building blocks for essay

The Beginner's Blueprint for Writing an Effective Argumentative Essay

Are you ready to learn how to write an argumentative essay that packs a punch? Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey that will transform you into a master of persuasive writing! Whether you're a student, writer, or just someone who loves a good debate, mastering the art of crafting a compelling argumentative essay is a skill that will serve you well.

In this article, we'll walk you through the essential steps to writing an argumentative essay that effectively supports your stance with solid evidence and convincing reasoning. From understanding the basics to structuring your essay for maximum impact, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover how to write an argumentative essay that will leave your readers convinced and impressed!

Understanding the Basics of an Argumentative Essay

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of crafting an argumentative essay, it's crucial to grasp the fundamentals. An argumentative essay is all about presenting a well-researched and logical argument to persuade your readers to see things from your perspective. It's not just about stating your opinion; it's about backing it up with solid evidence and reasoning.

The Building Blocks of an Argumentative Essay

• Introduction: This is where you set the stage for your argument. Start with a hook to grab your readers' attention, provide some background information, and clearly state your thesis .
• Body Paragraphs: This is the meat of your essay, where you present your arguments and evidence. Each paragraph should focus on one main point and provide supporting evidence.
• Conclusion: Wrap up your essay by restating your thesis and summarizing your main points. Leave your readers with something to think about.

Types of Argumentative Essays

The writing process.

• Brainstorm and research your topic
• Prepare an outline
• Draft your essay
• Revise and refine
• Proofread and edit

Remember, an argumentative essay is all about presenting a confident and assertive stance while maintaining a logical and organized structure. With these basics in mind, you're well on your way to writing a compelling argumentative essay!

Choosing a Strong Topic

Alright, let's dive into the exciting world of choosing a strong topic for your argumentative essay! The key is to find a subject that sparks your interest and gets your audience fired up.

What Makes a Topic Arguable?

To ensure your topic is arguable, ask yourself these questions:

• Is it debatable? Can people have different opinions on the subject?
• Is it relevant to your audience? Will they find it interesting and engaging?
• Is it not too broad or too narrow? You want a topic that's just right!

Techniques for Generating Topic Ideas

Narrowing down your topic.

Once you have a list of potential topics, it's time to narrow it down:

• Consider your goals and purpose for the essay. What do you want to achieve?
• Ensure there is sufficient evidence available to support your argument.
• Test the topic by putting it in a general argument format, such as "Is...effective?" or "...should be allowed for..."

Remember, a strong argumentative essay topic should be debatable, relevant to your audience, and not too broad or too narrow. By following these guidelines and techniques, you'll be well on your way to choosing a topic that will make your essay shine!

Structuring Your Essay Effectively

Alright, let's talk about how to structure your argumentative essay like a pro! A well-organized essay is like a roadmap that guides your readers through your argument, making it easy for them to follow along and see things from your perspective.

The Building Blocks of a Winning Structure

Crafting a compelling argument.

• Present your perspective: Explain your stance on the topic clearly and concisely.
• Address the opposition: Acknowledge and refute counterarguments with solid evidence.
• Provide evidence: Back up your claims with facts, statistics, and expert opinions.
• Find common ground: Consider both sides of the issue and propose a middle ground, if possible.
• Conclude with conviction: Reinforce your thesis and summarize your main points, leaving a lasting impression.

Logical Flow and Organization

To ensure your essay is easy to follow, pay attention to:

• Clear transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion
• Body paragraphs that provide evidential support and explain how it connects to your thesis
• Consideration and explanation of differing viewpoints
• A conclusion that ties everything together and reinforces your argument

By structuring your essay effectively, you'll create a compelling and persuasive argument that leaves your readers convinced and impressed. So, go forth and organize your thoughts like a master debater!

Gathering and Evaluating Evidence

Alright, let's talk about gathering and evaluating evidence like a pro! This is where the real fun begins, as you dive into the world of research and uncover the juicy bits that will make your argumentative essay shine.

The Evidence Hunt

Using evidence effectively.

• Introduce the evidence and explain its significance.
• Show how the evidence supports your argument.
• Use quotations, paraphrasing, and summary to present the evidence.
• Always cite your sources properly.

Evaluating Evidence for Credibility

When assessing the credibility, accuracy, and reliability of your evidence, consider:

• The source: Is it primary or secondary? Is it reputable?
• Comparison with other sources: Does it align with or contradict other findings?
• Currency: Is the information up-to-date and relevant?
• Relevance: Does it directly support your claim and argument?

Evidence for Different Essay Types

• Literary Analysis Essays: Use quotes from the work itself or literary criticism.
• Research-Based Papers: Gather information from reliable sources, such as academic databases, libraries, and trusted websites.
• Document-Based Papers: Develop an argument based on provided documents, synthesizing material from at least three sources.

Putting It All Together

• Provide logical and persuasive evidence.
• Ensure your proof is appropriately documented.
• Consider your audience and present clear and convincing evidence.
• Explain the significance of each piece of evidence.
• Build evidence into your text strategically to prove your points.

Remember, well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information is key to supporting your thesis statement. By gathering and evaluating evidence like a pro, you'll be well on your way to crafting an argumentative essay that packs a punch!

Crafting a Persuasive Thesis Statement

Alright, let's dive into the art of crafting a persuasive thesis statement that will make your argumentative essay shine like a beacon of brilliance!

The Power of a Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is like the heart of your essay - it pumps life into your argument and keeps everything flowing smoothly. Here's what makes a thesis statement truly persuasive:

• It takes a stand: Your thesis should make a clear, debatable claim that people could reasonably have differing opinions on.
• It's specific: Narrow down your focus to make your argument more effective and easier to support with evidence.
• It's supportable: Make sure you can back up your claim with solid facts and reasoning.
• It's not just an announcement: Your thesis should do more than just state your topic - it should make an argument about it.

Crafting Your Persuasive Thesis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Examples of persuasive thesis statements.

• "The surge in plastic products during the 21st century has had a notable impact on climate change due to increased greenhouse gas emissions at every stage of its lifecycle, from production to disposal."
• "While social media provides rapid access to information, it has inadvertently become a conduit for misinformation, causing significant societal implications that call for more robust regulations."
• "While zoos have been popular attractions for centuries, they often cause more harm than good to the animals, making their closure imperative for animal welfare."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too vague or broad
• Stating a fact instead of an argument
• Lacking focus or clarity
• Writing the thesis statement last

Remember, a persuasive thesis statement is the foundation of your argumentative essay. By crafting a clear, specific, and debatable claim that directly addresses your prompt, you'll set yourself up for success in convincing your readers to see things from your perspective. So go forth and argue with confidence!

