How to write a good composition

COMPOSITION STRUCTURE

A good composition structure:

• Is made easier by prior planning.
• Makes it clear how you are going to address the question, where you are going and why.
• Sets out your main ideas clearly.
• Makes it clear how the main ideas relate to each other.
• Takes the reader through your answer in a logical, progressive way.
• Organises groups of related information in paragraphs.
• Uses connecting words and phrases to relate each point/idea to earlier and later points.

INTRODUCTION

• Arouse the reader’s interest.
• Set the scene.
• Explain how you interpret the question set.
• Define or explain key terms if necessary.
• Identify the issues that you are going to explore.
• Give a brief outline of how you will deal with each issue, and in which order.

ARGUMENT/MAIN BODY

Contains the points outlined in your introduction, divided into paragraphs:

Paragraph 1

• Covers the first thing you said you would address.
• The first sentence (the topic sentence) introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
• Other sentences develop the topic.
• Include relevant examples, details, evidence, quotations, references.

Paragraph 2 and other paragraphs

• The first sentence links the paragraph to the previous paragraph then introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

CONCLUSION

• Draw everything together.
• Summarise the main themes.
• State your general conclusions.
• Make it clear why those conclusions are important or significant.
• Do not introduce new material.
• In the last sentence, sum up your argument very briefly, linking it to the title.
• Suggest further questions of your own.