Five Paragraph Essay Notes

Eighth Grade English Language Arts

Five Paragraph Essay Five paragraphs in expository writing

1. Introduction- Usually a paragraph with a Thesis Statement as the last sentence of the paragraph. In this essay it will just be a Thesis Statement

2. Body Paragraph 1- Topic Sentence, Developing Idea, Quotation, Analysis of Quotation, Transition

3. Body Paragraph 2- Topic Sentence, Developing Idea, Quotation, Analysis of Quotation, Transition

4. Body Paragraph 3-Topic Sentence, Developing Idea, Quotation, Analysis of Quotation, conclusion

5. Conclusion

Body Paragraphs (2-4)Has a guiding topic sentence.Connects a specific example/point back to the thesis

statement.Provides textual evidence in support of both the thesis

statement/topic sentence.Analyzes the text specifically and in detail.Begins with a transition to the new idea explored in the

body paragraph and Concludes by tying the ideas in the paragraph back to

the “so what” point.

DO NOT:Summarize.Introduce the next idea/point/paragraph in

conclusion.Develop a completely new argument akin to a

separate thesis statement

Topic SentenceTOPs (Topic Sentence) is the main

idea of the paragraph (not a detail)The TOPs is one sentence in

lengthIt is the first sentence of a body

paragraphIt is the interpretation or

argument that the entire paragraph will focus on

Developing IdeaThe TOPs is followed by a developing

idea.The developing idea develops the TOPs.

It further expands on the idea in the TOPsAnswers how and why

The developing idea is 1-3 sentences immediately following the TOPs.

Example and QuotationExample from story- The example illustrates the

TOPs in 1-2 sentences.Quotation- Quotations are taken from the text

and cited properly.They are integrated into the example.Quotations provide PROOF of the argument or

interpretation.1-3 sentences

QuotationsQuotations should not be any longer than three lines

in your essay– more than that, and it is considered a block quote.

The quoted text can be but is not necessarily spoken. Whatever appears between quotations marks should

be exactly what the text/person wrote or said. Quotations should be followed by a page number in

parentheses. Punctuation must appear within quotation marks, but

outside of parentheses.

Ways to Integrate Quotations:

Introduce the quotation with a complete sentence and a colon.

Use an introductory or explanatory phrase, but not a complete sentence, separated from the quotation with a comma.

Make the quotation a part of your own sentence without any punctuation between your own words and the words you are quoting.

Use short quotations--only a few words--as part of your own sentence.

Dialogue TagsWhen you introduce a quote, it is too easy to

say: Odysseus thinks, ‘….’ or Penelope says, ‘…’Instead, use dialogue tags to make evident your

understanding of the emotion being displayed by these characters.

Dialogue TagsAcknowledges Complains Replies

Admits Cries Requests

Agrees Demands Screams

Answers Mutters Shouts

Argues Nags Sobs

Asks Pleads Whimpers

Barks Promises Whines

Begs Remembers Wonders

Inference or Analysis of Quotation

Inference or Analysis of the Quotation- An analysis of the quote in relation to the TOPs.

It is NOT a summary, it is an analysis.How does this quotation prove your argumentDO NOT Start your analysis with “This quote

says/shows/means/proves/etc.” Show don’t tell!

2-4 sentences

Concluding SentenceThe conclusion is the final sentence of the body

paragraph.It is NOT a recap of the paragraph.The conclusion interconnects the main idea of

the paragraph with the “so what-ness”?The conclusion illustrates the significance and

consequences of your idea.

Concluding Paragraphs A conclusion should

Restate the TAG stress the importance of the thesis statement, give the essay a sense of completeness, and leave a final impression on the reader.

A conclusion is usually two to four sentences but in this case it can only be one, as long as it includes: TAG + How we read the text (characterization) + Main Idea 1 + Main Idea 2 + Main

Idea 3 + SW

  Through the use of characterization in his epic, The Odyssey, Homer illustrates

how only by virtue of (character’s name and character’s three traits) are the kingdom and justice restored in Ithaca.

 

Transition SentencesTransition sentences are one sentence in length.They connect to the topic sentence and show

how that idea is also impacted by your next idea.

More:Address the prompt immediately, do not take a

circuitous route with generalizations.Be thorough and specific. Do not simply “point

out” strategies. Explain how they are used, give examples, and show how they establish what the question is asking.

Use clear transitions that help the reader follow the flow of your essay. Keep your paragraphs organized and do not digress.

And still more:Write to express, not to impress. Keep

vocabulary within your zone of competence.

Maintain an economy of language: saying much with few words. The best student writers see much, but say it quite succinctly.

Create a draft. There is a template for drafting a five paragraph essay in your writing packet. USE IT!