An essay explaining a concept is made up of three basic parts:
You may want to draft a working thesis statement and other parts of your explanation before deciding on an opening that will engage readers’ attention. If, however, you prefer to sketch out an opening first, turn to the section “Write the opening sentences,” and return to this section later.
The thesis statement in a concept explanation announces the concept to be explained and identifies the aspect of the concept that the writer will focus on. It may also forecast the topics to be explored. Here’s an example of a thesis statement from “Love: The Right Chemistry”:
O.K., let’s cut out all this nonsense about romantic love. Let’s bring some scientific precision to the party. Let’s put love under a microscope.
Concept
Focus
When rigorous people with Ph.D.s after their names do that, what they see is not some silly, senseless thing. No, their probe reveals that love rests firmly on the foundations of evolution, biology and chemistry. (Toufexis, pars. 1–2)
Forecast topics
To draft your thesis statement, consider using some of your writing from the Ways In activities in the section “Focus your explanation of the concept” (pp. 152–53). Alternatively, simply state directly the concept you will explain and the approach you will take. You may also want to forecast the topics you will cover.