Composition Structure

COMPOSITION STRUCTURE

Introductory Paragraph

Hook
Building Sentences

Thesis Statement

Body Paragraph 1

Topic Sentence

Supporting Sentences
Concluding Sentence

Body Paragraph 2

Topic Sentence

Supporting Sentences
Concluding Sentence

Body Paragraph 3

Topic Sentence

Supporting Sentences
Concluding Sentence

Concluding Paragraph

Restated Thesis

Summary of Main Ideas

Final Thought

154 O Level Successful Writing | Nazibul Ahsan

 Composition Structure

1. Introductory Paragraph
The first paragraph of a composition should introduce the readers to the composition topic. It should create
interest in the composition, outline the writer’s main ideas, and suggest how these ideas will be presented
within the body of the composition. The introductory paragraph consists of three main elements: a hook,
building sentences and a thesis statement.

(a) Hook
The first sentence of a composition should grab the attention of the readers. It introduces the
composition topic in an interesting way.

(b) Building Sentences

After the hook, the following sentences should provide background information to give the readers
some context about the topic. They should build towards the thesis statement.

(c) Thesis Statement

The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. It is the most important sentence
in the entire composition. It is like a road map that will tell the readers where they are going with this
information. It also indicates the main ideas that will be discussed in the body paragraphs.

A thesis statement should

• clearly express what the composition is about
• make a discussible point
• indicate the structure of the composition.

Thesis Statement Examples

(i) San Francisco is a stimulating place to visit because of its magnificent location, its art galleries
and museums, and its many fine restaurants.

This thesis statement clearly expresses what the composition is about (San Francisco). It gives
us a topic that can be discussed (why San Francisco is such a great city), and it indicates the
structure of the composition (three specific reasons for visiting the place: location, art
galleries and museums, and fine restaurants).

(ii) Many people are buying the Toyota Corolla because of its competitive price, fuel economy and
high resale value.

This thesis statement clearly expresses what the composition is about (the Toyota Corolla). It
gives us a topic that can be discussed (why people are buying the Toyota Corolla), and it
indicates the structure of the composition (three specific reasons for the model’s popularity:
price, fuel and resale value).

2. Body Paragraphs
The body of a composition consists of three paragraphs at least. Each body paragraph explains in detail
one of the main ideas expressed in the thesis statement. A body paragraph consists of three main
elements: a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence.

(a) Topic Sentence

The first sentence of a body paragraph should express the topic, and may provide a controlling idea
about the topic. The controlling idea shows the direction where the paragraph will take.

Topic Sentence = Topic + Controlling Idea

Topic Sentence Examples

(i) To be an effective manager requires certain characteristics.
Topic: To be an effective manager
Controlling Idea: certain characteristics

(ii) There are many contributing factors which lead to global warming.
Topic: global warming
Controlling Idea: many contributing factors

155 O Level Successful Writing | Nazibul Ahsan

 Composition Structure

(b) Supporting Sentences

Supporting sentences explain and develop the topic sentence. They present logical thoughts,
evidence and explanations in support of the controlling idea.

(c) Concluding Sentence

The paragraph may end with a concluding thought on the paragraph topic.

Note: All body paragraphs should provide transitions (use of linking devices). These transitions should occur
to link sentences within a paragraph and to link one paragraph to the next.

3. Concluding Paragraph
The concluding paragraph ends the composition by summarising the main ideas from body paragraphs
and by leaving the readers with a final thought. The concluding paragraph consists of three main elements:
a restated thesis, a summary of main ideas and a final thought.

(a) Restated Thesis

At the start of the concluding paragraph, the thesis is restated in words different from those in the
introductory paragraph.

Restated Thesis Examples

(i) If you love beautiful surroundings, world class art and museum, and an exquisite meal, then San
Francisco is the place for you.
(Thesis Statement: San Francisco is a stimulating place to visit because of its magnificent
location, its art galleries and museums, and its many fine restaurants.)

(ii) Reasonable pricing, many kilometres per litre, and an attractive resale value have contributed to
the popularity of the Toyota Corolla in today’s market.
(Thesis Statement: Many people are buying the Toyota Corolla because of its competitive price,
fuel economy and high resale value.)

(b) Summary of Main Ideas

The main ideas from each of the body paragraphs are summarised as a reminder to the readers.

(c) Final Thought

A composition should be ended with a final thought on the topic by stating an opinion, a solution, or a
prediction. It should leave a strong impression and encourage the readers to think further about the
topic.

156 O Level Successful Writing | Nazibul Ahsan

 Composition Structure

A MODEL COMPOSITION
The Benefits of Regular Exercise

In recent years many people have become increasingly aware of the need for physical
Introductory
Paragraph

fitness. Almost everywhere people now think of improved health. Though some organisations
commercially motivate people to buy vitamins and natural food, a regular exercise programme
has got serious attention. If a person’s physician approves, such a programme, at least thirty
minutes, three times a week, provides numerous benefits. Regular exercise is a beneficial
practice which releases tension, improves appearance and increases stamina.

First of all, the release of tension is immediate through some physical activities. Tension
builds in the body because of an over accumulation of adrenaline produced by stress, anxiety or
fear. Doctors agree that performing callisthenics or participating in an active sport such as tennis
Paragraph 1

or volleyball for thirty minutes releases tension. If a person swims, jogs or rides a bicycle for half
Body

that time, he or she will sleep better at night and will have a better temperament the next day. In
addition, after the release of tension, petty irritations and frustrations will be less troubling. For
example, an employee upset by the day’s work and by traffic congestion may rush home, argue
with the family and eat excessively. Taking about thirty minutes to release frustrations through
physical exercise can help him or her to avoid this behaviour. Planned physical exercise,
therefore, can eliminate or at least control tension.

Secondly, an improved appearance will be apparent by gradual exercises. Exercise takes

perhaps a month or longer to show its results in a trimmer and firmer figure. Improvement,
Paragraph 2

however, will come. During this time, a person who is ten kilograms overweight, for instance, may
Body

be able to reshape the physique by burning away most excess fat and tightening muscles. Having
improved muscle tone and even posture, he or she will wear clothes more attractively and
comfortably. Combined with a sensible diet, an exercise programme will also improve a person’s
skin tone. This improved appearance will provide confidence and favourably impress
others.

Thirdly, an improved appearance produces stamina engendered by self-confidence and

increased physical strength. A stronger and healthier body is obviously more capable of working
Paragraph 3

hard and, in fact, of resisting tiredness than a weaker body. A worker who exercises will be able
Body

to work forty hours a week and still retain enough energy for mowing the grass, painting the
garage, or cleaning windows. Similarly, a student who goes to school, house keeps and perhaps
works part-time will accomplish tasks efficiently. This stamina helps to prevent illnesses such as
cold and influenza. Altogether, improved appearance is one of the important benefits of a
regular exercise programme.

In conclusion, an established regular exercise programme makes a person feel relaxed,

Concluding
Paragraph

look healthy and have adequate strength. There is no easy solution to the goals of lessening
stress, losing weight and achieving an attractive and energetic body. Planned physical exercise
is the only way to make this possible. However, if we try, we can make physical exercise a
regular habit.

157 O Level Successful Writing | Nazibul Ahsan