Advice: Find a way to break your larger issue down into a few key aspects which you can tackle in your body paragraphs. A good rule of thumb is that each body paragraph should make reference to one outside text as support (this can be a quote, paraphrase, reference to statistics, etc.). Your conclusion paragraph will synthesize your sources and sum up your feelings on the subject. Purpose: Demonstrate your ability to support a thesis statement and use outside sources in a clear, well-organized essay. Audience and Style: Your audience is educated adults. Avoid slang, jargon, or overly informal writing.