Key Idea: The HL essay has a simple shape: an introduction with your line of inquiry and thesis, a body that builds step by step, and a conclusion that answers 'so what?'.
| Part | What goes in |
|---|---|
| Introduction | The work, the question you explore, your thesis |
| Body | One step of the argument per paragraph, each building on the last |
| Conclusion | Draw the argument together; answer 'so what?' |
Common slips
- Paragraphs in a random order.
- A conclusion that only summarises.
- An opening paragraph with no thesis.
Order the body so the argument develops.
What three things open the essay? Which work it is about, what you are asking, and your answer.
How much of the argument goes in one body paragraph? One step.
Is summary enough for a conclusion? No. It must also answer 'so what?'.
Why does paragraph order matter? Each step builds on the one before.