Revising and Editing Your Essay

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of revising and editing your argumentative essay like a pro! This is where the magic happens, as you transform your rough draft into a polished masterpiece that will knock your readers' socks off.

The Revision Process: Making Your Essay Shine

Revising your essay involves taking a step back and looking at the big picture. It's all about making changes to the content, organization, and source material to ensure your argument is clear, well-supported, and logically structured.

• Check the clarity and support of your argument
• Evaluate the organization and logical flow of your essay
• Ensure proper integration and citation of sources

The Editing Process: Polishing Your Prose

Once you've revised your essay, it's time to put on your editing hat and focus on the sentence-level details. This is where you'll hunt down those pesky grammatical, punctuation, and typographical errors that can detract from your brilliant argument.

Tips and Tricks for Effective Revision and Editing

• Allow time between writing and revising for a fresh perspective 
• Read your essay aloud to identify awkward phrasing or unclear points 
• Get feedback from others and consider their suggestions
• Use the ARMS strategy for revision: Add, Remove, Move, and Substitute 
• After revising, write a clean draft for publication, taking all revisions into account 

Remember, the revision and editing process is crucial to transforming your argumentative essay from good to amazing. By carefully evaluating your essay and making necessary changes, you'll ensure that your argument is clear, well-supported, and persuasive.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your red pen, and get ready to revise and edit your way to argumentative essay success!

Writing an effective argumentative essay is a skill that can be mastered with practice and dedication. By understanding the basics, choosing a strong topic, structuring your essay effectively, gathering and evaluating evidence, crafting a persuasive thesis statement, and revising and editing your work, you'll be well-equipped to create compelling arguments that leave a lasting impact on your readers.

As you embark on your argumentative essay writing journey, remember to approach each step with enthusiasm and an open mind. Embrace the power of persuasion, and let your unique voice shine through your writing. With these tools and techniques at your disposal, you're ready to tackle any argumentative essay that comes your way and make your mark in the world of persuasive writing.

What is an effective way to begin an argumentative essay? 

To effectively initiate an argumentative essay, start with an engaging hook or a sentence that grabs attention. Provide a brief summary of the texts involved, clearly state your claim by restating the essay prompt, and include a topic sentence that reaffirms your claim and your reasoning.

How should I structure the opening of my argumentative essay? 

The opening of an argumentative essay should establish the context by offering a general overview of the topic. The author should then highlight the significance of the topic or why it should matter to the readers. Concluding the introduction, the thesis statement should be presented, clearly outlining the main argument of the essay.

What is the initial step in crafting an argumentative essay? 

The first step in writing an argumentative essay is selecting a topic and formulating a strong thesis statement. Your thesis should state your claim, your position on the claim, and outline the primary points that will bolster your stance within the context of the chosen topic. This statement will guide the development of the essay's body paragraphs.

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Expository Essay: 3 Building Blocks to Propose an Idea and Defend It

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If you saw the words “expository essay” on a writing assignment, would your mind draw a blank? Would you immediately feel as if you had stumbled into unexplored territory?

Well there's good news.

This post is written by guest writer Dixie-Ann Belle. You can learn more about Dixie-Anne at the end of this article. Welcome Dixie-Ann! 

You might not realize it, but chances are this is not your first encounter with this type of essay. Once you have been writing essays in academic environments, you have probably already worked on expository writing.

In this article, I hope to help you recognize this essay type and understand the expository essay outline. Comprehending the building blocks is instrumental in knowing how to construct an exceptional expository essay.

Lay a Strong Foundation

Over the years, I have taught and tutored college students one on one as they write academic essays, in face to face classrooms and online, and I have noticed a pattern. They often approach essays in one of two ways.

Some consider them with apprehension and are fearful of making mistakes. Others feel confident that they have written many essays before and think they have already mastered expository writing.

Interestingly, it's the latter who often end up the most shaken when they realize that they are not as familiar as they think with this type of writing.

What I hope to instill in my students is that they should not feel intimidated whatever their situation or essay assignment.

I encourage them to make sure they understand the foundations of the expository essay structure. I try to get them to grasp the basic blocks that need to be there, and once they do, they have a good chance of crafting a substantial piece of writing.

What is an Expository Essay?

Students are typically assigned one of at least four types of essays: the persuasive/argumentative essay, the descriptive essay, the technical essay, or the expository essay.

Writing an expository essay is one of the most important and valuable skills for you to master.

According to the Purdue Online Writing Lab:

The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner.

Keep in mind that your expository writing centers on giving your reader information about a given topic or process. Your goal is to inform, describe, or define the subject for your readers.

As you work to achieve this, your essay writing must be formal, objective, and concise. No matter what your discipline, it's almost guaranteed that you will be required to write this common type essay one day.

Some expository essay examples could include:

• Define the term ‘democracy'
• Compare and contrast the benefits of cable television vs streaming
• Outline the process that generates an earthquake
• Classify the different types of tourism
• Outline the aspects of a good fitness program

The possibilities are endless with expository writing, and it can cover a wide variety of topics and specialties.

3 Building Blocks of a Great Expository Essay

To make sure you're on the right track with this type of paper, it helps to understand the three building blocks of the expository essay format and how to apply them to the final expository essay structure .

1. Write an introduction

Most students know that an introductory paragraph should grab the interest of the reader. However, they might not realize that it should also provide context for the essay topic.

Ask yourself : What are you talking about in this essay? Why is this topic important? Some background details could help to establish the subject for your reader.

For example:

If you were writing an essay on the impact smartphones have on society, you might want to start with some information on the evolution of smartphones, the number of smartphones in society, the way people use the phones and more.

The introduction should start off with general information.

You then work your way down to the more specific and principal part of your introduction and the crown of your whole essay, the thesis statement.

What is the thesis statement?

Your thesis statement states in concise language what this essay is going to be about. It is one clear sentence which expresses the subject and the focus of this piece of writing. If there is a prompt, the thesis statement should directly answer that prompt.

Our smart phones topic might create a thesis statement like:  Smart phones have many positive impacts for adults in the business world.

Right away the reader has some idea of what's ahead.

2. Write your body paragraphs

With your thesis statement clear in your mind and your introduction setting the scene, it is time to write your body paragraphs.

