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5 Paragraph EssayOutlinePart I
Paragraph 1: Introductory Paragraph
Your introduction must include the following:O An opening statement
Try to begin your essay with an opening statement that captures the reader’s attention and makes them want to read more.
Example:The Allies were convinced that the German position on the ridge was invincible but the Canadians would quickly prove them wrong.
Paragraph 1: IntroductionO Thesis Statement
You must include a thesis statement in your introduction.
It is the focus of your essay. It tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the essay.
is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation. In other words, it tells the reader what you are going to “prove”.
Introductory Paragraph Continued
O Your three subtopics You must introduce your subtopics in
your introduction. It tells the reader how you are going
to prove your thesis. Don’t give too much information
about your subtopics in your introduction. Save it for the body of your essay.
Examples:
Canadians planned, commanded, and executed the entire attack on Vimy Ridge.
The new strategies and new technologies that Canadians used to execute the invasion of Vimy Ridge were the reasons for the success of the attack and changed the way wars would be fought.
Canadians captured the ridge from the Germans after the failure of other nations and, as a result, Vimy Ridge marked the birth of Canada as a strong and independent nation.
Introductory Paragraph Continued
O Historical Setting In a history essay, you should give a
historical setting fact in your introduction to let the reader know what time period your essay is about.
Example:The capture of Vimy Ridge by Canadian forces in World War I was the most significant defining moment in Canadian history.
Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4: Development
O In a 5 paragraph essay, you should have 3 subtopics (arguments, main points) to support/prove your thesis. More than that and your essay will be unfocused, less than that means you will not be able to successfully support/prove your thesis.
O In a history essay, your subtopics should be arranged in chronological order or you could arrange it with a strong point at the beginning, a weaker point in the middle, and your strongest point at the end. You decide what works best for your essay.
Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4: Development
O Begin with a topic sentence to let the reader know what that paragraph is about (the subtopic you will be talking about in that paragraph).
Example:Allied forces had attempted to capture Vimy Ridge from German forces but were unsuccessful using traditional tactics but Canadians used alternative plans that would prove to be a brilliant and highly successful strategy.
Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4: Development
O Use evidence/facts to support your subtopic/argument. In other words, use history to prove your point.
Examples:• Troops built a full-scale model of Vimy
Ridge and practiced again and again so everyone knew exactly what they needed to do
• Every soldier was given a copy of a map of Vimy Ridge and were made aware of the plan
Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4: Body of Essay
O Before moving on to the next subtopic, you must end your paragraph with a statement that sums up the subtopic you discussed in your paragraph and connects it back to your thesis.
Example:Due to the thorough planning, dedication, and bravery of the Canadian soldiers, Canada was able to capture Vimy Ridge making this the most important defining moment in the history of the nation.
Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4: Body of Essay
O Do the same thing for each of your three body paragraphs.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
OYou must restate your thesis and your subtopics in your thesis.
Paragraph 5: Concluding Paragraph
O Try to end your essay with a statement that leaves the reader with some “food for thought”. In other words, leave them with something to reflect upon or think about.
Example:It is difficult to imagine a more significant event in our history than Vimy Ridge. What other event could have contributed as much to making Canada the strong and independent country that it is today?
O This is a formal essay so please do not use the first person tense (I, me, my, etc.)
O Avoid using contractions (Don’t, can’t, isn’t, etc.)O Do not use slang (Compared to the Canadian
soldiers, the German soldiers sucked.)O Be sure to provide all of the essential information
and leave out information that is not relevant to your thesis (For example, General Currie’s shoe size doesn’t prove that Vimy Ridge was a defining moment in Canadian history but his strategies do)
