First Class Essay Structure
A step-by-step guide to structuring high-scoring law essays, from a strong introduction to analytical body paragraphs and a focused conclusion.
EO Careers Team
If you’re exploring different pathways within the legal profession, our Law Careers hub brings together guidance on career options, study routes, and long-term progression.
Strong essays are not defined by how much you know, but by how clearly and persuasively you organise your knowledge.
Markers are not looking for long descriptions of the law. They are assessing whether you can identify the relevant issues, analyse authority, and present a coherent argument that directly answers the question set. Structure is what allows them to see this.
A first-class essay follows a clear, logical progression. Each section has a specific purpose, and each paragraph earns its place by advancing the overall argument. When structure is right, analysis becomes easier to follow, arguments become sharper, and marks increase as a result.
The framework below sets out a reliable structure you can apply to most law essays, regardless of subject area.
Introduction
A strong introduction sets the tone for the entire essay and signals to the examiner that your answer will be focused, analytical, and well-structured.
Begin with a compelling opening that draws the reader in. This might be a relevant quotation, a provocative statement, a short anecdote, or a focused question that highlights the legal issue under discussion. The aim is not to be dramatic, but to demonstrate confidence and engagement with the topic.
Next, provide concise background information to place the issue in context. This should help the reader understand the legal problem or debate without drifting into unnecessary detail. Avoid summarising the entire area of law — only include what is essential for framing your argument.
You should then clearly state the central argument of the essay. Strong essays move beyond vague aims such as “This essay will discuss…” and instead adopt a clear position. Where possible, use assertive phrasing such as “This essay argues that…” to show analytical intent.
Finally, outline the structure of the essay. Briefly signpost the main stages of your argument so the examiner knows what to expect. This should be concise and directional, for example:
“First, the concept of X will be examined, followed by an analysis of Y, before considering the implications of Z.”
Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should develop one clear point that supports your overall argument.
Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that states the point being made. This sentence should be clear enough that, if read alone, it signals the paragraph’s purpose.
You should then elaborate on the point by explaining the legal reasoning behind it. This is where you demonstrate understanding of legal principles and how they apply to the issue at hand.
Next, support your reasoning with evidence. This may include case law, statutory provisions, academic commentary, or other authoritative sources. Crucially, do not simply state the evidence. You must analyse it. Explain why it matters, how it supports your argument, and any limitations or counterarguments that arise.
End each paragraph with a brief mini-conclusion. This should summarise the key point and show how it links to the next stage of the argument. This creates flow and coherence, both of which are heavily rewarded in first-class answers.
Conclusion
A first-class conclusion does not introduce new material.
Begin by briefly restating the main arguments of the essay, showing how they fit together to support your overall thesis. This reinforces the logical structure of your answer.
You should then reaffirm your central argument in light of the analysis presented. This demonstrates confidence in your reasoning and shows that your conclusion follows naturally from the discussion.
Finish with a strong closing sentence that encapsulates the significance of your argument or leaves the reader with a thought-provoking insight. This might reflect on wider implications, unresolved tensions, or the future development of the law but only where this flows directly from the body of the essay.
Want to access First-Class Notes?
If you’re aiming for top marks, you can also explore our First-Class Law Notes resource, which breaks down how high-scoring students structure answers, revise effectively, and approach exams with clarity.
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Law Careers
First Class Essay Structure
A step-by-step guide to structuring high-scoring law essays, from a strong introduction to analytical body paragraphs and a focused conclusion.
EO Careers Team
If you’re exploring different pathways within the legal profession, our Law Careers hub brings together guidance on career options, study routes, and long-term progression.
Strong essays are not defined by how much you know, but by how clearly and persuasively you organise your knowledge.
Markers are not looking for long descriptions of the law. They are assessing whether you can identify the relevant issues, analyse authority, and present a coherent argument that directly answers the question set. Structure is what allows them to see this.
A first-class essay follows a clear, logical progression. Each section has a specific purpose, and each paragraph earns its place by advancing the overall argument. When structure is right, analysis becomes easier to follow, arguments become sharper, and marks increase as a result.
The framework below sets out a reliable structure you can apply to most law essays, regardless of subject area.
Introduction
A strong introduction sets the tone for the entire essay and signals to the examiner that your answer will be focused, analytical, and well-structured.
Begin with a compelling opening that draws the reader in. This might be a relevant quotation, a provocative statement, a short anecdote, or a focused question that highlights the legal issue under discussion. The aim is not to be dramatic, but to demonstrate confidence and engagement with the topic.
Next, provide concise background information to place the issue in context. This should help the reader understand the legal problem or debate without drifting into unnecessary detail. Avoid summarising the entire area of law — only include what is essential for framing your argument.
You should then clearly state the central argument of the essay. Strong essays move beyond vague aims such as “This essay will discuss…” and instead adopt a clear position. Where possible, use assertive phrasing such as “This essay argues that…” to show analytical intent.
