How to Write a Five Paragraph Essay

The Basic 5 Paragraph Essay IntroductionBody Paragraph OneBody Paragraph TwoBody Paragraph ThreeConclusion

Introduction This is where your reader learns what the essay is

about. It should be clear from the introduction what you are going to teach them!

Paragraph should have at least three sentences addressing this general topic. If the main topic is the unprecedented appeal of the Harry

Potter books, you could begin with several general remarks about the fantasy genre.

Introduction (Cont.) Start with an interesting statement that will grab the

reader’s attention. Avoid a boring line like -- In this essay I will explain why the

Harry Potter series is so popular. A more interesting sentence would be – Have you ever wanted

to visit a place where people can fly, animals can talk, and

dragons are a common sight? That world exists—in books.

Thesis Statement Introduces the specific focus of the essay. Should contain the names of the text and the

author, as well as each point that will be proven in the paper.

It is the last sentence of the introductory paragraph. The Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling use magic,

likeable characters and the universal struggle between good and evil to successfully appeal to adolescents disinterested in reading.

The three body paragraphs will focus on the three topics introduced in the thesis.

The Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling use magic, likeable char-acters and the universal struggle

between good and evil to successfully appeal to adolescents

disinterested in reading.

Magic Likeable CharactersUniversal Struggle

Between Good and Evil

Body Paragraphs Opens with a topic sentence which states the point you are

making in the paragraph, as well as the evidence you will present in support of your argument.

Paragraph should have at least three supporting sentences in addition to the topic and concluding sentences. The magic used in the Harry Potter books creates a whimsical

atmosphere that sets the stage for fantastic adventures for Harry and his friends. One such adventure is …

Body Paragraphs (Cont.)Each of these sentences must connect

back to the point of the topic sentence, as well as enhance it.

Do not let the supporting sentences veer off into new directions. Make sure each sentence either explains or supports the topic.

Conclusion Recaps the entire essay. Restates the thesis. Briefly recounts the arguments made in the body

paragraphs. May introduce related conclusion reached by the

arguments made in the paper. If authors targeting the adolescent market would spend a

little more time on character development, they could duplicate J. K. Rowling’s success.

Tips to RememberEach sentence should have a purpose. Try

not to ramble. Make sure that the great topic that wows

you during a brainstorming session is actually in line with the assignment.

Don’t be afraid to consult a thesaurus—too much repetition of a word can strike a sour note in your paper.

Credit/Sourceshttp://www.bookrags.com/articles/4.htmlwww.dukecityfix.com/magick.php/media/

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