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Example of a Great Essay | Explanations, Tips & Tricks

Published on February 9, 2015 by Shane Bryson . Revised on July 23, 2023 by Shona McCombes.

This example guides you through the structure of an essay. It shows how to build an effective introduction , focused paragraphs , clear transitions between ideas, and a strong conclusion .

Each paragraph addresses a single central point, introduced by a topic sentence , and each point is directly related to the thesis statement .

As you read, hover over the highlighted parts to learn what they do and why they work.

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Other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay, an appeal to the senses: the development of the braille system in nineteenth-century france.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Lack of access to reading and writing put blind people at a serious disadvantage in nineteenth-century society. Text was one of the primary methods through which people engaged with culture, communicated with others, and accessed information; without a well-developed reading system that did not rely on sight, blind people were excluded from social participation (Weygand, 2009). While disabled people in general suffered from discrimination, blindness was widely viewed as the worst disability, and it was commonly believed that blind people were incapable of pursuing a profession or improving themselves through culture (Weygand, 2009). This demonstrates the importance of reading and writing to social status at the time: without access to text, it was considered impossible to fully participate in society. Blind people were excluded from the sighted world, but also entirely dependent on sighted people for information and education.

In France, debates about how to deal with disability led to the adoption of different strategies over time. While people with temporary difficulties were able to access public welfare, the most common response to people with long-term disabilities, such as hearing or vision loss, was to group them together in institutions (Tombs, 1996). At first, a joint institute for the blind and deaf was created, and although the partnership was motivated more by financial considerations than by the well-being of the residents, the institute aimed to help people develop skills valuable to society (Weygand, 2009). Eventually blind institutions were separated from deaf institutions, and the focus shifted towards education of the blind, as was the case for the Royal Institute for Blind Youth, which Louis Braille attended (Jimenez et al, 2009). The growing acknowledgement of the uniqueness of different disabilities led to more targeted education strategies, fostering an environment in which the benefits of a specifically blind education could be more widely recognized.

Several different systems of tactile reading can be seen as forerunners to the method Louis Braille developed, but these systems were all developed based on the sighted system. The Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris taught the students to read embossed roman letters, a method created by the school’s founder, Valentin Hauy (Jimenez et al., 2009). Reading this way proved to be a rather arduous task, as the letters were difficult to distinguish by touch. The embossed letter method was based on the reading system of sighted people, with minimal adaptation for those with vision loss. As a result, this method did not gain significant success among blind students.

Louis Braille was bound to be influenced by his school’s founder, but the most influential pre-Braille tactile reading system was Charles Barbier’s night writing. A soldier in Napoleon’s army, Barbier developed a system in 1819 that used 12 dots with a five line musical staff (Kersten, 1997). His intention was to develop a system that would allow the military to communicate at night without the need for light (Herron, 2009). The code developed by Barbier was phonetic (Jimenez et al., 2009); in other words, the code was designed for sighted people and was based on the sounds of words, not on an actual alphabet. Barbier discovered that variants of raised dots within a square were the easiest method of reading by touch (Jimenez et al., 2009). This system proved effective for the transmission of short messages between military personnel, but the symbols were too large for the fingertip, greatly reducing the speed at which a message could be read (Herron, 2009). For this reason, it was unsuitable for daily use and was not widely adopted in the blind community.

Nevertheless, Barbier’s military dot system was more efficient than Hauy’s embossed letters, and it provided the framework within which Louis Braille developed his method. Barbier’s system, with its dashes and dots, could form over 4000 combinations (Jimenez et al., 2009). Compared to the 26 letters of the Latin alphabet, this was an absurdly high number. Braille kept the raised dot form, but developed a more manageable system that would reflect the sighted alphabet. He replaced Barbier’s dashes and dots with just six dots in a rectangular configuration (Jimenez et al., 2009). The result was that the blind population in France had a tactile reading system using dots (like Barbier’s) that was based on the structure of the sighted alphabet (like Hauy’s); crucially, this system was the first developed specifically for the purposes of the blind.

While the Braille system gained immediate popularity with the blind students at the Institute in Paris, it had to gain acceptance among the sighted before its adoption throughout France. This support was necessary because sighted teachers and leaders had ultimate control over the propagation of Braille resources. Many of the teachers at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth resisted learning Braille’s system because they found the tactile method of reading difficult to learn (Bullock & Galst, 2009). This resistance was symptomatic of the prevalent attitude that the blind population had to adapt to the sighted world rather than develop their own tools and methods. Over time, however, with the increasing impetus to make social contribution possible for all, teachers began to appreciate the usefulness of Braille’s system (Bullock & Galst, 2009), realizing that access to reading could help improve the productivity and integration of people with vision loss. It took approximately 30 years, but the French government eventually approved the Braille system, and it was established throughout the country (Bullock & Galst, 2009).

