Essay Writing: Structure Guidelines

For Students Wishing to Improve Their Academic Writing...Especially ENGL101 Students!

Classroom pages

  • Standards for Writing
  • Understanding Assignments
  • The Writing Process
  • Standard English

Classroom Pages 2

  • Essay Writing (Style)
  • Essay Writing (Structure)
  • Essay Writing (Content)
  • Internal Source Usage

Liberty Pages

  • Home
  • Documentation Styles
  • Formatting Essays
  • Revision Guides
  • Editing Guides

FOLLOW STRUCTURE & STYLE GUIDELINES FOR ESSAYS

Structure in an Academic Writing

The STRUCTURE of an essay is as important as the paper FORMAT and source CITATIONS.

Be sure to follow the DRAFTING content for proper STRUCTURE & STYLE.

Be sure to use the 3-part-layout in all of your writing. See THIS LINK for help with the 3-part-layout in DBs, essays, and paragraphs.

Know HOW your instructor will be assessing your writing.

Don't Procrastinate!

Proposal Argument Essay

Argument



  • Why YOU Need an Argument
  • Understanding Argument
  • Choosing a Controversial Topic
  • Writing an Argument Paper
  • What is an argumentative essay? (OWL)
  • Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements (OWL)
  • Introductions, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusions for an Argument Paper (OWL)
  • Body paragraphs: Moving from general to specific information (OWL)
  • Rebuttal Sections (OWL)
  • Argument Conclusions (OWL)
  • Understanding Argument and Evidence
  • Locate Academic Sources
  • Essay Arrangement



Proposal (Argument)



  • Elements of a Proposal Argument
  • General Outline
  • Writing an Argument
  • Locate Academic Sources
  • More About Proposal Writing

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Argument

  • Understanding an Argument Essay
  • Academic Writing Basics
  • Structure of Argument
  • Argument Construction

Structured Parts of an OUTLINE

  • Empty Outline Sample
  • Outline Guidance
  • Introduction Structure / Outline
  • Body-Paragraph Structure / Outline
  • Conclusion Structure / Outline

Structured INTRODUCTION

  • Everything You Need to Know about Introductions
  • Introduction Tutorial
  • Sentence Starters for Argument Essays
  • Introductions (Drafting Your Essay)

Structured BODY-PARAGRAPHS (Arguments)

  • Body-paragraph Tutorial: 3-minute Video
  • Argument in Body Paragraphs
  • Hamburger Method--Drafting Your Essay
  • Argument Body Paragraph Structure
  • Paragraph Structure Analysis
  • Persuasive Arguments in Essays—Basics to Follow
  • Crafting a Logical Argument Using Ethos, Pathos, a...
  • Signs of Trouble--Letting Sources Lead Instead of Follow Your Writing
  • Writing Paragraphs in an Argument
  • Toulmin Model for Argument Construction

Structured BODY-PARAGRAPHS (Counter-Argument)

  • Counter-Argument: The Turn Against and Back
  • Counterargument in Pre-Writing and Revising
  • COUNTER-ARGUMENT Body-Paragraphs
  • The Source Sandwich
  • Signs of Trouble--Letting Sources Lead Instead of Follow Your Writing

Structured CONCLUSIONS

  • Conclusion Tutorial: 3-minute Video
  • Concluding Your Paper
  • Three Parts to a Conclusion
  • Conclusions to Avoid
  • Conclusion No-Nos
  • Questions in a Conclusion
  • Conclusions (Drafting Your Essay)

CREATE AN ORIGINAL TITLE: it does matter

  • Creating a Correct Title for Your Writing
  • Creating a Great Essay Title

Structured CHECKLISTS

  • What is an Essay?
  • 3-Part-Layout
  • Cause/Effect Outline Checklist

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This Section is Liberty-Specific for Online LU Courses

This Section is Liberty-Specific for Online LU Courses
Champions for Christ!

