The Thesis (one paragraph) :

Any time you are trying to make a point, it's best to know what that point is!

Your thesis statement should be a clear statement of the point you are trying to make, stated as a fact.

Let's evaluate these three examples:

1. I think computers help students.

This statement makes your point, but is is not very specific or forceful.  Using personal pronouns like "I" take away from the force of your thesis statement.  By starting with "I" your statement seems like just another opinion.

2. Computers are helpful to students.

This one is better because it has stated the point as fact.  However, it is still not very specific.  By simply saying something is "helpful" the point hardly seems worth making.  By writing something a little more specific, this thesis can really control the flow of your essay.

3. Computers are very valuable to the modern classroom.

Now we have it! By using the adjective "valuable" and eliminating the vague word "helpful,"  this sentence allows the essay to head in a specific direction.

Back It Up (three paragraphs):

No matter how cogent your point is, you must have three logical, defensible, and different reasons to support it.

These are discussed in the body of the paper.

When you incorporate research, the research is either the source for these "proofs" or the research should support them.

Conclusion (one paragraph):

The conclusion should be a summary or restatement of your argument.   Note, no one said repeat!

The other ingredient to a great conclusion is the "So What!" sentence.  This sentence provides a valid reason for having presented the argument, gives a carefully worded opinion, and/or extends the argument to the next logical conclusion.