Although Blind people remained marginalized throughout the nineteenth century, the Braille system granted them growing opportunities for social participation. Most obviously, Braille allowed people with vision loss to read the same alphabet used by sighted people (Bullock & Galst, 2009), allowing them to participate in certain cultural experiences previously unavailable to them. Written works, such as books and poetry, had previously been inaccessible to the blind population without the aid of a reader, limiting their autonomy. As books began to be distributed in Braille, this barrier was reduced, enabling people with vision loss to access information autonomously. The closing of the gap between the abilities of blind and the sighted contributed to a gradual shift in blind people’s status, lessening the cultural perception of the blind as essentially different and facilitating greater social integration.

The Braille system also had important cultural effects beyond the sphere of written culture. Its invention later led to the development of a music notation system for the blind, although Louis Braille did not develop this system himself (Jimenez, et al., 2009). This development helped remove a cultural obstacle that had been introduced by the popularization of written musical notation in the early 1500s. While music had previously been an arena in which the blind could participate on equal footing, the transition from memory-based performance to notation-based performance meant that blind musicians were no longer able to compete with sighted musicians (Kersten, 1997). As a result, a tactile musical notation system became necessary for professional equality between blind and sighted musicians (Kersten, 1997).

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

Bullock, J. D., & Galst, J. M. (2009). The Story of Louis Braille. Archives of Ophthalmology , 127(11), 1532. https://​doi.org/10.1001/​archophthalmol.2009.286.

Herron, M. (2009, May 6). Blind visionary. Retrieved from https://​eandt.theiet.org/​content/​articles/2009/05/​blind-visionary/.

Jiménez, J., Olea, J., Torres, J., Alonso, I., Harder, D., & Fischer, K. (2009). Biography of Louis Braille and Invention of the Braille Alphabet. Survey of Ophthalmology , 54(1), 142–149. https://​doi.org/10.1016/​j.survophthal.2008.10.006.

Kersten, F.G. (1997). The history and development of Braille music methodology. The Bulletin of Historical Research in Music Education , 18(2). Retrieved from https://​www.jstor.org/​stable/40214926.

Mellor, C.M. (2006). Louis Braille: A touch of genius . Boston: National Braille Press.

Tombs, R. (1996). France: 1814-1914 . London: Pearson Education Ltd.

Weygand, Z. (2009). The blind in French society from the Middle Ages to the century of Louis Braille . Stanford: Stanford University Press.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

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A strong essay should be impactful. The secret to writing an outstanding essay lies in understanding how to structure an essay effectively. No more staring at a blank page, wondering where to begin! 

With the right structure of an essay, you can transform your jumbled thoughts into a coherent, engaging masterpiece. This guide is your one-stop shop for understanding what is the structure of an essay, its essential parts, and how to craft each section for maximum impact. Let’s dive in!

Want the best structure and editing for your essay? We can help! Get started

What is the structure of an essay?

The structure of an essay is the way it is organized to present ideas clearly and logically. It is your blueprint, providing a clear roadmap for your ideas. It ensures that your arguments flow logically, making it easier for the reader to follow.

How to structure an essay: 3 crucial parts

Every essay, regardless of topic or type, rests on the following structure of an essay outline:

• Introduction : This is where you grab the reader’s attention and set the stage for your argument.
• Main body : This is where you develop your argument with evidence, examples, and analysis.
• Conclusion : This is where you summarize your key points and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Now, let’s decode each part in depth with the structure of an essay examples.

The introduction

The introduction is the start of the essay , where you introduce the topic and present your main idea or thesis . You need a captivating hook to reel your reader in. Here’s how to structure an essay introduction:

• Begin with a hook—a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, a relevant anecdote—anything that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to read more.
• Provide some background information on your topic, defining key terms and establishing the context for your argument.
• Present the main argument of your essay in one or two sentences. Make sure it’s clear and compelling.

For example:

Topic : The Impact of Social Media on Communication

Introduction :

“Is social media connecting us or isolating us? With billions of users worldwide, platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become integral to how we communicate. However, this digital revolution has sparked debate about its impact on our relationships and communication skills. This essay will argue that while social media offers convenience and connectivity, its overuse can hinder face-to-face interaction and lead to superficial relationships.”

The body paragraphs

The body is the middle part, where you provide details, explanations, and examples to support your main idea. While writing an essay , this section is usually divided into several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific point. Here’s how to structure an essay body:

• Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of that paragraph.
• Support your topic sentences with strong evidence—facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, or anecdotes.
• Don’t just present evidence; analyze it! Explain how the evidence supports your point and connects to your overall argument.
• Use transition words and phrases (e.g., however, furthermore, in contrast) to connect your paragraphs and create a smooth flow of ideas.