Liberty Student Essays

  • Liberty-Specific Title Pages
  • Sample Essay--Is it an Argument? Is it an Ethical Argument?
  • Liberty-Specific Cause/Effect Essays
  • Understanding Introductions
  • Argument Construction

See the Sections Below for More Growth and Development of Your Writing

See the Sections Below for More Growth and Development of Your Writing
See the 3-parts of an Essay: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion Paragraphs (ABOVE)

INTRODUCTIONS

INTRODUCTIONS

BASICS of an INTRODUCTION

  • Everything You Need to Know about Introductions
  • Audience
  • Sources in Introductions
  • Questions in an Introduction
  • Forecasts in an Introduction

Introduction Step 1: "Hook"

  • "Hooks" for the INTRODUCTION
  • Questions in an Introduction
  • Sources in Introductions
  • Quote Resources for "Hooks"
  • Try One of These STARTERS...

Introduction Step 2: Background

  • Basics of an Introduction
  • Providing Background in Introduction
  • Sources in the Background Section??

Introduction Step 3: Thesis Statement

  • What is a Thesis??
  • How to Write a Good Thesis Statement
  • Thesis Structure / Argument Support Development
  • Strong Thesis Statements
  • Thesis Presentation and Lessons
  • Thesis Statement Exercise

USAGE

Source usage is essential to quality writing, making the difference between an unsupported, under-developed essay and a highly-persuasive essay easy to spot. You must incorporate sources into your Body Paragraphs to assert your ideas, defend your argument, and develop your support. You will prove your thesis in your Body Paragraphs through source usage (not in the introduction or conclusion). See the content on Source Usage below.

Source Usage

  • Signs of Trouble
  • Use Sources Correctly
  • Be a Web Detective
  • Gathering and Using Evidence
  • Image Usage
  • Figures and Charts
  • Use Sources Correctly to Avoid Plagiarism
  • Using Quotes to Open or Close
  • Reliable & Credible
  • Choosing Sources
  • Fake News and Distinguishing Truths
  • Evaluating Sources for Credibility
  • Scholarly vs Popular Articles (Videos)
  • Drafting Your Essay: Credible and Reliable Sources...

"Body" of Evidence

  • Understanding the BODY of an Essay
  • Argument Using Sources
  • Evaluate Your Sources
  • Ethics vs Morals
  • Gathering and Using Evidence
  • Use Sources Correctly to Avoid Plagiarism
  • In Text (Parenthetical) Citations Quick Guide
  • Summary
  • Paraphrase
  • Quoting Rules
  • Quoting Material
  • Quotes to Open or Close
  • Errors in Reasoning
  • Fallacies
  • Citation Generator--EasyBib
  • Citation Generator--Citation Machine

Basic Help

· English Grammar

· Glossary of Key Terms

· Using Words Correctly

· Writing Tips & Advice

· Sentence Structures

· Rhetoric & Style

· Punctuation & Mechanics

· Developing Effective Paragraphs

· Developing Effective Essays

EVALUATING ARGUMENTS

Whether you are evaluating a verbal or written argument, the evaluation process is the same. You will look for logical support, reliable sources to defend the argument, and possible manipulation through fallacies or inductive reasoning.

Rhetorical Situations

  • Argument Writing
  • 3 Ways to Persuade
  • Crafting a Logical Argument Using Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
  • Ethos, Pathos, and Logos Worksheet
  • Toulmin Model for Argument Construction
  • Effective Arguments
  • Evaluating an Argument
  • Evaluating Arguments
  • How to Evaluate an Argument

WRITING ELEMENTS

While there are many elements of Academic Writing, it is essential that you accurately be able to evaluate another person's writing for order, format, and logic. Furthermore, you must be able to follow the writing styles yourself. See the content below to help you with writing guidelines.

Elements of Essays

  • Academic Writing
  • Types of Writing
  • Essay Structure
  • Source USAGE
  • Elements of Style
  • Questions…What are they Good for (in Writing)?
  • Formatting Basics

Source Topics

Freshman Composition teaches students the Elements of Argument. Argument is present in our lives every day, and even though the topics change over time, the structure, style, and organization of academic argument writing do not. See the links below for additional help and sources options. The source items listed in this section are not necessarily reliable or credible; however, they are intended to stimulate conversation, argument ideas, and provide a springboard to stimulate your argument on the topic. As you review the source links, keep in mind the aspects for evaluating a verbal or written argument to know how logical the arguments being presented are in the source. Look for logical support, reliable sources to defend the argument, and possible manipulation through fallacies or inductive reasoning to gather ideas for your argument, your rebuttal of counter-arguments, and your evaluation of the overall topic.

