Introduce a topic

State a thesis

Write a topic sentence (the argument for your thesis)

Support this argument: data, facts, examples

Explain how they relate to your thesis

Write a topic sentence (another argument for your thesis)

Support this argument: data, facts, examples

Explain how they relate to your thesis

Write a topic sentence (another argument for your thesis, or a counterargument)

Support this argument, or explain why the counterargument doesn’t work: data, facts, examples

Explain how they relate to your thesis

Summarize all main points

Restate your thesis

Add a call to action: what you want readers to do after reading your essay