How do I structure an essay?

Start off with a simple and short introduction that clarifies your ideas, and 'flow' of your essay (where your argument will lead). In this introduction, include the points of focus that you will explore in each paragraph. Then, in each paragraph state your argument, and back it up with evidence (a quotation or context for example) and explain the relevance of the evidence given. Repeat this for each paragraph. To conclude, summarise your overall argument - state in a nut shell your response to the question (also trying to disprove any counter-argument that would say otherwise).