The following structure will work for any kind of academic or argumentative essay. It doesn't matter if it's 2 pages, 20 pages, or 200 pages. You just need to remember the acronym: IPSO.
ISSUE: What precisely are you writing about?
POSITION: This is sometimes called the "claim" or thesis statement. This does not have to appear as the final sentence of the opening paragraph, but it often finds a comfortable home there. Could an intelligent person disagree with your position? If the answer is yes, you're on the right track. If the answer is no, your position is probably too obvious.
SUPPORT: This is your evidence. It's sometimes called the "body" of the paper. Evidence does not just come from outside sources, it includes your independent reasoning and experiences.
OUTCOME: What is the way forward? Why does it matter?
The process is linear. Start at the top. Write one paragraph (it's sometimes called the "hook) that introduces the issue in an appealing and smart way. Your second paragraph should include a concise statement of your position on the issue. These two paragraphs are often referred to as the "introduction."
The "support" paragraphs are often referred to as the "body" of the essay. This is where you'll bring in your secondary sources. Use signal phrases to introduce your scholarly research. Try to embed your quotations in the middle part of the paragraph. Don't end a paragraph with someone else's words. You're driving this bus.
The final paragraph or two will represent your Conclusion. Why does it matter? So what? What's at stake?
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