Basic structure of a paper

Strong Introduction

• hook the reader
• Work as a road map for rest of the paper
• Include an obvious thesis statement
• Note: avoid listing supporting ideas that will become the topic sentences for your body paragraph.

Body Paragraphs

• Provide ideas that support the thesis in the form of of topic sentences
• Provide cited ideas and facts-both quoted and paraphrased-from research materials
• Provide accurate analysis and interpretation of the cited material, in your own words
• make claims, provide examples, explain how those examples support your claims
• Transition Sentences 

Conclusion

• Ties together the thesis and supporting ideas
• Poses a final, conclusive statement/claim
• Might include a quote that helps reiterate central themes/ideas
• Might prose questions for further study
• Note: avoid restating thesis and supporting ideas, no "in conclusion"