# Structure of an essay

**Source**: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/assessments/essays/write/
**Parent**: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/assessments/essays/

An essay has three parts: the introduction, a body and a conclusion. Write using your detailed plan. Expect to write several drafts.

An essay has a beginning (introduction) that:

- introduces topic/context
- states argument
- outlines main points.

It has a middle (body) that:

- has a series of paragraphs that develop the argument
- each paragraph contains one main idea
- each topic sentence links directly to the argument.

It has an end (conclusion) that:

- restates argument
- sums up
- relates to broader context.

## Introduction

The introduction tells the reader what the essay is about.

Introductions are written from broad topics to narrow ones. They introduce the topic, outline main points and state the argument (thesis).

Notice the clearly defined structure in the sample introduction below.

Teamwork plays a significant role in the daily and strategic functioning of many organisations. In the current business climate, numerous theories exist on how best to manage teams, and it is often challenging to measure the effectiveness of each team structure.  This essay examines two enterprises with vastly different approaches to team management to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each model. The first is BJD Minerals, which uses project teams to achieve its goals, and the second is ACM Chemicals, which employs parallel teams to enhance output and employee involvement.

## Body

The body of an essay is made up of connected paragraphs presenting your argument. A well-written body section can be one of the keys to assignment success. A commonly used paragraph structure in academic writing is called the TEEL paragraph, which stands for **topic sentence**, **explain**, **evidence**/**example** and **link**.

We recommend that you visit the [Writing paragraphs](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/writing-fundamentals/writing-paragraphs/) page to learn about this structure.

Here is a brief explanation of TEEL:

- Make sure each paragraph contains one main idea, which you express in a **topic sentence.** This is usually the first sentence of the paragraph. The topic sentences develop the argument (thesis) of the essay.

Next, expand on the topic sentence in the rest of the paragraph. Add sentences that:

- **explain** or **elaborate** on the topic sentence
- provide **evidence** (with references) or **examples** to support the topic sentence.
- **link** back to the main idea in the topic sentence

The hamburger metaphor represents how to write a paragraph using TEEL.

> By reading the topic sentences only, you should be able to see the development of the argument.

Explore the TEEL structure within the paragraph. Notice how references have been used throughout the paragraph to support the claims.

One factor that impacts positively on team effectiveness is the notion of team cohesiveness. Team cohesiveness is the key to enabling a diverse group of individuals to work towards common goals. Kang et al. (2024) note that the right mix of people sets the stage for a team to be effective, with performance quality and innovation as a result. BJD Minerals' project teams were established on an opt-in basis following the *idealistic model*, where members were motivated by clear goals and an understanding of the required skill sets for their tasks (Rhone, Wang & Sandberg, 2022). The project assigned to the team was also well resourced, with clear timelines and an end date (BJD Minerals 2023). This idealistic team model validated the diverse skills that individuals brought to the team, celebrating both personal satisfaction as well as the team's project achievements.

<!--
[transcript title="Activity transcript"]
Explore the TEEL structure within the paragraph. Notice how references have been used throughout the paragraph to support the claims.
[Topic sentence] One factor that impacts positively on team effectiveness is the notion of team cohesiveness. [Explanation] Team cohesiveness is the key to enabling a diverse group of individuals to work towards common goals. [Evidence] Mathieu et al (2014) note that the right mix of people sets the stage for a team to be effective, with performance quality and innovation as a result. [Example] BJB Minerals' project teams were established on an opt-in basis based on the idealistic model, where members were encouraged by the clear goals and knowledge of the skill sets needed (Berlin, Carlstrom & Sandberg 2012). The project assigned to the team was also well resourced, with clear timelines and an end date (BJB Minerals 2014). [Link] This idealistic team model validated the diverse skills that individuals brought to the team, celebrating both personal satisfaction as well as the team's project achievements.
[/transcript]-->\

## Conclusion

The conclusion tells the reader what was covered.

Conclusions are written from narrow topics to broad ones. They restate the argument, sum up, and look at the big picture.

Notice the clearly defined structure in the sample conclusion below.

Although there are many team models used in today’s organisations, to be effective, the selected team model needs to ensure both personal satisfaction and clear, shared goals.  ACM Chemical’s *personnel fit* model showed some success in the early stages, but failed to adapt to changes in the longer term. On the other hand, BJD Minerals’ opt-in, project team model provided individual incentives as well as team benefits to achieve project success. Teams were then terminated to allow for re-formations for new and emerging goals.  Effective teams do achieve significant gains for organisations and BJD Minerals’ opt-in project model demonstrates that personal validation alongside realistic goals can be more effective on a personal and a company level.

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## Keywords

- [Academic writing](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/keyword/academic-writing/)
- [Essay structure](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/keyword/essay-structure/)
- [Essays](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/keyword/essay/)

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