Topics for Discussion

  • Genetic Engineering

HELPFUL LINKS

Use the links below to find additional assistance where you may need it.

Important Links

  • Classroom Websites
  • Liberty University
  • Florida Gateway College
  • Computer Usage, Page 1 (Standards & Fears)
  • Microsoft Office WORD: 2013
  • Plagiarism 101
  • Grammar Revolution
  • Purdue OWL
  • Plagiarism Checker

Purdue OWL Help

  • Helper Links: Writing Tasks
  • Thesis Tips (OWL)
  • Outline
  • Effective Outlines
  • How to Outline
  • Types of Outlines
  • Reverse Outlining
  • Begin Proofreading
  • Finding Common Errors
  • Proofreading Suggestions
  • Revising for Cohesion
  • Steps for Revising

Double Check These Items

  • Signs of Trouble
  • Write a Great Title
  • Word Count Requirements
  • Organization
  • Basics for Paragraphs: The Hamburger Method
  • Directions for How to Cite in an Essay
  • In Text (Parenthetical) Citations Quick Guide
  • Audience
  • Contractions
  • Questions…What are they Good for (in Writing)?
  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd Voice
  • Word Choice
  • Passive Voice
  • Clichés
  • Focus
  • Font Usage

BODY-PARAGRAPHS

BODY-PARAGRAPHS

BASICS of BODY-PARAGRAPHS

  • Understanding the BODY of an Essay
  • COUNTER-ARGUMENT Body-Paragraphs
  • Sentence Starters for Body-Paragraphs
  • Body-paragraphs Will Never Have Questions
  • Body Paragraphs--Locating Academic Sources
  • Body Paragraphs--Drafting Your Essay
  • Double Check THESE Items

Body-Paragraphs Step 1: Topic Sentence

  • Paragraph Structure = One Focused Topic "Nugget"
  • Body Paragraphs (Drafting the Essay)
  • Body Paragraph Content

Body-Paragraphs Step 2a: Topic Development

  • Critical Reading and Writing
  • Locating Research (Body Paragraphs)
  • General Support Structure (Body Paragraphs)
  • The Source Sandwich
  • Signs of Trouble--Letting Sources Lead Instead of Follow Your Writing
  • Errors in Reasoning

Body-Paragraphs Step 2b: Integrating Sources

  • Body-Paragraphs Step 2b: Integrating Sources
  • Constructing Logical Arguments in Body-Paragraphs
  • Fake News and Distinguishing Truths
  • Scholarly vs Popular Articles (Videos)
  • Use Sources Correctly to Avoid Plagiarism
  • In Text (Parenthetical) Citations Quick Guide

Body-Paragraph Step 2c: Counter-Argument

  • Counterargument in Pre-Writing and Revising
  • Counter-Argument: The Turn Against and Back
  • COUNTER-ARGUMENT Body-Paragraphs
  • Persuasion--Tip Sheet
  • Persuasive Arguments in Essays—Basics to Follow
  • Sentence Starters for Argument Essays

Body-Paragraphs Step 3: Closing

  • Understanding the BODY of an Essay

CITATIONS

Citing sources properly is essential to avoiding plagiarism. No matter if plagiarism is intentional or unintentional, all un-cited source usage counts as plagiarism and will negatively impact your standing with the instructor, your assignment grade, and possibly result in expulsion from the class. Learn about citations so that you do not plagiarize. See the Source Citation content below.

Source Citation

  • Signs of Trouble
  • Give Credit
  • General Guidelines
  • Handouts and Style Guides
  • In Text (Parenthetical) Citations Quick Guide
  • Directions for How to Cite in an Essay
  • Figures and Charts
  • Image Usage

Citation Rules

  • Citing Overview
  • References
  • Modern Language Association (MLA)
  • American Psychological Association (APA)
  • Turabian Formatting (Liberty)
  • The Chicago Manual of Style
  • Directions for How to Cite in an Essay
  • How to Paraphrase a Source
  • What is Plagiarism
  • Plagiarism Facts & Stats
  • Preventing Plagiarism When Writing

Images in Writing

  • Image Usage
  • Figures and Charts

WRITING STYLE

While there are many types of Academic Writing, it is essential that you accurately follow basic stylistic guidelines based on the class notes, module readings, textbook, and instructor preferences. You must be able to follow the writing style for your assignment, transitional factors, third person voice, and clearly developed support for your thesis in your body paragraphs. See the content below to help you with writing guidelines.

