An essay is expository prose which attempts to communicate an idea to a reader. Each letter, word, sentence, or paragraph in any language has a beginning, middle, and end. Essays are no exception. If the frame of reference between a writer and a reader is not the same, real communication can not occur. Introductory Paragraph .
Communication begins by introducing the subject matter.
In their introduction, writers must involve the reader so that they are interested in continuing. An introduction is usually general in nature, and not necessarily an abstract of the remaining essay. Thesis Statement . Within the introductory paragraph is the statement of purpose, or thesis . This sentence states the controlling idea of the essay, and is usually found in the middle of a paragraph, or as a transitional statement at the paragraph's end.