Each body paragraph contains supporting information including factual evidence for your essay topic. Each paragraph should each focus on one idea.

Depending on your word count and the teacher requirements, you can write any number of body paragraphs, but there are usually at least three for a basic five paragraph essay.

Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence. A topic sentence is one single statement that explains the point of the paragraph. It directly refers to your thesis statement and tells you what the body paragraph is going to be about.

Remember our smart phone thesis statement? You need something that will relate to that thesis sentence and will alert the reader to what is to come.

Here's one possibility: 

Smart phones can help increase productivity  for professional adults.

This topic sentence not only reminds us that you are talking about positive impacts for adults with smart phones, it now shows us what the following paragraph will cover.

The best body paragraphs will go on to include different types of details, all of which would support your topic sentence. A good abbreviation to encapsulate the different details is spelt TEEES.

The TEEES Body Paragraph Structure

Let's break down this abbreviation and explore the types of details you'll need in your body paragraphs

T: Topic sentence

You'll begin with your topic sentence establishing the purpose of this paragraph. We'll use our example from above:

Smartphones can help increase productivity for professional adults.

E: Explanation

This is where you expand on your topic and include additional supportive information.

If you were talking about smartphones and productivity, maybe you could mention what elements of the smartphone make it optimal for productivity.

E: Evidence

This is the information from reputable sources you researched for your topic. Here's where you can talk about all the information you have discovered from experts who have carefully studied this subject.

For our smartphone essay, perhaps you could mention a quote from a technology reporter who has been following the rise of smartphones for years.

E: Examples

This would be concrete subject matter to support your point.

Maybe here you can list some of the smartphone apps which have proven to increase productivity in the workplace.

S: Significant/Summarizing sentence

This is the last sentence in the body paragraph which summarizes your point and ends this part of your essay. There should be no doubt in the reader's mind that you have finished talking about your topic, and you are moving on to another in the next paragraph. Here's how we could conclude this paragraph on smartphones and productivity:

Smartphones have transformed the productivity of the modern workforce.

3. Write the conclusion

Once you have written your body paragraphs, you're in the home stretch. You have presented all of your points and supported them with the appropriate subject matter. Now you need to conclude.

A lot of students are confused by conclusions. Many of them have heard different rules about what is supposed to be included.

One of the main requirements to keep in mind when ending an expository essay is that you do not add new information.

This is not the time to throw in something you forgot in a previous body paragraph. Your conclusion is supposed to give a succinct recap of the points that came before.

Sometimes college students are instructed to re-state the thesis, and this puzzles them. It doesn't mean re-writing the thesis statement word for word. You should express your thesis statement in a new way.

For example, here's how you could approach the conclusion for our smartphone essay.

You've come up with three points to support your thesis statement, and you've explored these three points in your body paragraphs. After brainstorming, you might decide the benefits of smartphones in the workplace are improved productivity, better communication, and increased mobility.

Your conclusion is the time to remind your reader of these points with concise language. Your reader should be able to read the conclusion alone and still come away with the basic ideas of your essay.

Plan Your Essay Based on an Expository Essay Outline

While writing fiction, it is sometimes okay to “pants” it and just leap into writing your story.

When writing essays in academia, this is rarely a good idea. Planning your essay helps organize your ideas, helps you refine many of your points early on and saves time in the long run.

There are lots of great brainstorming techniques you can use to get your ideas together, but after that, it's time to create a topic to sentence outline.

There are three steps to creating your topic to sentence essay outline.

• Develop a powerful thesis statement. Remember, this is the overarching idea of your entire essay, so you have completed a significant step once you have one done.
• Come up with the ideas you would like to support your thesis statement.
• Based on your points, craft your topic sentences.

Here is an example of a topic to sentence outline:

Having these important foundation details completed is a great way to develop your essay as you build on each part. It is also an effective method to make sure you are on the right track.

Depending on your instructor (or tutor, if you have one), you can show your outline to them to get feedback before you launch into your entire essay.

Even if you don't have anyone to provide a critique, the outline can make it easier to revise how you will approach the rest of your paragraph essay.

You now have some firm foundations to help you as you construct your expository essay.

How do you organize an expository essay?  Let us know in the comments .

Take fifteen minutes to practice writing your own expository essay.

First, choose an expository writing assignment topic. If you can't think of one, use one of the expository essay examples below .  

• What are the nutritional elements of a healthy breakfast?
• What are some of the most influential types of music?
• Compare and contrast the benefits of electric and gas cars. 
• What are the major steps to planning a stress-free vacation?
• How do smartphones affect mental health?
• Define true love.

Craft a thesis statement about your topic. Then, write three topic sentences for your body paragraphs.

With the time you have left, start writing your essay. You might be surprised how much you can write in fifteen minutes when you have a clear outline for your essay!

When your time is up, share your outline and your essay in the Pro Practice Workshop here . After you post, please be sure to give feedback to your fellow writers.

Happy writing!

Dixie-Ann Belle

Since she started scribbling stories in her notebooks as a child, Dixie-Ann Belle has been indulging her love of well crafted content. Whether she is working as a writing teacher and tutor or as a freelance writer, editor and proofreader, she enjoys helping aspiring writers develop their work and access their creativity.

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What this handout is about

This handout will help you understand how paragraphs are formed, how to develop stronger paragraphs, and how to completely and clearly express your ideas.

What is a paragraph?

Paragraphs are the building blocks of papers. Many students define paragraphs in terms of length: a paragraph is a group of at least five sentences, a paragraph is half a page long, etc. In reality, though, the unity and coherence of ideas among sentences is what constitutes a paragraph. A paragraph is defined as “a group of sentences or a single sentence that forms a unit” (Lunsford and Connors 116). Length and appearance do not determine whether a section in a paper is a paragraph. For instance, in some styles of writing, particularly journalistic styles, a paragraph can be just one sentence long. Ultimately, a paragraph is a sentence or group of sentences that support one main idea. In this handout, we will refer to this as the “controlling idea,” because it controls what happens in the rest of the paragraph.

How do I decide what to put in a paragraph?

Before you can begin to determine what the composition of a particular paragraph will be, you must first decide on an argument and a working thesis statement for your paper. What is the most important idea that you are trying to convey to your reader? The information in each paragraph must be related to that idea. In other words, your paragraphs should remind your reader that there is a recurrent relationship between your thesis and the information in each paragraph. A working thesis functions like a seed from which your paper, and your ideas, will grow. The whole process is an organic one—a natural progression from a seed to a full-blown paper where there are direct, familial relationships between all of the ideas in the paper.

