A well structured essay will have:

A. An introduction
B. A Body
C. A Conclusion
The goal of the essay is to convince the reader of an idea that you have.
To do this you will need to:
- Give the reader background information (this demonstrates your
knowledge)
- Analyse and make arguments that are convincing to the reader (this
demonstrates your ability to make arguments)
- Organise all of this in a clear and coherent manner, that make the
whole essay both understandable and convincing.
As you become more confident with the structure, then it is possible to
start experimenting with more interesting forms of expression.

A.
INTRODCUTION
Thesis: Statement of what your essay will argue (your idea).
EG: This essay will argue A is not a Z
Scope: The limit of the essay, what it will discuss. You can even mention
what will not be discussed if its relevant (e.g. if it is something that you
expect the reader might think should be included).
EG: The focus of this essay is the classification of different letters in the
alphabet. It will be limited to a discussion of the letters A, Y and Z.
Outline/Map: This should give the reader a sense of what is coming up in
the essay. This helps the reader navigate the essay when they are reading
it. You should aim to make sure they are not surprised by what you say in
the essay. This will also help ensure the reader does not become confused
when they are reading it. The map should summarise each section/point
of the body.
EG: The essay will first outline Z; then it will show why Y is a Z; after that
it will show why A is not a Z.
B.
BODY
The body is obviously where you make the arguments.
It should contain separate sections for each sub-point to the main
argument. Each section should make one main point, and each paragraph
in a section should also make one main point.
Each section can have heading if you want.
The structure of each paragraph should be as follows:
1. Topic Sentence: Sentence that states concisely the main point of
the paragraph.
2. Support: The various sub-points that are
evidence/arguments/analysis for the main point in the paragraph.
3. Concluding Sentence: A lead-in sentence that flows into the next
paragraph (sometimes this is not necessary if the paragraphs flow
naturally, you just have to use your judgment on how well you think
it flows.
EG
Section 1: Outline of Z
Z is the last letter of the alphabet. The alphabet contains 26 letters used
for word construction. Z is not used very often in words. It is made up of
three straight lines.
Section 2: Why Y is a Z
Y is strictly speaking not a Z, however, this section contends it should be
considered a Z for three reasons.
First, Y is one of the last letters of the alphabet, coming just before Z, so
effectively can be considered the last letter of the alphabet.

Second, Y is not used very often in word construction. This is just like Z.
Third, Y is made of three straight lines. This is also just like Z.
Section 3: A is not a Z
Although A is also made up of three straight lines, it is not like a Z or a Y.
Firstly, it is the first letter of the alphabet, unlike both Y and Z. Second, it
is a vowel, and is used in many words.
C.
CONCLUSION
The conclusion should summarise the argument of the essay. It is the
chance to tie together all the points you have made.
If you like, it is also an opportunity to make some suggestions about the
limits of the essay/conclusion, i.e. what is important, but has not been
argued, or what could potentially be argued in a further essay.
EG:
This essay has demonstrated why A is not a Z. It has shown that although
it has some similarities to Z (it is a letter of the alphabet, and made up of
three lines), it should not be considered a Z. While the reader may not be
convinced that Y is a Z, it has at least been shown that Y is more like Z
than A is. At the least, Y is basically Z. This essay has not considered the
other letters of the alphabet, however further study could establish, for
example, whether B is a Z.