Planning A Five-Paragraph Essay

• Part A= The Introduction• Part B= The Main Body

Paragraphs3 paragraphs make the body

paragraphs

• Part C= the Conclusion

The Five-Paragraph EssayThe Five-Paragraph Essay

This essay format (layout) is well named. It tells you exactly what you are to write:

-an introduction

paragraph #1

-three body paragraphs

paragraph # 2

paragraph # 3

paragraph # 4

-a conclusion

paragraph # 5

The Introduction Paragraph• First, introduce your general topic.• Next, state your point of view on the

topic.• Grab the attention of the reader.

The future existence of polar bears on the planet is in serious danger as a result of global warming.

Once your statement is made, you must never leave your topic. Every paragraph and every sentence in the rest of the essay must tie back to your idea/topic.

The topic is: Polar bears are in danger.

The topic has clued in the reader.

Because polar bears are rare, the reader is probably hooked. He/She will want to keep reading and know how and why this is happening, and perhaps what can be done about it as well.

Thesis Statement or Topic

The Main Body ParagraphsThe three paragraphs that form the body

of the essay should focus on a different aspect of the argument. The polar bear writer might want to devote individual paragraphs to ideas like:

statistics about the decline in the polar bear population explain the reason(s) for the decline, such as the melting of the

ice pack that supports the polar bear habitat examples from animal study groups on the polar bear quotations from environmental groups looking for solutions to

solve the problem

Each paragraph must include a topic sentence and supporting ideas on the main idea.

Transitions from Paragraph to Paragraph

• You shouldn’t jump from one paragraph to another without “building a bridge” from idea to idea. You can do this with phrases like:another example ofsinceeven thoughmore importantly

The Concluding Paragraph

• The conclusion of a well written five-paragraph essay does not just restate information from the introduction. Instead, a good conclusion presents originality to wrapping-up. Maybe:

an explanation about the importance of the topic to the reader

an explanation of the debatable issues about the topic (for example, perhaps some scientists claim the danger to polar bears is exaggerated)

stating your own point of view on issues about polar bears.

This is your chance to get the reader’s support. It is also your last chance to convince the reader of the value of your information.

The Beginning of a Five-Paragraph Essay

Topic= What qualities do you look for in a friend?

_________________________________________________________________

Title of essay:

_________________________________________________________________

Introductory paragraph:

_________________________________________________________________

Body paragraph 1:

_________________________________________________________________

Body paragraph 2:

_________________________________________________________________

Body paragraph 3:

_________________________________________________________________

Conclusion: