Structure of Common Academic Texts

Academic Text Structure

How you organize and emphasize points to allow a logical flow of ideas.

Essay

A short formal piece of writing dealing with a single subject to persuade using research evidence.

Concept Paper

A short document written before research explaining the study's purpose and methods.

Reaction Paper

An assignment requiring personal opinions and conclusions on a given article.

Position Paper

A paper that presents one side of an arguable opinion to convince the audience.

Report

A detailed account describing an event or situation based on observation or inquiry.

Research

The creation of new knowledge or creative use of existing knowledge.

Introduction

The opening part featuring a hook, thesis statement, and body outline.

Thesis Statement

The response to the question and the most important part of the introduction.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraphs that cohesively discuss and support the thesis with evidence.

Conclusion

The section that wraps up the essay, reviews main points, and provides closure.

Transitional Expressions

Devices that connect ideas and ensure smooth flow in text.

Introduction Opening Strategies

Anecdotes, quotations, startling facts, citations, rhetorical questions, and personal experiences.

Effective Body Paragraph Features

Discusses only one aspect of the main idea and provides supporting evidence.

Effective Conclusion Features

Briefly reviews main points, connects to larger issues, and avoids new ideas.

Transitional Devices for Comparison

Whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, in contrast.

Transitional Devices for Showing Exception

Yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course.

Transitional Devices for Showing Sequence

First, second, third, next, then, following this, subsequently, thus, therefore.