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Basic Five Paragraph EssayBasic Five Paragraph Essay

Copy & Design: Verna Fisher

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 or Think of your essay as a math formula or steps that need to be taken to get to the steps that need to be taken to get to the finish line. finish line.

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

• All five paragraph essays have the All five paragraph essays have the following:following:

• An introductionAn introduction 11

• Three body paragraphsThree body paragraphs +3 +3

• A conclusionA conclusion _ 1___ 1__Total paragraphsTotal paragraphs 55

The introductionThe introduction

• The introduction should be the place The introduction should be the place to start presenting your topic.to start presenting your topic.

• Typically, the last sentence will also Typically, the last sentence will also include a thesis statement. include a thesis statement.

• A thesis statement is one sentence A thesis statement is one sentence that clearly tells the reader what that clearly tells the reader what your paper will be about, and it often your paper will be about, and it often has a point to prove.has a point to prove.

Body paragraphsBody paragraphs

• Think of three items dealing with your Think of three items dealing with your topic that you’d like to discuss.topic that you’d like to discuss.

• The first item will be your first body The first item will be your first body paragraph.paragraph.

• Now, come up with two or three Now, come up with two or three examples that have to do with the item. examples that have to do with the item. Use details to make the examples clear.Use details to make the examples clear.

• Continue this pattern for the second Continue this pattern for the second and third body paragraphs.and 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.

Sample worksheetSample worksheet(Feel free to print this out and fill in the blanks)(Feel free to print this out and fill in the blanks)

• Introduction with thesis statementIntroduction with thesis statement• 11stst body paragraph body paragraph

– Example 1Example 1– Example 2Example 2– Example 3Example 3

• 22ndnd body paragraph body paragraph– Example 1Example 1– Example 2Example 2– Example 3Example 3

• 33rdrd body paragraph body paragraph– Example 1Example 1– Example 2Example 2– Example 3Example 3

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