Compose an engaging lead. Write a first sentence that will capture your readers' attention, making them want to continue reading the essay. You may present a surprising fact or include a compelling quotation that pertains to the topic.
Present the topic. Compose several sentences to follow the lead in which you explain in more detail what you'll discuss in the essay, allowing readers to understand the purpose of the composition.
Include a thesis that clearly states your position. In this sentence, say concisely what point you're trying to prove. For example, you might write, “school uniforms do not have a proven positive impact within a school setting, but instead only stifle student creativity.” Make this sentence the last in your introductory paragraph.
State your arguments. Organize these arguments from strongest to weakest; you want to ensure that your readers have heard your strongest arguments should they stop reading before the essay's end. Dedicate at least one paragraph to each argument, stating the argument in the topic sentence of the paragraph and using the supporting sentence to explain or prove how the argument is true.
Present and refute counterarguments. State these likely counterarguments in the second-to-last paragraph of the essay and provide evidence from outside sources to prove that these potential counterarguments are not valid, or at least not as valid as your arguments.
Conclude with a rephrasing of your key arguments. Restate these arguments in your final paragraph, reminding the readers once more of why your stance is the right one.