Structuring a text around the three-part essay

Summary

In this video, Ellen explores the three-part essay format, consisting of an introduction, body, and conclusion. She emphasizes that academic writing prioritizes clarity and structure, allowing readers to anticipate content. The introduction raises a research question and outlines the argument, while the body presents discussions based on the type of analysis used, often following the IMRaD structure. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the argument without introducing new ideas, providing a solid foundation for further exploration.

Takeaways

• 📚 The three-part essay structure consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion, forming the basis of formal writing.
• 🔍 Academic writing prioritizes clarity and trustworthiness over creative elements found in fiction and advertisements.
• 📝 The introduction sets the stage by presenting the topic, raising a research question, and stating the thesis.
• ⚖️ Providing background and contextual information in the introduction is crucial for framing the discussion.
• 🔗 A mapping statement in the introduction previews the essay's structure, guiding the reader on what to expect.
• 📖 The body of the essay is where the main discussion occurs, containing multiple paragraphs or sections based on length.
• 📊 The IMRaD structure (Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion) is commonly used for scholarly essays.
• 🚫 New facts or ideas should not be introduced in the conclusion; it should summarize the argument instead.
• 💡 Conclusions can suggest areas for further study but must remain brief, typically one or two paragraphs.
• ✍️ The classic 5-paragraph essay format includes one introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and one concluding paragraph.

Q & A

What is a three-part essay?

A three-part essay consists of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. It serves as a foundational format for various types of formal writing.

Why is it important to follow a strict format in academic writing?

A strict format enhances clarity and trustworthiness, allowing writers to effectively communicate their discussions and results to an audience that is already interested in the topic.

What are the key components of the introduction in an essay?

The introduction should provide background and contextual information, raise a research question, and present the thesis statement, which outlines the argument that will be made.

What is the role of the body in an essay?

The body of the essay is where the main discussion takes place. It consists of multiple paragraphs that present and analyze the argument, depending on the essay's length and complexity.

How does the structure of the body differ among various disciplines?

The structure of the body can vary based on the type of argument presented and the specific analysis required. For instance, the IMRaD structure is common in scholarly texts.

What does IMRaD stand for?

IMRaD stands for Introduction, Method, Results, and Discussion. This structure organizes the body of an essay into specific sections.

What is the purpose of the conclusion in an essay?

The conclusion summarizes the argument made in the essay without introducing new facts or ideas. It may suggest topics for further study but remains brief.

What is a classic example of an essay format, and how is it structured?

The classic 5-paragraph essay consists of one introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and one concluding paragraph, demonstrating a simpler version of the three-part structure.

How do longer essays differ from shorter ones in terms of structure?

Longer essays, such as bachelor’s or master’s theses, also use the three-part structure but may require dividing discussions into sections, each with its own introduction, body, and conclusion.

What should be avoided in the conclusion of an essay?

New facts, results, or ideas should not be introduced in the conclusion; instead, it should focus on summarizing the main argument.