Making an essay plan helps you..
  • Organize your essay and your thoughts
  • Write your essay quickly

There are many ways to organize an essay plan but we are going to use the following:

  • Thesis
  • 1st main idea
    • 1st concrete supporting evidence for 1st main idea
    • 2nd concrete supporting evidence for 1st main idea
    • concrete supporting evidence for 2nd supporting evidence
  • 2nd main idea
    • 1st concrete supporting evidence for 2nd main idea
    • And so on…
  • Conclusion (summary, recommendation)

Don’t forget to use the handy connecting words and phrases in your essay such as:

in my opinion, firstly, secondly, lastly, in conclusion, moreover, furthermore, in addition, on balance, on the one hand, on the other hand, nevertheless, although, though, but, however, regardless of the fact that etc.





An argumentative essay opens with a boldly expressed point of view and then the rest of the essay presents arguments (examples, proof or logic) to support that point of view. Normally, it refers to opposing arguments but demonstrates that these are weak or even false.

A discursive essay presents both sides of the issue in a more balanced way. In the end, however, it normally reaches a conclusion; in other words, the writer states what s/he thinks.


The following is an example of how a discursive essay on handguns might be structured:

Introduction: The issue of handgun ownership
A. Some people believe individuals should not own handguns
B. Others believe ownership is an important personal right

Disadvantages of handgun ownership
-Both adults and children can have accidents
-People can use guns for crimes

Advantages of handgun ownership
-People can protect themselves from intruders
-People can use guns for recreational purposes (e.g. target practice at gun clubs)

Conclusion (a summary & evaluation of arguments above)
-Problems of accidents and crime make gun ownership difficult to accept
-Gun ownership should not be allowed in the interest of a better society




Last modified: Monday, 20 January 2014, 5:31 PM