Basic Five Paragraph Basic Five Paragraph EssayEssay

Here are some basic tips when Here are some basic tips when writing a five paragraph essay:writing a five paragraph essay:• Think of your essay as a math formula Think of your essay as a math formula

or steps that need to be taken to get or steps that need to be taken to get to the finish line. to the finish line.

• These steps can be written in any These steps can be written in any order as long as the essay flows when order as long as the essay flows when it is finished. It should sound as it is finished. It should sound as though it follows an order rather than though it follows an order rather than just jumbled thoughts.just jumbled thoughts.

• The essay must have the following:The essay must have the following:

The introductionThe introduction• The introduction should begin with The introduction should begin with

attention-getters to attract your attention-getters to attract your reader’s attention.reader’s attention.

• It then supplies enough background It then supplies enough background information so that your reader information so that your reader understands your topic.understands your topic.

• Typically, the last sentence will be the Typically, the last sentence will be the thesis statement. thesis statement.

Body paragraphsBody paragraphs• All body paragraphs begin with a topic All body paragraphs begin with a topic

sentence.sentence.• In this case, this topic sentence is In this case, this topic sentence is

supported by a direct quotation or a supported by a direct quotation or a paraphrase introduced with a transitional paraphrase introduced with a transitional device and cited properly.device and cited properly.

• Next, explain how this proves your topic Next, explain how this proves your topic sentence.sentence.

• Last, end with a concluding sentence.Last, end with a concluding sentence.• Continue this pattern for the second and Continue this pattern for the second and

third body paragraphs.third body paragraphs.

ConclusionConclusion• The conclusion is the place to sum up The conclusion is the place to sum up

your essay and re-state your thesis your essay and re-state your thesis statement in different words. statement in different words.

• New information does not belong in New information does not belong in the conclusion.the conclusion.

• Introduction with attention-getters, background information, Introduction with attention-getters, background information, and a thesis statementand a thesis statement

• 11stst body paragraph body paragraphTopic SentenceTopic SentenceEither a direct quotation or a paraphrase introduced with a Either a direct quotation or a paraphrase introduced with a transitional device and cited properly.transitional device and cited properly.An explanation.An explanation.A concluding sentence. A concluding sentence.

• 22ndnd body paragraph body paragraphTopic SentenceTopic SentenceEither a direct quotation or a paraphrase introduced Either a direct quotation or a paraphrase introduced

with a transitional device and cited properly.with a transitional device and cited properly.An explanation.An explanation.A concluding sentence. A concluding sentence.

• 33rdrd body paragraph body paragraphTopic SentenceTopic SentenceEither a direct quotation or a paraphrase introduced Either a direct quotation or a paraphrase introduced

with a transitional device and cited properly.with a transitional device and cited properly.An explanation.An explanation.A concluding sentence. A concluding sentence.

• Conclusion with re-stated thesis statementConclusion with re-stated thesis statement