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Essay Structure

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AIC LSU Student Resources

ESSAY WRITING
What is an essay? Structure - Introduction - Body - Conclusion - Basic Essay Structure Standard conventions (presentation) Tips Essay checklist

DISCLAIMER
Much of the information contained in this document has been taken directly or adapted from the following guidelines: Central Queensland University, Faculty of Business & Informatics 2006, Guide for students, 6th edn, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD. This is available online at: http://fbi.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/getFile.do?id=17724

This document is not a substitute for the resources mentioned above. This LSU supplement should be read in conjunction with the guidelines mentioned above in addition to the specific course profiles.

CQU CRICOS Provider Codes: VIC - 01624D; QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F

What is an essay?
An essay is a piece of writing that allows you to develop ideas and arguments using a logical sequence of interrelated paragraphs. Unlike reports, essays usually do not contain any headings, lists (bullet points) or diagrams. Rather they depend on direct links from one paragraph to the next in order to gradually build the argument and justify the point of view.

Essay structure
Before beginning an essay, there are several planning steps that need to be undertaken. Do not attempt to begin writing without having first done the planning and research as you will find that your essay will have little to say and will lack organisation and structure. Academic writing requires you to develop your ideas with reference to evidence and the arguments of expert authors in the field. In an essay you need to support your opinion by discussing the opinions of experts. To find these expert opinions, you need to research. An essay is made up of four key parts: • Introduction (beginning) - This is the first paragraph (approximately 10% of the length of the essay). • Body (middle) - These paragraphs develop the main idea and provide supporting


References: Central Queensland University, Faculty of Business & Law 2006 Guide for students, 5th edn., Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD. De Fazio, T 1999, Studying in Australia – A Guide for international students, Allen & Unwin, St Leonards. AIC LSU Student Resources: Essay Writing Last Updated: 26th February, 2008 Last printed 11/03/2008 9:46 AM This document is uncontrolled when printed Page 11 of 11
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