Academic Style

  • Academic Writing Styles
  • Outline Structure Requirements
  • Essay Writing
  • Argument Writing
  • Why You NEED an Argument
  • Research Paper
  • Thesis-Support Essay
  • ETHICAL Arguments
  • Cause and Effect
  • Synthesis Paper
  • Summary -- Reaction Paper
  • Literature Review
  • Book Review
  • Informal Essay
  • Journaling
  • Inductive Flow of an Essay
  • Deductive Flow of an Essay
  • Structure with Proper STYLE

Research Writing

  • Stages and Suggestions for Research Writing
  • Critical Reading and Writing
  • Research Writing
  • Thesis-Support Essay
  • Research Paper
  • Thesis Structure / Argument Support Development
  • Figures and Charts
  • Sentence Starters for Argument Essays

Sentence-level, Paragraph-level, and Essay-level ORDER

There is a logical arrangement for the order of a sentence, paragraph, and essay. Be sure to carefully review the organizational structure required at all three levels of Standard English: sentence, paragraph, essay.

Body Paragraphs

  • Body Paragraphs--Drafting Your Essay
  • Forming an Argument
  • Counter-Arguments
  • Body Paragraph Content
  • Transitions

Page Organization

  • Title Page
  • Abstract
  • Essay
  • References
  • Outline

Titles: Creative & Captivating

  • Creating a Correct Title for Your Writing
  • Titles--Overview
  • How Important is a Title?
  • Useful Titles
  • Linking the Conclusion to the Title
  • Title No-Nos

Structure

  • Structure
  • Essay Structure
  • Paragraph Structure = One Focused Topic "Nugget"
  • Sentence Structure

Academic Writing

  • Academic Writing
  • Critical Reading and Writing
  • Research Writing
  • You Need an Argument
  • Requirements
  • Types
  • Cause and Effect
  • Steps
  • Samples
  • Videos
  • Articles
  • Summary. Analysis, Response Writing Style

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Video Lessons

  • Getting Started with Internet Sources through WORD...

BASICS of a CONCLUSION

  • Conclusion Paragraph ORDER
  • Three Parts to a Conclusion
  • Sentence Starters for Conclusions
  • Synthesize Your Writing
  • Conclusion No-Nos
  • Conclusions—Only One Place for Questions
  • Wrapping Up the Essay

Conclusion Part 1: Re-word Thesis

  • Concluding Your Paper
  • Conclusions to Avoid

Conclusion Part 2: Synthesize the Argument

  • Conclusions (Drafting Your Essay)
  • Synthesize the Argument
  • Questions in a Conclusion

Conclusion Part 3: Culminating Sentence

  • Different Types of Closure Sentences
  • Questions in a Conclusion
  • Linking the Conclusion to the Title
  • Quotes for Culminating Sentence

DOCUMENTATION

Proper documentation formatting is very important to both your internal writing and source citing. In this section, you will learn about formatting your internal content (the essay) in proper page format and visual structure. You will also see visual samples of how to format sources within the essay as well as in the Works Cited page.

Formatting

  • Guide Links
  • Formatting Basics
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Turabian General Formatting
  • FONT Usage

Formatting Sources

  • Sample
  • General-Guidelines
  • Full Sources
  • MLA 8th Edition
  • Fair Use
  • Works Consulted
  • Sources in Introductions
  • Directions for How to Cite in an Essay
  • Formatting Basics
  • Use Sources Correctly
  • Choosing Sources
  • Fake News and Distinguishing Truths
  • Evaluating Sources for Credibility
  • Scholarly vs Popular Articles (Videos)
  • Drafting Your Essay: Credible and Reliable Sources...
  • Signs of Trouble--Letting Sources Lead Instead of Follow Your Writing
  • Source USAGE
  • Getting Started with Internet Sources through WORD...
  • The Source Sandwich
  • Help for Liberty Students
  • WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR IN TEXT CITATION
  • In Text (Parenthetical) Citations Quick Guide
  • PUNCTUATING IN TEXT CITATIONS
  • Online Writing Center
  • Writing, Format, & Citation Style
  • Use Sources Correctly to Avoid Plagiarism
  • Quoting Rules
  • Writing Worksheets
  • Give Credit
  • Handouts and Style Guides
  • Summary
  • Figures and Charts
  • Videos
  • Samples
  • Articles
  • Requirements
  • Image Usage
  • Font Usage