Body Paragraph :

“One significant impact of social media on communication is the decline of face-to-face interaction. Studies have shown that people who spend excessive time on social media are more likely to experience feelings of loneliness and social isolation (Smith, 2022). This is because online interactions often lack the nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language, that are crucial for building meaningful connections. As a result, excessive social media use can lead to a decline in empathy and social skills, making it challenging to navigate real-world social situations.”

The conclusion

The conclusion is the end of the essay , where you summarize your main points and restate the main idea or thesis in a new way. It provides a closure to the essay. Here’s how to structure an essay conclusion :

• Remind the reader of your main argument, using fresh language to avoid sounding redundant.
• Briefly recap the main points you discussed in the body, highlighting their significance.
• Leave the reader with something to ponder—a call to action, a prediction for the future, or a broader implication of your argument.

Conclusion :

“In conclusion, while social media has undoubtedly transformed how we communicate, its impact is not without drawbacks. The convenience of digital connection should not come at the expense of real-life interaction and the development of essential social skills. By striking a balance between the digital and physical worlds, we can harness the benefits of social media while mitigating its potential negative consequences.”

Essay structure examples: Different essays, different approaches

Remember, the structure of an essay can vary slightly depending on the type of essay you’re writing. Here are a few examples:

• Argumentative essay structure

Introduction : Hook, background, thesis statement

Paragraph 1: Strongest argument supporting your thesis

Paragraph 2: Second strongest argument supporting your thesis

Paragraph 3: Counterargument and refutation

Paragraph 4: Third strongest argument supporting your thesis

Conclusion : Restate the thesis statement, summarize key arguments, and add a concluding statement .

• Compare and contrast essay structure

Introduction : Write the hook, introduce the two subjects, and thesis statement.

Body : You can choose either a point-by-point or subject-by-subject structure.

• Point-by-Point: Discuss one point of comparison for both subjects in each paragraph.
• Subject-by-Subject: Discuss all points for one subject, then all points for the other subject.

Conclusion : Restate the thesis, summarize key similarities and differences, concluding the statement

• Narrative essay structure:

Introduction : Write the hook, set the stage, and introduce the experience that you want to narrate about.

Body : Chronologically narrate the experience, using vivid language and sensory details.

Conclusion : Reflect on the significance of the experience, what you learned, or how it changed you.

Before we move onto the essay structure template, here are some helpful tips to make your essay structure complete:

5 Practical tips to elevate your essay structure

• Outline before you write : The structure of an essay outline is your best friend! Sketching out your main points and supporting evidence before you start writing will save you time and ensure a more organized essay.
• Use strong topic sentences : Think of topic sentences as mini-thesis statements for each paragraph. They should clearly state the main point of the paragraph and connect back to your overall argument.
• Vary your sentence structure : Avoid monotony by using a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
• Read aloud : Reading your essay aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing, grammatical errors , and areas where the flow of ideas could be improved. You can also use grammar checkers to identify any underlying grammar flaws.
• Proofreading and editing : At the end, proofread your essay thoroughly. It can help you find any small mistakes in your essay structure. If required, edit your essay to make sure there are no errors present. There are many great essay editing services available that can help you with this.

Use the free essay structure template as a starting point for your essay structure outline.

Structure of an essay: Free template

Using essay writing tools.

In today’s digital age, a variety of essay writing tools are available to help streamline the writing process. AI essay writers can generate text, suggest topics, and even provide grammar and style suggestions.

Essay checkers can be invaluable for checking plagiarism and improving your content. AI detectors can help in ensuring your work is original. Remember, while these tools can be helpful, they should never replace your own critical thinking and writing skills.

Mastering the structure of an essay is a game-changer for any writer. By understanding the key elements and employing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can transform your essays from mediocre to magnificent.

If you ever need an extra pair of eyes to polish your work to perfection, consider PaperTrue’s expert editing and proofreading services . We’ll make sure your essays are exceptionally edited!

We’ve written more useful articles on essays, find them here:

• Guide to a Perfect Descriptive Essay [Examples & Outline Included]

Frequently Asked Questions

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4.1: Basic Essay Structure

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Essays written for an academic audience follow a structure with which you are likely familiar: Intro, Body, Conclusion. Here is a general overview of what each of those sections “does” in the larger essay.

Be aware, however, that certain assignments and certain professors may ask for additional content or require unusual formatting, so always be sure to read the assignment sheet as carefully as possible.

Introductory Section

This paragraph is the “first impression” paragraph. It needs to make an impression on the reader so that he or she becomes interested, understands your goal in the paper, and wants to read on. The intro often ends with the thesis.