Finally, outline the structure of the essay. Briefly signpost the main stages of your argument so the examiner knows what to expect. This should be concise and directional, for example:
“First, the concept of X will be examined, followed by an analysis of Y, before considering the implications of Z.”
Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should develop one clear point that supports your overall argument.
Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that states the point being made. This sentence should be clear enough that, if read alone, it signals the paragraph’s purpose.
You should then elaborate on the point by explaining the legal reasoning behind it. This is where you demonstrate understanding of legal principles and how they apply to the issue at hand.
Next, support your reasoning with evidence. This may include case law, statutory provisions, academic commentary, or other authoritative sources. Crucially, do not simply state the evidence. You must analyse it. Explain why it matters, how it supports your argument, and any limitations or counterarguments that arise.
End each paragraph with a brief mini-conclusion. This should summarise the key point and show how it links to the next stage of the argument. This creates flow and coherence, both of which are heavily rewarded in first-class answers.
Conclusion
A first-class conclusion does not introduce new material.
Begin by briefly restating the main arguments of the essay, showing how they fit together to support your overall thesis. This reinforces the logical structure of your answer.
You should then reaffirm your central argument in light of the analysis presented. This demonstrates confidence in your reasoning and shows that your conclusion follows naturally from the discussion.
Finish with a strong closing sentence that encapsulates the significance of your argument or leaves the reader with a thought-provoking insight. This might reflect on wider implications, unresolved tensions, or the future development of the law but only where this flows directly from the body of the essay.
Want to access First-Class Notes?
If you’re aiming for top marks, you can also explore our First-Class Law Notes resource, which breaks down how high-scoring students structure answers, revise effectively, and approach exams with clarity.
Law Careers
First Class Essay Structure
A step-by-step guide to structuring high-scoring law essays, from a strong introduction to analytical body paragraphs and a focused conclusion.
EO Careers Team
If you’re exploring different pathways within the legal profession, our Law Careers hub brings together guidance on career options, study routes, and long-term progression.
Strong essays are not defined by how much you know, but by how clearly and persuasively you organise your knowledge.
Markers are not looking for long descriptions of the law. They are assessing whether you can identify the relevant issues, analyse authority, and present a coherent argument that directly answers the question set. Structure is what allows them to see this.
A first-class essay follows a clear, logical progression. Each section has a specific purpose, and each paragraph earns its place by advancing the overall argument. When structure is right, analysis becomes easier to follow, arguments become sharper, and marks increase as a result.
The framework below sets out a reliable structure you can apply to most law essays, regardless of subject area.
Introduction
A strong introduction sets the tone for the entire essay and signals to the examiner that your answer will be focused, analytical, and well-structured.
Begin with a compelling opening that draws the reader in. This might be a relevant quotation, a provocative statement, a short anecdote, or a focused question that highlights the legal issue under discussion. The aim is not to be dramatic, but to demonstrate confidence and engagement with the topic.
Next, provide concise background information to place the issue in context. This should help the reader understand the legal problem or debate without drifting into unnecessary detail. Avoid summarising the entire area of law — only include what is essential for framing your argument.
You should then clearly state the central argument of the essay. Strong essays move beyond vague aims such as “This essay will discuss…” and instead adopt a clear position. Where possible, use assertive phrasing such as “This essay argues that…” to show analytical intent.
Finally, outline the structure of the essay. Briefly signpost the main stages of your argument so the examiner knows what to expect. This should be concise and directional, for example:
“First, the concept of X will be examined, followed by an analysis of Y, before considering the implications of Z.”
Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should develop one clear point that supports your overall argument.
Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that states the point being made. This sentence should be clear enough that, if read alone, it signals the paragraph’s purpose.
You should then elaborate on the point by explaining the legal reasoning behind it. This is where you demonstrate understanding of legal principles and how they apply to the issue at hand.
Next, support your reasoning with evidence. This may include case law, statutory provisions, academic commentary, or other authoritative sources. Crucially, do not simply state the evidence. You must analyse it. Explain why it matters, how it supports your argument, and any limitations or counterarguments that arise.
End each paragraph with a brief mini-conclusion. This should summarise the key point and show how it links to the next stage of the argument. This creates flow and coherence, both of which are heavily rewarded in first-class answers.
Conclusion
A first-class conclusion does not introduce new material.
Begin by briefly restating the main arguments of the essay, showing how they fit together to support your overall thesis. This reinforces the logical structure of your answer.
You should then reaffirm your central argument in light of the analysis presented. This demonstrates confidence in your reasoning and shows that your conclusion follows naturally from the discussion.
Finish with a strong closing sentence that encapsulates the significance of your argument or leaves the reader with a thought-provoking insight. This might reflect on wider implications, unresolved tensions, or the future development of the law but only where this flows directly from the body of the essay.
Want to access First-Class Notes?
If you’re aiming for top marks, you can also explore our First-Class Law Notes resource, which breaks down how high-scoring students structure answers, revise effectively, and approach exams with clarity.
