The Five Paragraph Essay
Organization and Structure
● Introduction:
◦ Introduces topic and clearly states a thesis
● Three body paragraphs:
◦ Contain evidential support and analysis of the
evidence
● Conclusion:
◦ Readdresses thesis in light of the evidence
provided
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The Introductory Paragraph
◦ Begins with a hook to draw in readers
◦ Introduces the topic.
◦ Gives some history, definitions, or explanations of
the topic (whatever is relevant/appropriate to the
topic)
◦ Moves from general information to specific
information
◦ States the thesis
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The Hook is how you grab your reader’s
attention in the first 1-2 sentences
- Begin with a quote
- Begin with an anecdote
- Begin with interesting or shocking information
- Begin with a definition
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The thesis is the road map that your readers follow when
reading your essay
A thesis is a one sentence summary of everything your essay
will discuss.
◦ The formula:
Claim + Supporting Point 1 + Supporting Point 2 +
Supporting Point 3
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Crafting a thesis:
Example topic : reading literature
Claim: reading literature is important for all students.
Supporting point 1: literature teaches valuable life lessons
Supporting point 2: literature teaches ethics
Supporting point 3: literature teaches us about other
cultures
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EXAMPLE THESIS STATEMENT
Reading literature is integral for all students because
literature teaches people valuable life lessons,
educates individuals about ethics, and exposes
readers to different cultural ideas.
C + SP1 + SP2 + SP3
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Other things to note about an intro:
Flow Length Structure Thesis
Don’t go Your intro should You should Your final
directly from be approximately move from sentence
your hook to five-seven general should be
your thesis. sentences information to your thesis
specific
information
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Body Paragraphs
What are the essential components for a paragraph?
Point - a topic sentence
Proof - evidence to back up your thesis
Analysis - explanation of the evidence
Body Paragraphs
Your essay should have at least three complete paragraphs
known as “body paragraphs.” This is where you will address
each supporting point mentioned in your thesis.
The supporting points in the thesis become the topic
sentences for each of your body paragraphs.
SP1 + SP2 + SP3
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Conclusion: Ending your essay effectively
● Similar to the intro, the conclusion of an essay should
reiterate the thesis statement but using “fresh” language.
● Do not introduce new ideas in the conclusion!
● The length of the conclusion should be about the same
length of your introduction.
Conclusions: Ending your essay effectively…
● If you’re ever going to convince the reader your thesis has
merit, it will be in the conclusion
● Consider returning to the hook in your introduction, but
add further insight that comes from the body of your essay.
● Leave your reader with an impactful last impression!
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