The decision about what to put into your paragraphs begins with the germination of a seed of ideas; this “germination process” is better known as brainstorming . There are many techniques for brainstorming; whichever one you choose, this stage of paragraph development cannot be skipped. Building paragraphs can be like building a skyscraper: there must be a well-planned foundation that supports what you are building. Any cracks, inconsistencies, or other corruptions of the foundation can cause your whole paper to crumble.

So, let’s suppose that you have done some brainstorming to develop your thesis. What else should you keep in mind as you begin to create paragraphs? Every paragraph in a paper should be :

• Unified : All of the sentences in a single paragraph should be related to a single controlling idea (often expressed in the topic sentence of the paragraph).
• Clearly related to the thesis : The sentences should all refer to the central idea, or thesis, of the paper (Rosen and Behrens 119).
• Coherent : The sentences should be arranged in a logical manner and should follow a definite plan for development (Rosen and Behrens 119).
• Well-developed : Every idea discussed in the paragraph should be adequately explained and supported through evidence and details that work together to explain the paragraph’s controlling idea (Rosen and Behrens 119).

How do I organize a paragraph?

There are many different ways to organize a paragraph. The organization you choose will depend on the controlling idea of the paragraph. Below are a few possibilities for organization, with links to brief examples:

• Narration : Tell a story. Go chronologically, from start to finish. ( See an example. )
• Description : Provide specific details about what something looks, smells, tastes, sounds, or feels like. Organize spatially, in order of appearance, or by topic. ( See an example. )
• Process : Explain how something works, step by step. Perhaps follow a sequence—first, second, third. ( See an example. )
• Classification : Separate into groups or explain the various parts of a topic. ( See an example. )
• Illustration : Give examples and explain how those examples support your point. (See an example in the 5-step process below.)

Illustration paragraph: a 5-step example

From the list above, let’s choose “illustration” as our rhetorical purpose. We’ll walk through a 5-step process for building a paragraph that illustrates a point in an argument. For each step there is an explanation and example. Our example paragraph will be about human misconceptions of piranhas.

Step 1. Decide on a controlling idea and create a topic sentence

Paragraph development begins with the formulation of the controlling idea. This idea directs the paragraph’s development. Often, the controlling idea of a paragraph will appear in the form of a topic sentence. In some cases, you may need more than one sentence to express a paragraph’s controlling idea.

Controlling idea and topic sentence — Despite the fact that piranhas are relatively harmless, many people continue to believe the pervasive myth that piranhas are dangerous to humans.

Step 2. Elaborate on the controlling idea

Paragraph development continues with an elaboration on the controlling idea, perhaps with an explanation, implication, or statement about significance. Our example offers a possible explanation for the pervasiveness of the myth.

Elaboration — This impression of piranhas is exacerbated by their mischaracterization in popular media.

Step 3. Give an example (or multiple examples)

Paragraph development progresses with an example (or more) that illustrates the claims made in the previous sentences.

Example — For example, the promotional poster for the 1978 horror film Piranha features an oversized piranha poised to bite the leg of an unsuspecting woman.

Step 4. Explain the example(s)

The next movement in paragraph development is an explanation of each example and its relevance to the topic sentence. The explanation should demonstrate the value of the example as evidence to support the major claim, or focus, in your paragraph.

Continue the pattern of giving examples and explaining them until all points/examples that the writer deems necessary have been made and explained. NONE of your examples should be left unexplained. You might be able to explain the relationship between the example and the topic sentence in the same sentence which introduced the example. More often, however, you will need to explain that relationship in a separate sentence.

Explanation for example — Such a terrifying representation easily captures the imagination and promotes unnecessary fear.

Notice that the example and explanation steps of this 5-step process (steps 3 and 4) can be repeated as needed. The idea is that you continue to use this pattern until you have completely developed the main idea of the paragraph.

Step 5. Complete the paragraph’s idea or transition into the next paragraph

The final movement in paragraph development involves tying up the loose ends of the paragraph. At this point, you can remind your reader about the relevance of the information to the larger paper, or you can make a concluding point for this example. You might, however, simply transition to the next paragraph.

Sentences for completing a paragraph — While the trope of the man-eating piranhas lends excitement to the adventure stories, it bears little resemblance to the real-life piranha. By paying more attention to fact than fiction, humans may finally be able to let go of this inaccurate belief.

Finished paragraph

Despite the fact that piranhas are relatively harmless, many people continue to believe the pervasive myth that piranhas are dangerous to humans. This impression of piranhas is exacerbated by their mischaracterization in popular media. For example, the promotional poster for the 1978 horror film Piranha features an oversized piranha poised to bite the leg of an unsuspecting woman. Such a terrifying representation easily captures the imagination and promotes unnecessary fear. While the trope of the man-eating piranhas lends excitement to the adventure stories, it bears little resemblance to the real-life piranha. By paying more attention to fact than fiction, humans may finally be able to let go of this inaccurate belief.

Troubleshooting paragraphs

Problem: the paragraph has no topic sentence.

Imagine each paragraph as a sandwich. The real content of the sandwich—the meat or other filling—is in the middle. It includes all the evidence you need to make the point. But it gets kind of messy to eat a sandwich without any bread. Your readers don’t know what to do with all the evidence you’ve given them. So, the top slice of bread (the first sentence of the paragraph) explains the topic (or controlling idea) of the paragraph. And, the bottom slice (the last sentence of the paragraph) tells the reader how the paragraph relates to the broader argument. In the original and revised paragraphs below, notice how a topic sentence expressing the controlling idea tells the reader the point of all the evidence.

Original paragraph

Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ first instinct is to flee, not attack. Their fear of humans makes sense. Far more piranhas are eaten by people than people are eaten by piranhas. If the fish are well-fed, they won’t bite humans.

Revised paragraph

Although most people consider piranhas to be quite dangerous, they are, for the most part, entirely harmless. Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ first instinct is to flee, not attack. Their fear of humans makes sense. Far more piranhas are eaten by people than people are eaten by piranhas. If the fish are well-fed, they won’t bite humans.