• begin by drawing your reader in – offer a statement that will pique their interest in your topic
• offer some context or background information about your topic that leads you to your thesis
• conclude with the thesis

For more information about composing a strong introduction, you can visit “How to Write an Engaging Introduction, “ by Jennifer Janechek, published on Writing Commons, is an excellent resource that offers specific tips and examples of compelling introduction paragraphs

Body of the Essay

The Body of the Essay is where you fully develop the main idea or thesis outlined in the introduction. Each paragraph within the body of the essay enlarges one major point in the development of the overall argument (although some points may consist of several sub-points, each of which will need its own paragraph). Each paragraph should contain the following elements:

• Clearly state the main point in each paragraph in the form of a topic sentence.
• Then, support that point with evidence.
• Provide an explanation of the evidence’s significance. Highlight the way the main point shows the logical steps in the argument and link back to the claim you make in your thesis statement.

Remember to make sure that you focus on a single idea, reason, or example that supports your thesis in each body paragraph. Your topic sentence (a mini thesis that states the main idea of the paragraph), should contain details and specific examples to make your ideas clear and convincing) (Morgan).

Details on how to build strong paragraphs can be found in section 4.2 .

Many people struggle with the conclusion, not knowing how to end a paper without simply restating the paper’s thesis and main points. In fact, one of the earliest ways that we learn to write conclusions involves the “summarize and restate” method of repeating the points that you have already discussed.

While that method can be an effective way to perhaps begin a conclusion, the strongest conclusions will go beyond rehashing the key ideas from the paper. Just as the intro is the first impression, the conclusion is the last impression–and you do want your writing to make a lasting impression.

Below are some things to consider when writing your conclusion:

• what is the significance of the ideas you developed in this paper?
• how does your paper affect you, others like you, people in your community, or people in other communities?
• what must be done about this topic?
• what further research or ideas could be studied?

Jennifer Yirinic’s article, “ How to Write a Compelling Conclusion ,” which was published on Writing Commons, is an excellent resource that can help you to craft powerful and interesting closing paragraph.

“4.1 Basic Essay Structure” is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 / A derivative from the original work by Emilie Zickel and Charlotte Morgan.

How to Structure Your Essay for Maximum Impact: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the intricate dance of academic and professional writing, the structure of an essay is akin to the choreography that brings ideas to life. Beyond mere organization, a well-structured essay acts as a conduit, ensuring the seamless flow of thoughts and concepts. This guide is tailored for students and writers seeking to elevate their essay-writing prowess by delving into the nuances of effective structure.

Understanding the Foundations:

Significance of a strong introduction and thesis statement:.

   - The introduction is not merely an obligatory starting point; it's the first impression you cast upon your reader. A compelling thesis statement is the heartbeat of your essay, succinctly encapsulating the central idea.

   - Crafting a clear and focused thesis requires a deep understanding of your subject matter, as it sets the roadmap for what follows.

Crafting Engaging Introductions:

   - Engage your reader from the outset by employing various hooks, be it a striking statistic, a relatable anecdote, or a thought-provoking question.

   - Clearly articulate the purpose of your essay in the introduction, providing a guidepost for readers to navigate the forthcoming content.

Building the Body of Your Essay:

Coherent topic sentences and paragraphs:.

   - Break down the body of your essay into distinct paragraphs, each with a coherent topic sentence that acts as a mini-thesis for that section.

   - Facilitate a seamless flow between paragraphs through the strategic use of transitions, ensuring a logical progression of ideas.

Supporting Arguments with Evidence:

   - The body is the battleground where your arguments gain strength. Explore diverse methods for supporting your arguments, be it through rigorous research, compelling examples, or personal anecdotes.

   - The impact of your essay is amplified when you present evidence thoughtfully, establishing a persuasive case for your main points.

Crafting a Powerful Conclusion:

Summarizing key points and reinforcing the thesis:.

   - The conclusion is not a mere formality but a summation of your essay's journey. Revisit key points concisely and reinforce the thesis, providing a satisfying closure.

   - Resist the temptation to introduce new information in the conclusion; instead, focus on leaving a lingering resonance with the reader.

Leaving a Lasting Impression:

   - Encourage writers to transcend the immediate content and reflect on the broader implications of their work. Pose questions or suggest avenues for further exploration, prompting readers to contemplate the significance of the presented ideas.

   - The concluding remarks should linger in the reader's mind, acting as the final brushstroke on the canvas of your essay.

Conclusion:

In summary, the art of structuring an impactful essay involves more than a mechanical arrangement of paragraphs. It requires a deep understanding of the foundations, a meticulous approach to constructing the body, and a thoughtful crafting of a conclusion that resonates. By following this step-by-step guide, writers can not only meet the expectations of academic or professional standards but also leave an indelible mark on the minds of their readers.

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