Essay writing format
Structure wows with units of three

When people talk about essay writing format or expository essay format, they are really talking about the persuasive essay's pattern. This is a pattern in which a thesis statement is supported by evidence.

All the information supporting the thesis of the persuasive essay is arranged in emphatic order. That simply means placing information so it makes the maximum impression on readers. Call it the Wow! factor.

Classical formula: 1, 2, 3

Over the centuries, writers and researchers have settled on format that achieves that maximum impression most of the time. The pattern arranges elements supporting the in sets of three:

• There are three main parts to the persuasive essay: introduction, body, and conclusion.

• The essay body gives three reasons to believe the thesis is true.

• Each supporting reason is followed by three pieces of evidence showing that the topic sentence is true.

Pros vary the pattern

Most of the essays you see in print are variations on the basic persuasive essay pattern by experienced and professional writers. They use the pattern so well that it becomes invisible.

That's why many people—including some English teachers (gulp!)—don't realize that there is a basic pattern for the persuasive essay. It’s also why . . .

• People have so much trouble writing.

• Many people think writing can't be taught.

• Students don’t learn to write well by reading good writing.

You’ll be surprised at how simple the pattern is once you know how its parts are arranged.

Not all types of expository writing use the essay writing format described here. I find the phases thesis-and-support or persuasive pattern are less likely to confuse students than the more common terminology.

Teach the pattern as writing tool

I recommend you present the pattern initially as a writing tool. Then drill students in its use by a two-pronged approach:

1) Let students use it as a reading comprehension technique; and

2) Have students practice using it in their writing.

I suggest you check out the graphics showing essay writing format. Students (and perhaps you) may find it easier to grasp the structure of an essay by looking at a visual representation than by reading words.

Slow and steady

You need to use a slow-and-steady approach. Even though the format is simple to recognize once you know the pattern, it isn’t easy to put into practice in writing. Students will need many opportunities to practice the essay writing format before it becomes second nature.