MLA Documentation and Formatting Pages

  • What is MLA Format?
  • MLA
  • MLA Documents
  • MLA Visual Examples
  • MLA Tutorial
  • MLA Essay Template
  • Title Page
  • Online Writing Center
  • Writing, Format, & Citation Style
  • Handouts and Style Guides
  • MLA Works Cited SAMPLE
  • MLA Formatting and Style Guide (External Site)
  • SAMPLE Works Cited Page (OWL)
  • SAMPLE MLA Paper (OWL)
  • SAMPLE Tables, Figures, and Examples (OWL)
  • MLA PowerPoint Presentation (OWL)
  • MLA Style Introduction (OWL)

APA Documentation and Formatting Pages

  • Learn APA Formatting and Documentation Style
  • Abstract
  • Abstract -- Sample
  • APA
  • Online Writing Center
  • Writing, Format, & Citation Style
  • Use Sources Correctly to Avoid Plagiarism
  • Abstract Examples and Lessons
  • Formatting Basics
  • Help for Liberty Students
  • In Text (Parenthetical) Citations Quick Guide
  • WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR IN TEXT CITATION
  • PUNCTUATING IN TEXT CITATIONS
  • Handouts and Style Guides
  • Font Usage

Turabian Documentation and Formatting Pages

  • Turabian General Formatting
  • Help for Liberty Students
  • Online Writing Center
  • Writing, Format, & Citation Style
  • Use Sources Correctly to Avoid Plagiarism
  • Font Usage
  • Formatting Basics
  • In Text (Parenthetical) Citations Quick Guide
  • WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR IN TEXT CITATION
  • PUNCTUATING IN TEXT CITATIONS

COMPUTER TUTORIALS

If you have ever struggled with setting up a HEADER, FOOTER, HANGING INDENT, DOUBLE SPACING, and all of the other necessary visual formatting required when writing, please visit the links below to assist you with these visual concepts through the tutorials available.

Computer Tutorials

  • How Do I Use M.O. Word??
  • How Do I Set Up HEADERS in MO Word??
  • Computer Usage, Page 1 (Standards & Fears)
  • Computer Usage, Table of Contents (2)
  • Computer Usage, Format Word (3)
  • Computer Usage, Tutorial Topics (4)
  • Computer Usage, Technology Basics (5)
  • Computer Usage, Microsoft Office (6)
  • Computer Usage, Online World (7)
  • Computer Usage, Essential Skills (8)
  • Computer Usage, Work and Career (9)
  • Microsoft Office WORD: 2013

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Mediocre Opposes Great

Mediocre Opposes Great
Once upon a time, the mediocre were in awe of the mental greats, and they strove to be like their mental heroes. However, the tide has turned. The mediocre are afraid and initimidated by the mental greats, thus crushing the spirit of those destined for more than mediocrity.

About the Instructor

About the Instructor

I am a daughter of the King, wife, mother, home-school parent, and academic instructor in the field of Language Arts.

While I hold a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education minoring in English from the University of North Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in creative writing from the University of California, Davis, I am continually learning more about the English language as I search for better techniques and study lessons to pass on to my students.

I have been teaching online and in the classroom since 1999, educating students from pre-K through college-level courses.



Disclaimer

Disclaimer


While this website exists as a resource for my students, it never supersedes written instructions or verbal directions given in any assigned class, in the Blackboard or Canvas LMS, or directly from your professor.


While my students are directed to this site from my courses online, this website is not an official website of Liberty University Online.


All contents expressed from and on this website have not been approved by Liberty, and therefore, the University may not be held responsible for the contents of this website.


If you have questions about content or suggestions for improvement, please contact me at JDick13@liberty.edu. While I will try to respond to you in a timely manner, a preset rate of response is not guaranteed.



© 2012-2019 Jeanette Dick. All rights reserved.


For Educational Purposes ONLY


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