Essay Structure and Conclusions
Academic Writing Skills
In a good piece of writing the ideas and arguments in the preceding paragraphs should lead to an
appropriate conclusion. The writer has the option of making a request or call to action but in any case
the end should be obvious to the reader.
Jumbled Essay
The paragraphs of the text below have been put in the wrong order. Try to rearrange the text back into
the right order. In doing this decide which of the paragraphs serve to:
● introduce the problem
● outline the arguments
● bring the arguments to a conclusion
The Essay
Admittedly, there have been some attempts at improvement. The new space age superloos
are unisex (10 pence to all) and more hygienic as they’re completely cleaned after each use.
yet they have drawbacks. Often situated in highly visible spots, thus maximising
self-consciousness, they also have automatic doors which you fear may either wizz open too
early and expose you to the crowds, or never open at all, leaving you a prisoner. Not ideal.
Reason tells me that I can’t be the only one. Other women, too, must have stood in line,
cursing the fact that yet again there is only one ladies’ lavatory in a crowded pub. Friendships
can be formed in the time you spend waiting.
So why don’t we complain more about our toilets? Perhaps it’s embarrassment about raising
such a ‘delicate’ subject in public. It’s time to campaign for public conveniences to be more
available, clearly signposted, regularly maintained, free and clean. Make your feelings known
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by complaining to the local Cleansing department who should be in the telephone directory
listed under your local council.
And I can’t be the only woman who resolutely avoids public conveniences and goes out of her
way to head for the department store where the ladies’ will be clean, free and easy to find.
Lack of provision of ladies’ loos isn’t the only problem. Even if you are lucky enough to find
public toilets where the council hides them, they are often so dirty and smelly that only sheer
desperation could drive you to use them. The walls may be covered in graffiti, locks broken,
floors wet and muddy, basins encrusted with grime. The taps (cold water only) may well be
dripping into a pool of scummy water above the clogged-up plughole and you won’t see
anything of such luxuries as toilet paper, soap or towels. There may, ironically, be a ‘hygienic’
air hand dryer - and if you’re lucky, it may even work. The final insult is that you will probably
have to pay for the privilege of using such facilities.
If only there were more lavatory attendants like Reg Bedwell (pictured above), who looks after
Covent Garden’s loos. He ensures that they always have flowers, nice soap, clean towels and
even music. He keeps the place spotless. What a hero!
Questions for thought
1. What lead you to put the paragraphs in that order?
2. Can you diagram the structure of the essay's argument?
3. The conclusion is not just a summary. How would you describe what is in the
conclusion?
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