The Basic Essay - Organization

The standard organization for an essay is shown below. Organization Example Essay

Flood Damage

Television news reports often show pictures of floods. This natural disaster can be very damaging. Floods can negatively affect a person in three ways: financially, physically, and emotionally. The first effect on the victim is a heavy financial loss. The victim has to pay for property and possessions that a flood destroys, for example buildings, cars and their contents. Sometimes the property remains intact, but searching for it can take a long time as it can be deposited anywhere in the flood’s path. An extensive search of the area can cost many dollars. Next, the victim has to pay for cleaning and repairs. Anything touched by the flood will be wet and covered with mud and other debris. Many structures and items will also need repairing because a powerful flood can weaken or damage them. Yet another cost for the victim comes from insurance. Sometimes insurance policies do not cover natural disasters in full, so the victim must pay extra costs. In addition, there may be increased insurance premiums in the years following a major claim. In short, floods can seriously affect people’s finances. Another effect is the range of serious physical problems caused by the flood. First, there are the direct effects. Many people drown when they are swept away by the flood water. Other people receive cuts and broken bones when the water throws them into obstacles in its path. Then, there are the indirect physical effects. Flood water is often polluted and this can cause gastro-intestinal infections. Skin and eye infections are also very common. There is also the risk of attack by wildlife such as water snakes and alligators that are removed from their homes by the flood water. Overall, floods can cause harm to a person in many ways. As well as causing financial and physical damage, the flood can also lead to emotional problems for the victim. Initially, the victim feels in a state of shock. This can sometimes last for days. Next, victims who lose family and friends in the flood suffer from grief. The loss of life and the cost of replacing possessions can make some survivors very depressed. Others, especially children, remain fearful for a long time, experiencing nightmares and panic attacks. Emotional problems are a common effect of floods. To sum up, floods can affect a person’s finances and a person’s physical and emotional health. Each person should prepare himself as much as possible against this natural disaster.

Introduction
What is the topic of the essay?
What is the purpose of the essay?
What are the 3 things you want to say about the topic?

Body Paragraph 1
What is the subtopic for this paragraph?
What points do you want to make?
What is an example/explanation for each point?

Body Paragraph 2
What is the subtopic for this paragraph?
What points do you want to make?
What is an example/explanation for each point?

Body Paragraph 3
What is the subtopic for this paragraph?
What points do you want to make?
What is an example/explanation for each point?

Conclusion
Restate your main idea.