Once you have mastered the use of topic sentences, you may decide that the topic sentence for a particular paragraph really shouldn’t be the first sentence of the paragraph. This is fine—the topic sentence can actually go at the beginning, middle, or end of a paragraph; what’s important is that it is in there somewhere so that readers know what the main idea of the paragraph is and how it relates back to the thesis of your paper. Suppose that we wanted to start the piranha paragraph with a transition sentence—something that reminds the reader of what happened in the previous paragraph—rather than with the topic sentence. Let’s suppose that the previous paragraph was about all kinds of animals that people are afraid of, like sharks, snakes, and spiders. Our paragraph might look like this (the topic sentence is bold):

Like sharks, snakes, and spiders, piranhas are widely feared. Although most people consider piranhas to be quite dangerous, they are, for the most part, entirely harmless . Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ first instinct is to flee, not attack. Their fear of humans makes sense. Far more piranhas are eaten by people than people are eaten by piranhas. If the fish are well-fed, they won’t bite humans.

Problem: the paragraph has more than one controlling idea

If a paragraph has more than one main idea, consider eliminating sentences that relate to the second idea, or split the paragraph into two or more paragraphs, each with only one main idea. Watch our short video on reverse outlining to learn a quick way to test whether your paragraphs are unified. In the following paragraph, the final two sentences branch off into a different topic; so, the revised paragraph eliminates them and concludes with a sentence that reminds the reader of the paragraph’s main idea.

Although most people consider piranhas to be quite dangerous, they are, for the most part, entirely harmless. Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ first instinct is to flee, not attack. Their fear of humans makes sense. Far more piranhas are eaten by people than people are eaten by piranhas. A number of South American groups eat piranhas. They fry or grill the fish and then serve them with coconut milk or tucupi, a sauce made from fermented manioc juices.

Problem: transitions are needed within the paragraph

You are probably familiar with the idea that transitions may be needed between paragraphs or sections in a paper (see our handout on transitions ). Sometimes they are also helpful within the body of a single paragraph. Within a paragraph, transitions are often single words or short phrases that help to establish relationships between ideas and to create a logical progression of those ideas in a paragraph. This is especially likely to be true within paragraphs that discuss multiple examples. Let’s take a look at a version of our piranha paragraph that uses transitions to orient the reader:

Although most people consider piranhas to be quite dangerous, they are, except in two main situations, entirely harmless. Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ instinct is to flee, not attack. But there are two situations in which a piranha bite is likely. The first is when a frightened piranha is lifted out of the water—for example, if it has been caught in a fishing net. The second is when the water level in pools where piranhas are living falls too low. A large number of fish may be trapped in a single pool, and if they are hungry, they may attack anything that enters the water.

In this example, you can see how the phrases “the first” and “the second” help the reader follow the organization of the ideas in the paragraph.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Lunsford, Andrea. 2008. The St. Martin’s Handbook: Annotated Instructor’s Edition , 6th ed. New York: St. Martin’s.

Rosen, Leonard J., and Laurence Behrens. 2003. The Allyn & Bacon Handbook , 5th ed. New York: Longman.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Chapter 5: The Fundamentals of Writing

Sentence and Paragraph Construction

You should construct your paragraphs and sentences  with intention  because these elements are the building blocks of scholarly writing. Plan your writing by briefly outlining the main idea of each paragraph. E ach paragraph should convey one main point, usually identified in the first sentence, that links to the overarching purpose of your paper – this is often referred to as your topic sentence. Each paragraph should include several sentences supporting this main point. The end of each paragraph should link to the next paragraph to enhance flow of the overall paper. Watch Film Clip 5.1 about the building blocks of paragraphs.

Film Clip 5.1 : Building blocks of a paragraph [1:31]

Paragraph and sentence length will vary depending on the length of your paper and the complexity of the ideas. For example, you wouldn’t use a one-page paragraph in a three-page paper . Overly long sentences and paragraphs can be unclear and confusing to your reader. T he most important thing to keep in mind is that the amount of space needed to develop one idea will likely be different than the amount of space needed to develop another. When is a paragraph complete? When it’s fully developed. Check out Table 5.2  for some pointers on when to end a paragraph and when to combine paragraphs.

Table 5.2:  Paragraph pointers

Student Tip

Paragraph and Sentence Length

Although there are exceptions, here are some guiding principles for paragraph and sentence length:

• Sentences should be no longer than three lines. Longer sentences can be complex and confusing: it’s best to write more concisely and/or divide the sentence into two sentences.
• Paragraphs should be at least 3-8 sentences.
• In a double-spaced paper, paragraphs should be about one-half to three-quarters of a page. Longer paragraphs tend to be confusing and usually include more than one idea or repetitive information. Try to make your writing more concise.

The number of paragraphs shares similar qualities to paragraph length. You may have been asked in the past to write a five-paragraph essay – there’s nothing inherently wrong with a five-paragraph essay, but just like sentence length and paragraph length, the number of paragraphs in an essay depends on what’s needed to get the job done. There’s really no way to know that until you start writing. Try not to worry too much about the exact length and number of paragraphs. Start writing and see where the essay and the paragraphs take you. You’ll have plenty of time to sort out the organization during the revision process. You’re letting your ideas unfold: give yourself – and your ideas – the space to let that happen.

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3 Composition: The Building Blocks

Before we begin writing essays, let’s review the different pieces of composition (that is, the structure of our writing). Let’s start with the three parts of a complete sentence:

• subject  = the “doer” of the main action or state of being
• verb  = the main action or state or being
• complete idea  = all the information necessary to understand the message

Sentences can be simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex. The difference is how many independent clauses and dependent clauses there are. You’ll study clauses in more detail later in the course. For now, remember:

• independent clause = subject + verb + complete idea (like a simple sentence)
• dependent clause = subject + verb but no complete idea (it depends on the other part(s) of the sentence to make sense)

Here are some examples of different sentence types:

• simple sentence (one independent clause): Mitch likes to eat rice.
• compound sentence (two independent clauses):  Mitch likes to eat rice, but he doesn’t like noodles.
• complex sentence (one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses): Mitch likes to eat rice when he is home alone.
• compound/complex sentence (more than one independent clause and at least one dependent clause):  Mitch likes to eat rice when he is home alone, but he doesn’t like noodles.

In a paragraph or an essay, you want to have a variety of sentence types. Some types of sentences are helpful to better show the connection between ideas. Sometimes, however, you use different sentence types just for variety. It makes the text more interesting for the reader. You can think of it like changing the rhythm of music.

Things get more interesting when you start to look at how you put sentences together to make a paragraph and, later, an essay. They each have three parts, and they actually mirror each other. Take a closer look. How does an item on the left reflect an item on the right?

INSTRUCTIONS: Which parts of a paragraph and which parts of an essay do similar jobs? Match them using the exercise below.

