There are three main types of paragraphs in an academic essay: introductory paragraphs , the body paragraphs and the concluding paragraphs. These types of paragraphs are located in the introduction, the body of the essay or in the conclusion, respectively. Each of these types of paragraphs fulfils a different function for the reader (the teaching staff marking the essay).

The introductory paragraph(s) provides the reader with any necessary background information before leading into a clear statement of the writer's point of view. The point of view, or thesis statement, is a brief but very specific statement of the position the writer will take in the essay. The introductory paragraph may also present an overall plan of the way the essay's argument will be developed, as well as any limits the writer will place on the topic.

The body paragraphs which follow all flow logically from the introductory paragraph. They expand on the thesis statement and each in turn is clearly focused on a single issue with plenty of supporting detail or evidence from concrete and relevant examples, or from the reading which the writer uses to support the point of view. Arguments by other writers against the point of view taken by the essay writer should also be presented (and argued against) in the body paragraphs. The body paragraphs carefully build up the writer's point of view in detail.

The concluding paragraph(s) summarises the points made, repeats the overall point of view, and explains why the writer took the position held. It may also indicate wider issues not covered in the essay but of interest and relevant to the point of view.

USEFUL TIP: The concluding and introductory paragraphs are usually best written last when the writer is clear about the point of view and the structure of the entire essay.