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The Five-Paragraph Essay: Overview

The document outlines the structure and elements of a five-paragraph essay. It includes an introduction paragraph with a thesis statement, three central body paragraphs that each include a topic sentence, evidence, analysis and transition to the next paragraph, and a conclusion paragraph that restates the thesis and leaves the reader with a final thought. Each section provides guidelines on what to include, such as using a motivator in the introduction or including a reminder of the thesis in each topic sentence. A checklist is also provided to help writers structure and review their essay.

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132 views14 pages

The Five-Paragraph Essay: Overview

The document outlines the structure and elements of a five-paragraph essay. It includes an introduction paragraph with a thesis statement, three central body paragraphs that each include a topic sentence, evidence, analysis and transition to the next paragraph, and a conclusion paragraph that restates the thesis and leaves the reader with a final thought. Each section provides guidelines on what to include, such as using a motivator in the introduction or including a reminder of the thesis in each topic sentence. A checklist is also provided to help writers structure and review their essay.

Uploaded by

estelle_w
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Five-Paragraph Essay

Overview

Elements:
1

Introduction First Central Paragraph Second Central Paragraph Third Central Paragraph Conclusion

Introductory Paragraph
Begin with a motivator:
The purpose of the motivator is to simply get your reader interested in reading more. (i.e. - motivating the reader)

A strong, opinionated thesis statement:


Your thesis should carry the main idea of your entire essay. (Each paragraph should refer back to this statement.)

Central Paragraphs

Your essay should have three central paragraphs. Each of these paragraphs should support your essays main point. A central paragraph is like a one-paragraph essay with an idea sentence at the beginning and specific support following.

Each Central Paragraph should include:


A transition word or sentence A set-up for your quote A short quote lengthy quotes take up space and detract from
your commentary and your essay as a whole.

A correct citation: (Sutcliff, 188) and then (192).


(The period is taken from the quote and follows the last parenthesis.)

Your insightful commentary: This should always refer back to your thesis. Your last sentence should lead into the first sentence of your next paragraph.

Verbs Used to Write Interesting Essays


allows attempts attributes bears carries combines contains contributes conveys creates demonstrates denotes depicts describes determines discloses endeavors epitomizes establishes exemplifies exists exposes expresses heightens illuminates illustrates implies includes indicates involves lacks marks necessitates occurs pictures points out portrays promises proves provides reflects reinforces remains renders represents responds results reveals reviews revolves serves shows signifies specifies summarizes sums sustains symbolizes typifies uncovers unmasks unveils visualizes

Common Transitions
To add and idea: also, another, equally important, finally, furthermore, in addition, last, likewise, moreover, most important, next, second, third To give an example: as a case in point, as an illustration, consider, for example, for instance To make a contrast: and yet, but, however, instead, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still To begin a conclusion: as a result, clearly, hence, in conclusion, no wonder, obviously, then, therefore, thus

Conclusion
The last paragraph of your essay should give a sense of finality. Your conclusion should have two parts:
a reworded thesis statement and a clincher

They are intended to remind your readers what your reader has just learned from your 3 central paragraphs. Your final sentence should leave the reader no doubt that your essay has ended.

Checklist:
Introduction:
______ Does your introduction begin with a motivator?

______ Does your introduction have a thesis statement?


______ Does your thesis statement have a limited subject? ______ Does your thesis have a precise opinion?

______ Do your central paragraphs relate to

Checklist:
Central Paragraphs:
______ Does each central paragraph begin with a topic sentence? ______ Does each topic sentence have a transition from the previous paragraph?

______ Does each topic sentence state the main idea of the paragraph?
______ Is your example specific enough to be convincing?

Checklist:
Central Paragraphs (cont.):
______ Do you analyze your example fully to make the relation to the topic sentence clear (coherence)? ______ Does your example include a reminder of the opinion in the topic sentence (coherence)?

______ Do you have transitions at critical

Checklist:
Conclusion:
______ Does your conclusion have a reworded thesis statement? ______ Does your conclusion end with a clincher? ______ Is your conclusion forward-thinking?

Checklist:
Other:
______ Is your essay convincing? ______ Is your essay interesting? ______ Have you checked the spelling of words youre unsure of? ______ Is your paper typed in Times New Roman, 12pt. font and double-spaced? ______ Does your essay have a proper heading and title? ______ Did you proofread, read aloud and/or

If you have checked your essay for all of the items on the checklist, you are ready to turn in your paper.

Well Done!

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