Remember: As you begin to write longer essays, a body paragraph might not end with a concluding sentence. Instead, you might use transition words to connect one idea to the next.

Now look at these examples. Notice how the shorter and simpler paragraph can serve as an outline for the longer and more complicated essay.

Assignment preparation

1. Choose three topics from the list below. Share your opinion. Write one complete sentence for each topic that you choose.

• discrimination
• free speech
• food and shelter

2. Choose two of your sentences. Expand them into paragraphs of 3-5 sentences each. Write a topic sentence with topic and a controlling idea. Then use 2-3 supporting details to explain your topic sentence.

3. Save your work to use in the assignment that follows.

Coalescence Copyright © 2023 by Timothy Krause is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Book Title: Building Blocks of Academic Writing

Author: Carellin Brooks

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Book Description: Building Blocks of Academic Writing covers typical writing situations for developing academic writers, from prewriting and research through expressing themselves online. Developmental work in different types of paragraphs—descriptive, narrative, expository, persuasive—allows students to build capacity for longer essays. Each chapter includes review questions with a Canadian focus that instructors can assign to help students practise the skills developed in the text.

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Building Blocks of Academic Writing covers typical writing situations for developing academic writers, from prewriting and research through expressing themselves online. Developmental work in different types of paragraphs—descriptive, narrative, expository, persuasive—allows students to build capacity for longer essays. Each chapter includes review questions with a Canadian focus that instructors can assign to help students practise the skills developed in the text.

Building Blocks of Academic Writing Copyright © 2020 by Carellin Brooks is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Educational: First / native language: Reading and writing skills

© 2020 Carellin Brooks

Building Blocks of Academic Writing is an adaptation of Commonsense Composition by Crystle Bruno, Jen Jebens, Fabio Coelho, Jen Hagemann, and Peter Gambrill, and edited by Jan Jose State University (© 2019 CK-12 Foundation), which is under a CC BY-NC 3.0 Licence. For more information about the changes made in this adaptation, refer to the Adaptation Statement .

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4 Building Blocks of Academic Writing

Academic writing is a formal writing style used for scholarly purposes. It is clear, precise, and aimed at making the reader understand a concept. Every academic paper must adhere to specific writing rules. The tone, vocabulary, and sentence structure must meet general standards to be accepted.

Academic writing should not be emotional, wordy, or biased — your paper should be grounded on verifiable research, regardless of your opinion. Argumentative and narrative essays are rare exceptions to this rule.

You also need to follow a coherent structure in your writing. So, let’s discuss the four building blocks of that structure in detail.

Prewriting is an aspect of academic writing that refers to the work done before the actual writing begins. Prewriting covers research, content outline, and other elements that give the writer a purpose and makes their job less tasking. Without this building block, the article will have no direction.

Here are the un-skippable steps in prewriting:

1.   Information Gathering

Information gathering, or research, involves collecting factual information from reliable sources. The information gathered helps the writer understand the writing scope. It also gives them in-depth knowledge of the subject topic to bolster their viewpoint.

2.   Literature Review

A literature review is a study of sources related to the topic. Several academic resources are available for every subject topic, but you can use only reliable, peer-reviewed ones. Preferably, limit your research to materials from college professors, government-funded studies, and trustworthy experts. Wikipedia, online dictionaries, and other open-source platforms are not reliable sources because the editors often lack proper credentials.

3.   Outlining

An essay outline helps in logically classifying written ideas for a thesis or article. This is a draft of what a piece covers. As a writer, outlining adds structure to your ideas and gives your essay a smooth, coherent flow.

4.   Formatting Style

Formatting style refers to an acceptable way of presenting a written academic piece. The three commonly used formatting styles are APA (the American Psychological Association style), MLA (the Modern Language Association style), and CMS (the Chicago Manual of Style). These writing manuals guide the writer on citation format, line spacing, lettering, and font sizes, etc.

Scholars must be careful to stick to accepted standards when writing. When writing a cause and effect essay or an expository paper, you should never stray from the conventions.

Let’s check out the essential parts of writing:

1.   Structuring

A written piece must have a consistent structure and flow to make sense to the reader. Choose a plan that makes your writing impactful. Don’t be afraid to adjust the structure even after writing the paper. And if you want to play it safe, stick to the ‘hamburger’ essay framework.

Besides, you should also include an abstract if your essay’s formatting is APA.

2.   Introduction

The introduction is the first part of the article, where you state the paper’s central focus.

In the introductory paragraph, you can also ask the important questions that will drive the rest of the paper.

If you want to describe an exposition, your introduction is an excellent stage to ask the question, what is an expository essay ? With the precedent set, the audience can know what to expect from the paper.

3.   Thesis Statement

A thesis statement typically appears at the end of the introductory paragraph. It concisely summarises the essay’s main points. Thesis statements are also strategically used to guide the readers’ understanding of the article’s purpose. Therefore, they must be straightforward.

4.   Body Paragraphs

For an academic writing piece to be coherent, a writer should split it into paragraphs. The article’s body carries all the necessary information supported by verifiable evidence. Therefore, you should address specific points in separate sections according to importance.

Writing a maximum of five sentences per paragraph is the standard for academic articles. But it is not all about the word count; each sentence must stay relevant to the paragraph’s idea.

When writing a research paper, balance the qualitative vs quantitative aspects of the study in your body paragraphs.

5.   Linking Words (Transitions)

Linking words are expressions that show the relationship between independent paragraphs. Using transitions ensures that your readers don’t lose sight of your line of thought.

Here are some examples of linking words used in academic writing: however, in line with, ultimately, besides.

Conclusion & Summary

An essay without a conclusion is incomplete. Conclusions are the final paragraphs of every article. They contain a summary of the entire piece to rehash the paper’s vital points.

Here are the key considerations when writing a conclusion:

1.   Highlighting Main Ideas

The conclusion should highlight the main points of the essay. This recap of the essay’s ideas will help readers reevaluate their stance on what they just read. In argumentative essays, you can use this section to reaffirm your stance. Your conclusion should also include opposing views mentioned in the paper.

2.   Call to Action / Food for Thought

A call to action (CTA) or food for thought should steer the reader in a specific direction, preferably towards your viewpoint. If you decide to end an essay this way, ensure it remains relevant to the central idea.

After writing a paper, ensure that you cross-check it. Reviewing your piece will save you from letting embarrassing mistakes in your article slip through the cracks.

