Kevin's Collection of Example Essays -- "good structure"

I want to have a thread to which I can link people when they need excellent examples of essays with "good structure." But what does it mean for an essay to have good structure? Google it, and you'll find some good explanations.

An essay with good structure is the opposite of a "rant." When someone rants about one thing after another, it is not a good essay. However, if an essay has a great "hook" to catch your attention in the beginning of paragraph 1, a great thesis statement at the end of paragraph 1, a topic sentence at the beginning of every paragraph, and a conclusion paragraph that reflects on or discusses the implications of the theme/thesis of the essay... then that has good structure!

However, some people would argue that it is not good to encourage writers to constrain their art into a particular structure. They are right... it is important to hae the freedom of poetry even when you apply the principles of structure.

So, when you find examples of good structure in essays at EssayForum -- even if the essays are not perfect -- please link us to them here in this thread!

:-) Thanks!

Here is the first example of excellent structure: https://essayforum.com/books-5/jake-barnes-hemingway-sun-rises-16237/

This one has a clear thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph, but the topic sentences should be a little more focused on supporting the thesis statement.

Is it necessary that first paragraph's last sentence should the thsis statment?

No, it's not necessary. Some beautiful pieces of writing are disorganized rants and strange streams of consciousness meandering in all directions. In fact, what made classical essays so special always involved this freedom an essayist has to wander and experiment, taking chances and challenging the reader to follow along.

However, if you are learning composition in your English class, a good way to get an A is to put that thesis statement in the last sentence of the first paragraph.

Can any of you think of a reason why that spot at the end of the first paragraph is so significant?

I also wanted to share this great set of explanations for why it is often better to write the introduction last:
https://essayforum.com/grammar-13/know-paraphrasing-start-introduction-15717/

Here is something useful for TOEFL and IELTS people: https://essayforum.com/writing-3/structuring-introduction-paragraph-16452/

Here is another one with good structure. Even though there are mistakes, this person understands how to use topic sentences to support the thesis. S/he understands structure: https://essayforum.com/writing-3/plan-birthday-party-adults-process-analysis-16751/

Notice that a common mistake is to have good structure, with topic sentences that correspond to points made in the thesis, but the topic sentences become boring!! https://essayforum.com/writing-3/required-attendance-college-university-classes-17092/

This is a well-written essay with very good structure, but it would be good to add a little detail to the topic sentences.

:-)

Here is a post in which TutorPhil gives a discussion about structure: https://essayforum.com/writing-3/odyssey-years-drifting-life-tangible-goal-mind-17426/

... and out new contributor, Ershad, puts it into use.

this is a very impressive collection of essays,
i have been trying to look at essays in order to get a better feeling of how i should improve mine
thanks!

Thank you so much, Kevin!
I get some useful information to improve my essay :)
I try to follow these structures, haha!
Thanks!!

Thank you! Kevin. Valuable information here!