While ST’s citation templates can help with correct formatting, you may still have some questions on how to structure a paper. Specifically, it can be challenging to know how and when to divide a paper sections.

Unless task instructions call for a specific structure, the general format of an essay is to provide an introductory paragraph that includes a thesis statement, body paragraphs that begin with topic sentences and end with transition sentences, and a conclusion that summarizes and provides additional insight but not new information.

Essays don’t generally require section headings unless the instructions specifically call for them. For example, the prompt below can be written using a classic structure which includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion if there are no further instructions.

• Analyze the Tesla scandal using the six ethical lenses discussed in this week’s video.

However, many business tasks require section headings because the prompt specifies their use making it easier follow as shown below.

• Provide a risk assessment for an organization operating overseas. Include the company’s profile, an industry/sector analysis, political risks, economic risks, regulatory risks, an analysis, and a risk mitigation strategy.

This prompt calls for specific sections meaning it would be appropriate to use section headings to organize content within the paper. Based on these instructions, examples of Level 1 headings could be: Company Profile, Industry Analysis, Political Risks, etc.

Sometimes prompts ask you to provide short answers to a series of questions. Since this prompt asks to answer specific questions, please use numbers to clearly indicate which question is being answered. Do not rewrite the question unless specifically called for.

• Answer the following questions: 1. What is George Washington’s middle name? 2. What is the definition of democracy? 3. What is the origin story of the Statue of Liberty?

1. George Washington’s middle name is…Continue writing, but do not rewrite the question or skip lines. Writing to the last line of the number of pages ordered is still required unless there are explicit word count limits.
2. The definition of democracy is…Note that the number is at the left margin, there is an indent, and then the answer begins.
3. The origins of the Statue of Liberty begin in…etc.

Hopefully these examples give you a better idea of how ST papers are structured. If you ever have any doubts about how to approach an order, please reach out to one of the admins.