How to Write an Essay in Five-paragraph Form

For many students, the five-paragraph essay form is usually practiced throughout high school. Although writing an essay can be difficult, don’t fret. The five paragraph formula will help give your essay order and organization.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Topic for your essay.
• Outline
• Practice
• Writing Utensil & Paper
• Or a Working Computer

1. The first paragraph of the essay is in the introduction. In this first paragraph you should
   Include a topic sentence (the general theme of your essay). Here you are introducing the topic of your essay to the reader. Your job in this paragraph is too narrow down the focus of the reader to your essay. Grab their attention and make them want to read more! You can do this by adding intrusting (facts) background information about your topic. Once you have their interest you end the introductory paragraph with a thesis statement. The thesis statement is a claim or point followed by three subtopics, which will in effect become your three body paragraphs.

2. Your three body paragraphs will all have the same formula. You begin with a topic sentence, (i.e. the first subtopic in your thesis statement), and then you will add supporting details for your topic sentence (claim/point). This could be facts, quotes, examples, anecdotes, personal experiences and so on. After this you should be able to explain the connection between your claim and the supporting detail. Your body paragraph will then end with a mini-conclusion statement. This sentence can also be treated as a transition sentence to your next body paragraph or the conclusion (if it is the third body paragraph). The transition will simply have a transitional word, or phrase that will lead the reader to the next paragraph.

3. Lastly the conclusion paragraph restates the thesis. You summarize your essays main ideas and leave your reading with a powerful last thought. You may begin this paragraph with a topic sentence that goes back to the first paragraph. Your next sentence then should include connecting your three body paragraphs (main ideas) and proving your point. The final sentence is what will point out the significance of your essay’s main idea.

Tips & Warnings

• The trick to writing a five-paragraph essay is to take it in steps. Don’t try to write a whole essay in one step. Take each paragraph separately and then return to it at the end to connect all your ideas (paragraphs). Remember practice makes perfect!

[jaicard]

on 11/1/2009 Great article that will help lots of students!

[czavala8]

on 10/30/2009 Very informative, guide me to help my son in his essay, thanks

[myvonnejones]

on 10/19/2009 I went over this topic again today with my students. I will refer them to your article for future reference. Good stuff, on point.

[pjb1018]

on 10/2/2009 Thanks for the info - I will pass on to my college kids.

[meeke]

on 10/1/2009 Very good article.5*