Let’s check out the steps needed when reviewing your paper:

1.   Proofreading

Errors are inevitable when writing. While trying to pass your ideas across, you may misrepresent or punctuate them wrongly. To ensure that the essay is consistent and logical, you must proofread it after writing.

2.   Editing

Editing helps you catch errors you missed when writing. It will also help you shorten sentences and choose better words for your paper. You can use tools like Grammarly or The Hemingway App to hasten the editing process.

Academic Writing Conclusion

Writing an academic paper can be tasking, but you will learn to do it appropriately if you follow the guidelines stated above.

There are four building blocks to writing an excellent academic essay:

• Conclusion and summary
• Review and editing

Follow these building blocks to make your paper more coherent and simplify the writing process.

Before you go! Have you read our Magazine?

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The Building Blocks of Essays

The building blocks of essays:.

Whether you are writing the introduction or the body of your essay, you will always be writing paragraphs. Indeed, the paragraph is the most basic building block of the essay. It is essential, then, for you to familiarize yourself with how a good, clear paragraph is constructed.

Introductions

Of all the different paragraphs, many people consider introductions the most difficult to write. This is because the introduction must grab the reader’s attention and provide an absolutely clear, but sufficiently concise explanation of the paper’s main point. In a shorter paper, the introduction will only be one paragraph. In a longer paper, it could be lengthier and involve multiple paragraphs.

Explorations in Learning

Notes on writing, teaching, and learning, the five-paragraph essay and building blocks of writing.

In an earlier post , I wrote,

It is not the structure of the five-paragraph essay that is limiting: It is a lack of critical reflection on one's ideas.

Many apparently disagree with that assertion, at least about the part on structure being limiting. I'm not sure why they do. Perhaps it's because many do use the five-paragraph essay in limiting ways. Perhaps it comes from a notion of learning as a creative endeavor, and perhaps the notion of "creative" for many suggests that learning occurs by intuitive leaps and bounds, which structure unduly restrains. However, without structure, no creativity can take place. Language itself requires structure to communicate meaning. In English, for example, stress can differentiate between adjectives and compound nouns, as in the difference between a "blue bird" (a bird that is blue in color) and a "bluebird" (a particular type of bird).

Similarly, structure is crucial for learning. After all, learning never occurs de novo . Rather,

• Learning always builds upon that which came before, and
• Learning almost always involves a remixing of known building blocks.

My favorite example of these two principles is the many species that have evolved from the remixing of only four building blocks of DNA.

In looking at the five-paragraph essay, we can see at least four potential building blocks of writing:

• introduction
• "main idea" (thesis statement and topic sentence)
• explanation (explanation of evidence and conclusion)

Let's look at how these four building blocks are used across three different situations: (1) framing a quotation, (2) the five-paragraph essay, and (3) introducing an academic journal article.

When introducing a quotation , as Graff and Birkenstein note in their book "They Say / I Say", it is typically framed. First, one introduces the source/author of the quotation and the author's main claim, then the quotation (evidence), and next one explains the quotation in light of the author's claim. Then, one uses the framed quotation to introduce one's own position (claim), thus starting another cycle of introduction, claim, evidence, and explanation.

In the five-paragraph essay , of course, one introduces the main claim (thesis statement), provides evidence for that claim in the form of subclaims (topic sentences), explains the subclaims with more evidence and explanations (logic or reasoning), and finally re-explains the main claim in the conclusion.

In introductions to academic journal articles , John Swales has shown that regardless of discipline they always include four rhetorical moves: introduce the topic, review the literature on that topic (explain the topic and the evidence surrounding it), indicate a gap in the literature (explain how something is missing or wrong in the literature, a claim accompanied by evidence and explanation), and then explain what one will do to remedy that gap (another claim with the evidence and further explanation forthcoming in the rest of the article).

The building blocks naturally take different forms in each context and build upon one another as the context becomes more complex. The power of such an approach is its interlocking strength of basic concepts across contexts, thus facilitating learning and transfer via student use and practice of building block concepts across different writing landscapes.

Thus, again, although one can use structure in limiting ways, when used appropriately, structure supports learning. For those who use the five-paragraph essay, then, rather than treat the structure as a formula, it would be more fruitful to familiarize students with its building blocks across contexts (including the five-paragraph essay), rearranging the building blocks in different orders and combinations to consider their rhetorical effect.

To acquaint students with these building blocks, consider beginning by building upon their own experiences with conversation. For example,

• First, have students write a conversation they might have with friends trying to persuade them to see a certain movie, play a particular game, or do some other activity, keeping in focus that their friends want to see a different movie or play a different game.
• Next, have them analyze their conversations, asking questions such as:
• Are the building blocks of introduction, claim, evidence, and explanation there?
• Are there other building blocks?
• Are they consistently in a particular sequence?
• Does the order of building blocks change?
• Is a particular sequence of building blocks more effective?
• How do the sequences and uses of building blocks in conversations compare/contrast to those in the five-paragraph essay?

Of course, you can extend this process of analysis to other genres, such as blogs and editorials in newspapers, and to other media, such as podcasts and videos.

Whether learning new languages or new dialects, such as academese and blogese, this process of analyzing concepts across contexts can bring into focus contradictions between the rhetorical conventions of different dialects, languages, disciplines, and media. And it is contradictions that are the driving force of learning.

Related posts: The Five-Paragraph Essay (continued) The Five-Paragraph Essay Click on building blocks and contradictions under Topics. See also my article in Complicity : "Building Blocks and Learning" .

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Elegant Essay Writing Lessons : Building Blocks for Analytical Writing Spiral-bound – January 1, 2009

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Your Story Matters: The Building Blocks of the Personal Essay

People tend to think that only those who have gone through sensational, dramatic experiences have something worth writing about. I disagree: not only does everyone have rich, singular lives worth exploring on the page, but the tools that make even the most mundane seeming topics compelling to a reader are all about perspective and practice. In this class, we will be examining the building blocks of personal essay writing (details, characters, point of view, description, focus, even more general ideas like Theme and Truth) in order to get comfortable with the process of writing about ourselves and get excited about the possibilities of exploring who we are. This is a generative class for new/beginning writers, meaning that it will focus on writing toward prompts and encouraging discussion of the material you share rather than critical feedback or finishing pieces. We will read and discuss personal essays and memoir excerpts, but we will also look at poetry, short fiction, and criticism as well in order to expand our understanding of what can be considered “personal” writing. --- Details: Your Story Matters: The Building Blocks of the Personal Essay meets Thursdays April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16, and May 23 from 6:30-8:30pm remotely online via Zoom. Prerequisites : None Genre : Nonfiction or memoir Level : Emerging Format : Generative writing workshop with at-home writing and group sharing Location : This class takes place remotely online via Zoom. Size : Limited to 12 participants (including scholarships) Suggested Sequence : Follow this class with another generative fiction writing workshop or a feedback course. Scholarships : Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by December 11. Cancellations & Refunds : Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email [email protected] .

