Basic Elements of An Essay
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Introduction of the Essay
The introduction should detail what is contained in the paper. The introduction is usually only a paragraph, three at the most. The writer should sum up the introduction with a TOPIC SENTENCE which supports the main idea of the essay OR CLARIFYING STATEMENT. This will allow the reader to know the subject of the paper and an introduction to that subject. This is one of the most important things cited by the professors.

Writing a Purpose Statement
An example of a purpose statement is ‘Mutual funds are backbone of the economy of any country’.

The Body of the Essay
Paragraphs
- First sentence contains the topic sentence, which supports the main idea of the essay.
- The following sentences contain main points you're making about that topic
- Other sentences support those main points with examples, explanations, etc. (Who, what, where, when, how, etc)
The body of the essay is essentially the "meat and potatoes" of the paper. Several paragraphs will explain the topic that you are discussing. The paper will prove or disprove the purpose statement. There will be many citations, references and information which will lead the reader to understand what the paper is about. The body must be relevant to the subject, with clear and concise thoughts. Jargon or very technical terms should be explained so the reader does not become confused. Do not attempt to make the paper meet the required length by using "fluff" - repeating sentences or details in several different ways, but saying the same thing. Research needs to be done, and, in a really good essay, good research and a strong knowledge of the topic will show.

The writer must also make a smooth transition between the subjects or paragraphs. Basically, one idea leads to another. For example, a paper on animals could link the essay together by