and then present your thesis statement. Introduce your topic by writing "Over fifty percent of Americans drink at least one cup of caffeinated coffee per day." Then write your three main points and conclude with your thesis statement.
Write an informative topic sentence supporting your thesis to begin each of your three body paragraphs. Offer one sentence about the health benefits of antioxidants found in coffee, one about the possible negative effects associated with too much caffeine and one about caffeine addiction. Start with "While many people drink caffeinated coffee for a much-needed energy boost, they might not realize that they are receiving healthy antioxidants at the same time."
Fill in information under each topic sentence for the three main paragraphs. Cite reliable sources, such as medical journals, doctors and reputable websites like the Mayo Clinic's to add authority to your essay. For example, in the paragraph that discusses the negative side effects of drinking too much caffeine, include the supporting sentence, "Drinking four to seven cups of caffeinated coffee per day increases the chances that you will experience symptoms like sleeplessness, anxiety and irritability, according to Dr. Donald Hensrud in a recent article written for the Mayo Clinic." In the paragraph about caffeine addiction, explain that withdrawal symptoms include headaches, irritability, severe fatigue and depression.
Summarize your topic and your main points in your concluding paragraph. Use information that was presented in your introduction, but worded differently. Remind your audience of the information presented earlier and the proof you have provided to support your thesis. Restate your informative thesis statement that caffeinated coffee offers both healthful antioxidants and possible overuse or addiction.