Taken from the University Writing Center, Cal Poly Pomona
The Five-Paragraph Essay
This essay format is really a formula for an instant essay organization. Essays written in
this style are often simplistic and formulaic, but it is possible to write a good essay if you
have good content and think about your readers a bit. This format is especially useful for
timed essay exams.
Sample topic: What is the purpose of a college education, and does Cal Poly Pomona
fulfill this purpose?
Introduction
Lead or Hook.
Thesis statement. (At left it is
underlined, but you don't have to
underline it.)
Point 1.
Point 2.
Point 3.
Body 1
Topic Sentence about point 1.
Supporting details: facts, reasons,
examples, arguments.
Body 2
Transitional phrase, topic sentence
about point 2.
Supporting details: facts, reasons,
examples, arguments.
Body 3
Transitional phrase, topic sentence
about point 3.
Supporting details: facts, reasons,
examples, arguments.
Conclusion
Brief summary of information.
Restatement of thesis.
When most students graduate from high
school, they are tired of school. They don’t
want to go to school for four more years.
However, without a college degree, it is hard
to get a good job. In my opinion, the purpose
of college is to prepare you for a good career.
Cal Poly Pomona prepares you because it has
many popular degree programs. It also has
many good teachers and a “learn by doing”
philosophy.
The degree programs at Cal Poly lead
directly into good jobs in industry. For
example, the Hotel and Restaurant
Management program prepares students for a
career in the hospitality industry. The
Electrical and Computer Engineering program
is also popular in our high tech society. (Add
more)
Another benefit at Cal Poly is the high
quality faculty. For example, my Engineering
professor worked for many years in industry,
and really knows what companies are looking
for. (Add more)
In addition, Cal Poly has a hands on,
“learn by doing” teaching philosophy. This
means that students work on real projects with
real materials, plants and animals. For
example . . . (Add more)
Choosing the right college or university
can make a big difference in preparing you for
a career. Cal Poly Pomona is the right
university for me because of its attractive
degree programs, good teachers, and hands on
teaching methods. It might be the right choice
for you too.