What is an introduction?
Essays begin with a paragraph that introduces the topic you wish to discuss. Sometimes introductions can be several paragraphs long, but, again, because of the short length of the papers that you will be writing for Prof. Percy, it is best to keep your introduction to a single short (4-6 sentences) paragraph. Begin generally, and increase the focus of your sentences until you reach your thesis. Getting the introduction just right always takes time, but first impressions are extremely important. What is a conclusion? A conclusion is the final paragraph of the essay, where you revisit the body of your paper, and bring all the threads of your argument together. You can use this paragraph to reiterate unresolved areas of your argument, or to note any “problems” or discrepancies in your reasoning or the evidence that you used. But you should also make some final statement about your thesis and the argument that you have made. What is the middle or “body” of an essay? The middle of your essa
