The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay and introduces the essay topic to your reader. Although your essay topic serves as your title, it isn't necessary to repeat it in your essay introduction. The essay introduction presents your topic and tells the reader what supporting points follow within the essay body.

The body is where you develop the topic that you introduced in your introduction. Start new paragraph every time you discuss a new point. Make the body "flow" by introducing the next paragragh of your essay at the end of the previous one. If you are using outside sources, you're your sources and add them to your works cited page as you use them. When you're satisfied that you have made your points, move on to the essay. Although it is often overlooked, the conclusion is an important part of your essay. It is the last paragraph of your paper and the last chance to drive home your point of view as well as an indicator of how well you've organized your thoughts. Generally the conclusion is a summary of your essay body and any closing thoughts or ideas. Once you are sure that your essay "makes the point" and that you have caught and corrected any errors in formatting, spelling, punctuation, and grammar, your "first draft" magically becomes your finished essay.