The thesis (last sentence of the introductory paragraph) should detail what exactly is the task: Paul Simon sang that there are “fifty ways to leave your lover,” but with my formula, you need only one. The topic sentences to the paragraphs should detail each major step. First, secure a relationship with someone else. Suggestion: try to find some ironic distance between what you write and what you mean. Use Lorrie Moore’s “How to Become a Writer” and Hemingway’s “Camping Out” as templates.