Which of the following is NOT a component of an effective essay?

An effective essay is characterized by its structured components, which typically include an introduction that presents the main idea, a body that develops that idea with supporting arguments and evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes the key points. A strong thesis statement is essential because it provides a clear, concise argument that guides the direction of the essay. Additionally, including a thorough bibliography is important in academic writing as it acknowledges the sources used, allowing readers to reference them and establishing credibility.

The presence of structure and cohesion in an essay is vital in making it coherent and impactful. A lack of structure or cohesion would undermine the clarity and effectiveness of the essay, making it difficult for the reader to follow the writer's argument or understand the main points being communicated. Therefore, the absence of these elements is what disqualifies option D from being a component of an effective essay.