Thesis

The primary way to convey an essay's main idea is through a clear thesis statement. The thesis typically appears at the end of the introductory paragraph and explains the overall purpose of the paper and the specific ideas you will use for support. It explains what topic you will focus on and the structure of the supporting paragraphs. For instance, the thesis, "Writing an effective essay requires planning, developing and revising," establishes that the paper will explain the writing process in these three major stages.

Topic Sentences

The topic sentences for the body paragraphs also help convey the essay's main idea since they not only set up the point of the paragraph but also should connect back to the thesis. For instance, the topic sentence for the first body paragraph of the writing process essay might begin, "The first step toward effective essays involves planning." This language reminds the reader of the thesis, creating a connection that emphasizes the essay's main idea.

Support

The essay's body paragraphs support the main idea, further illustrating that concept for a reader. The details within the body paragraphs give examples and verbal illustrations to explain the idea more fully. For example, the paragraph about planning an essay might include an explanation of outlining as part of the planning step. Beyond the definition of outlining, the paragraph would include an explanation of how outlining helps organize ideas logically, therefore creating a more effective essay. This connection to the thesis emphasizes the main point of the paper.

Conclusion

The final area in which a writer can emphasize an essay's main purpose is in the concluding paragraph. The conclusion should not include the thesis verbatim but should reiterate the concepts from that thesis, emphasizing the point of the paper in addition to summarizing the concepts from the body paragraphs that support the main point. The writing process paper might include a statement like, "Following these basic steps of planning, developing and revising results in a quality essay," emphasizing the main idea at the end of the paper.