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Gyasi Hall is a writer and critic from Columbus, Ohio. Their essays “Alas, Poor Fhoul” and “Eminem Drop-Kicked Me in This Dream I Had” were both nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and their debut poetry chapbook, Flight of the Mothman: An Autobiography, was published by The Operating System in Spring 2019.

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Building blocks for analytical writing.

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Holy Trinity breaks ground on college-inspired 'IDEAS' building set to open in 2025

Inspired by college academic facilities, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy recently broke ground on their grades 7-12 IDEAS Institute building at their campus just west of Pineda Causeway.

The building, expected to open to students in August 2025, is intended to imitate the "style, feel and dynamics of higher education," according to a press release from the school.

The motivation behind the IDEAS (Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship and Applied Solution) project is "about promise, about the academic promise of — and to — our students," said Elizabeth Miller, president and head of school at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy.

"We will continue providing them an educational experience like no other with competitive advantages that prepare them for college. It is the promise of our Board of Trustees to bring a university-inspired building to our community that transcends learning."

Set to be two stories and 30,000 square feet, the IDEAS building will offers students an innovation gym and robotics workshop; a design center; a broadcast/podcast studio; a college and academic advising suite; a presentation/conference space; student commons; 15 classrooms; and in-between spaces and work stations.

Contractors on the project include MELD Studio Architecture, MH Williams Construction Group, MK Structural Engineering, Construction Engineering Group, American Business Interiors, Atlantic Environmental and Pollack Landscape Architects, with JPM Management Company managing the project.

Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at  [email protected] . X:  @_ finchwalker .

Chemical Communications

Uncovering tetrazoles as building blocks for constructing discrete and polymeric assemblies.

Metal-organic self-assembly with flexible moieties is a budding field of research due to the possibility of the formation of unique architectures. Tetrazole, characterised by four nitrogen atoms in a five-member ring, exhibits immense potential as a component. Tetrazole offers four coordination sites for binding to the metal centre with nine distinct binding modes, leading to various assemblies. This review highlights different polymeric and discrete tetrazole-based assemblies and their functions. The meticulous manipulation of stoichiometry, ligands, and metal ions required for constructing discrete assemblies has also been discussed. The different applications of these architectures in separation, catalysis and detection have also been accentuated. The latter section of the review consolidates tetrazole-based cage composites, highlighting their applications in cell imaging and photocatalytic applications.

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S. Dey, M. Aggarwal, D. Chakraborty and P. S. Mukherjee, Chem. Commun. , 2024, Accepted Manuscript , DOI: 10.1039/D4CC01616E

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To deter tourists, a town in Japan is building a big screen blocking the view of Mt. Fuji

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The town of Fujikawaguchiko has had enough of tourists .

Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji, the town on Tuesday began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain. The reason: misbehaving foreign tourists.

Fujikawaguchiko “is a town built on tourism, and I welcome many visitors, and the town welcomes them too, but there are many things about their manners that are worrying,” said Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving Japanese ohagi sweets near the soon-to-be-blocked photo spot.

Motomochi mentioned littering, crossing the road with busy traffic, ignoring traffic lights and trespassing into private properties. She isn’t unhappy though — 80% of her customers are foreign visitors whose numbers have surged after a COVID-19 pandemic hiatus that kept Japan closed for about two years.

Her neighborhood suddenly became a popular spot about two years ago, apparently after a photo taken at a particular angle showing Mt. Fuji in the background, as if sitting atop a local convenience store, became a social media sensation known as “Mt. Fuji Lawson,” town officials say.

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The mostly foreign tourists have since crowded the small area, triggering a wave of concerns and complaints from residents about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk, taking photos on the busy road or walking into neighbors’ properties, officials said.

In Europe, concerns over tourists overcrowding historic cities led Venice last week to launch a pilot program to charge day-trippers a 5-euro ($5.35) entry fee. Authorities hope it will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days and make the city more livable for its dwindling residents.

Fujikawaguchiko has tried other methods: signs in English, Chinese, Thai and Korean urging visitors not to run into the road and to use the designated crosswalk, and even hiring a security guard to help ensure crowd control. None worked.

The black mesh net, when completed in mid-May, will be 8.2 feet high and 65.6 feet long, and will almost completely block the view of Mt. Fuji, officials said.

Dozens of tourists gathered Tuesday taking photos even though Mt. Fuji was not in sight due to cloudy weather.

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Anthony Hok, from France, thought the screen was an overreaction. “Too big solution for subject not as big, even if tourists are making trouble. Doesn’t look right to me,” he said. The 26-year-old suggested setting up road barriers for safety instead of blocking the view for pictures.

But Helen Pull, a 34-year-old visitor from the U.K., was sympathetic to the local concern. While traveling in Japan in the last few weeks, she has seen tourism “really ramped up here in Japan from what we’ve seen.”

“I can see why people who live and work here might want to do something about that,” she said, noting many were taking pictures even when the mountain was not visible. “That’s the power of the social media.”

Foreign visitors have flocked to Japan since the pandemic border restrictions were lifted, in part due to the weaker yen.

Last year, Japan had more than 25 million visitors, and the number this year is expected to surpass nearly 32 million, a record from 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. And the government wants more tourists.

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While booming tourism has helped the industry, it has triggered complaints from residents in popular tourist destinations, such as Kyoto and Kamakura. In Kyoto, a famous geisha district recently decided to close some private-property alleys.

Locals are uncertain about what to do.

Motomochi said she cannot imagine how the black screen can help control the flow of people on the narrow pedestrian walk and the road next to it.

Yoshihiko Ogawa, who runs a more than half-century-old rice shop in the Fujikawaguchiko area, said the overcrowding worsened in the last few months, with tourists gathering as early as 4 a.m. and talking loudly. He sometimes struggles to get his car in and out of his garage.

“We’ve never thought we’d face a situation like this,” Ogawa said, adding he is unsure what the solution might be. “I suppose we all just need to get used to it.”

McGill and Yamaguchi write for the Associated Press. Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo.

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