Writing a 5-Paragraph Essay

1. Writing a 5-Paragraph Essay

2. Introduction Paragraph • catches the reader’s interest, sets the tone of the composition, and presents the thesis statement • Techniques for writing an introduction include: • Begin with a question • Begin with an anecdote or example • Begin with a startling fact or an unusual opinion • Begin with background information • Set the scene • Begin with a simple statement of your thesis

3. Structure of the Introduction • The structure of an introduction should resemble a funnel by starting with general information that becomes more specific as the writer approaches the thesis statement

4. Introductions should also include: • Thesis statement – a sentence at the end of your introduction that announces your topic and what you want to say about it

5. Techniques for Writing a Thesis Statement: • Decide on your topic and what you are trying to prove • Tell the reader what the three main examples are that you plan to use to support your idea • Example: In The Crucible, John Proctor struggles with his internal conflict, struggles to maintain his morals, and struggles to make a final decision. • Transition from information used in your introduction to the main points you plan to discuss.

6. Body Paragraphs • should have the qualities of unity, coherence, and elaboration • Unity – sentences work together as a unit to support main idea • Coherence – details and ideas are logically arranged and clearly connected • Elaboration – contains supporting sentences that thoroughly develop the main idea • Should include examples of supporting evidence by using specific events that occur in the text

7. Parts of each body paragraph • Emphasize one main idea presented in your thesis statement • Parts of a body paragraph include: • Topic sentence – directly states the paragraph’s main idea, often is the first sentence in the paragraph • Supporting sentences – supports the main idea of the paragraph, uses sensory details, facts, and examples • Clincher sentences –emphasizes or summarizes the main idea of a paragraph, includes a transitional phrase

8. Conclusion Paragraph • ties the writers ideas together and explains them thoroughly • Techniques for writing a conclusion include: • Restating the main idea • Refer to the introduction • End with a thoughtful comment, a personal reaction, or a look to the future • Use a quotation • End with a call to action • Summarize the main points developed in the body • Restate your thesis statement

9. Structure of a Conclusion • The structure of a conclusion should resemble an upside down funnel, where information is more specific at the top (thesis statement is restated at the top) and then information is more general towards the bottom

10. Sample Outline for a 5-Paragraph Essay Proctor’s Internal Conflict – Man vs. Self • Introduction • Beginning technique: Is John Proctor a good man? • Thesis Statement: In The Crucible, John Proctor struggles with his internal conflict, struggles to maintain his morals, and struggles to make a final decision. • Body Paragraph 1: description of the conflict • Body Paragraph 2: factors that help him come to a decision • Body Paragraph 3: the final decision he makes • Conclusion • Restate the thesis statement: Therefore, John Proctor struggles with his internal conflict, struggles to maintain his morals, and struggles to make a final decision because he wants to see himself as a good man.