The Five Paragraph Essay

1. The Five Paragraph Essay

2. Five-paragraph essay Intro: The food in the cafeteria is bad. It lacks variety, it’s unhealthy, and it is always overcooked. In this essay I will discuss these three characteristics. Body paragraph one: The first reason cafeteria food is bad is that there is no variety. (Plus examples, e.g., no salad bar, mostly fried food, etc.) Body paragraph 2: Another reason cafeteria food is so bad is that it is not healthy. (Plus reasons, e.g., high cholesterol, too many hot dogs, too much sugar, etc.) Body paragraph 3: In addition, the food is always overcooked. (Plus examples, e.g., vegetables are mushy, “mystery” meat is always tough, etc.) Conclusion: Thus, we see. . . (re-statement of introduction and thesis)

3. More complex essay • Intro: The food in the cafeteria is bad. It lacks variety, it’s unhealthy, and it is always overcooked. In this essay I will discuss these three characteristics. • How do you define “bad?” Other options: • Taste • Selection • Freshness

4. More complex essay • Intro: The food in the cafeteria is bad. It lacks variety, it’s unhealthy, and it is always overcooked. In this essay I will discuss these three characteristics. • Body paragraph one: The first reason cafeteria food is bad is that there is no variety. (Plus examples, e.g., no salad bar, mostly fried food, etc.) • A lack of variety also is unhealthy. . . • Overcooked food also can be unhealthy. . .

5. More complex essay • Intro: The food in the cafeteria is bad. It lacks variety, it’s unhealthy, and it is always overcooked. In this essay I will discuss these three characteristics. • Body paragraph 2: Another reason cafeteria food is so bad is that it is not healthy. (Plus reasons, e.g., high cholesterol, too many hot dogs, too much sugar, etc.) • Overcooked food also can be unhealthy. . . • Lack of variety also can be unhealthy. . .

6. More complex essay • Intro: The food in the cafeteria is bad. It lacks variety, it’s unhealthy, and it is always overcooked. In this essay I will discuss these three characteristics. • Body paragraph 3: In addition, the food is always overcooked. • How do you define “overcooked?” • What about undercooked food? (previous sub-point begs the question—does the cafeteria ever serve undercooked food sometimes? Be clear and anticipate audience responses as active readers) • Overcooked food can be unhealthy too. . .

7. More complex essay • Conclusion: Thus, we see the food in the cafeteria is bad because it lacks variety, is unhealthy, and is always overcooked. . . . (re-statement of introduction and thesis) • A thorough analysis of what the cafeteria provides compared to what the customers want and need brings out multiple discrepancies. Many healthful options are available that when prepared in a more healthy way can reduce complaints and increase satisfaction. . . While the food is not a panacea for overall health, it certainly constitutes a major piece of the healthy pie.