Writing a formal essay isn't easy, especially when you haven't had much experience with this type of writing in the past. Many co-eds put off writing formal essays because they're not sure where to start, not realizing that paper writing help is available. Understanding the proper formatting and structure for a formal essay is a good starting point for any college student.
1. Introductory Paragraph
Believe it or not, these are relatively simple. While this structure is ideal for history essays and research papers, other fields like English and Sociology can follow the same structure and similar paper writing help. The introduction should always follow the funneling method of starting broad and narrowing it down.
A. Broad Statement
Start with a broad statement such as “throughout history, x has been a common facet of society…” This will begin your essay
B. Narrow down to a time/place
Once you start broad, narrow it down to a time and place. This will define the historical context that you are referencing. It will also let the reader know that you are focusing on an exclusive period of time rather than broadly skipping around. A place and date is optimal for this section.
C. Introduce key terms, relevant background information
If you are going to use a specific work as a main source, define the author and title. You could even offer a brief summary of the author’s main assertion here. Make sure to not offer quotes or go into detail. Also, any relevant background information here would be appropriate.
D. Thesis Statement
This is very tricky for many students, but thesis statements are simple when broken down into a few types.
For argumentative thesis statements, these forms are great to use and include color coded examples to break down the logic:
While X is true, Y is more true.
While some statistical evidence regarding the effectiveness of raising the drinking age is mixed and volatile, negative externalities like increased violent behavior and unsafe drinking habits should prompt legislators to not only lower the drinking age to 18, but seek alternative solutions.
California, specifically, was a pioneer in developing a sophisticated judicial process for determining guilt and then punishment for potential death row inmates. However, there is still substantial debate surrounding the legitimacy and overall fairness of the process of sentencing convicted criminals to death in California.
Because of A, B and C, Z happened.
Implementing strategies that utilize organizational justice, workforce unity and employee development were all highly influential ways to motivate workers in diverse settings.
As you can see, all of these thesis statements follow a really rigid structure in terms of their layout. Also, they plan out the structure of the rest of the essay.
Extra Tips for Introduction Paragraphs:
NO quotes/citations (especially in essay introductions)
Pay Attention to formatting rules
Make sure that you have a specific thesis
2. Body Paragraphs
Body paragraphs are also pretty standard in terms of their overall structure. The whole point of most body paragraphs is to introduce evidence that supports your thesis statement
A. Topic Sentence
This is a mini-thesis that tells the reader what the body paragraph is about. These are usually one line.
B. Background Information
This is either relevant information, introducing a source or merely explaining the reader what the context of the evidence is.
C. Introduce 2-3 Facts or Quotes
Use 2-3 citations and use the evidence of other authors or sources that you have compiled. Make sure to introduce them and do not simply “drop” the quotes as if they are standing alone.
D. Explain the Quotes
This is a part of the body paragraph that many students miss. Since your evidence does not speak for itself, explain what it means in your own words. Re iterate the main point and summarize it if need be.
E. Relate to the Thesis
This is the most important part of the body paragraph. Make sure to take your evidence and points and relate them back to the thesis. That is, explain why this evidence that you argued for in your mini-thesis is relevant and adds value to your argument (main claim).
3. Conclusion
In the conclusion, you want to recap your argument and be relatively sufficient in touching on only the main points. The following structure is ideal if you are stuck:
A. Restate Thesis in 2-3 Sentences
Re-state your thesis statement in an expanded way that is more thorough.
B. Recap each body paragraph in 1-2 sentences
Simply restate what you argued in each body paragraph as a 1-2 sentence bit.
Paper Writing Help for Conclusions
DO NOT introduce quotes or new information.
DO NOT forget to summarize the key points.
That is it, you are on your way to completing your essay. This formula for writing is proven to work and surely follows a format that is easy for professors and other peers to read.
Extra – Paper Writing Help Tips
These extra helpful hints will also aid you in working faster, smarter and not making common mistakes that professors can grade harshly on:
A. For citing sources, do not do them manually; instead, use BibMe and it does it all for you!
B. Never use the word “said” when quoting. There is an appropriate word to use for each case, find other words to use instead of said.
C. Make sure to use colons and semicolons the right way!
D. Have fun, writing is an important skill set in life and will add value in many more ways than you think!
If you still need paper writing help, the Ultius essay writing service offers customized solutions for writing essays on any topic. Connect with a skilled and qualified writer to get further assistance and create a well-thought-out and well-written piece.