Guide to writing a five paragraph essay

Shakespeare once said, “The pen is mightier than the sword” but can a pen make a good writer? Probably no, essays follow a specific formula, not inspiration alone. Most high school essays and college essays have standardized structure; each essay must have a total of five paragraphs;

  • Introduction
  • Body 1
  • Body 2
  • Body 3
  • Conclusion

The five-paragraph arrangement is meant to make it easier for the reader to navigate through and find relevant information.

  • Introduction

The introduction presents your thesis statement and tells your viewpoint on the issue at hand. Begin your essay with a ‘hook’   to grab reader’s attention then move to your thesis. The thesis must be a one sentence explaining your stance giving your reader an idea of your argument. Provide a preview of examples you are going to use to support the thesis then finally make sure your last sentence moves the reader to the first body paragraph. Make sure the introduction paragraph has a maximum of four sentences. Do not use the passive voice, also avoid pronouns like Me, My and I be more general.

  • Body Paragraphs

A five-paragraph essay has three body paragraphs. The body paragraphs give details supporting the thesis statement. The first body paragraph must contain the most persuasive argument while the first sentence must carry the topic sentence. Explanation of examples given in the introduction paragraph is given and the reason why the example is appropriate.  Give context to the examples and provide relevant facts about the events that you believe illustrates your point.

Second body paragraph states the second point of view is giving supporting details and necessary examples. The third body paragraph does the same giving explanation of how the examples ascertain the thesis statement.

N/B. Make sure to create a common thread to tie things together in the body paragraphs. You may choose to use first, in the first paragraph, secondly the second paragraph then thirdly. You can also choose to use moreover, furthermore, on the other hand. A good choice regarding transition phrases is a guarantee to good writing allowing the reader to move smoothly from paragraph to paragraph.

  • Conclusion paragraph

It comes at the end of the essay giving you the last chance to rest your case. It contains a maximum of four sentences well-crafted to end the essay on a good note.  Begin your conclusion with a concluding transition like “in the end” or “in conclusion” then restate your thesis statement.  End your conclusion with a ‘call to action’ statement to show the reader that the discussion is now at its end.

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