Five-Paragraph Essay | Example
On the next page is an example of a five-paragraph essay. Either print it out (preferable) and have it on your desk,
or have it opened on your monitor as you go to the next Word Document entitled: 2. Firefighters – Discussion.
Keep in mind that the best approach to improving your writing skills is to WRITE and WRITE and then WRITE some
more. And whenever possible have someone read | review what you have written and provide constructive feedback. That
someone might be a spouse or other family member who possesses strong English composition skills. Or it may be a peer,
such as a friend who has already earned high marks in the first-year composition courses. However, the best reviewer is
probably a tutor in one of our Reading & Writing Centers. The tutors are professors who teach composition, and they are
experienced at working with students on their writing assignments.
FIRE-FIGHTERS
Imagine being trapped in a burning building! How are you going to escape? How will you survive? Are there
people who can help you get out of this inferno alive? Fortunately society has the professional fire-fighters to count
on. What qualities do they demonstrate in order to be a part of that respected group of professionals? Fire-fighters
come to your rescue in times of peril with three major qualities: strength, intelligence, and courage.
First, fire-fighters must pass stringent requirements regarding physical strength, agility, and endurance. Each
member of this profession must be able to lift and carry an 80 pound bag of sand 40 yards in 15 seconds. In addition,
a competent fire-fighter must manage/carry one end of a rescue stretcher, with a simulated 210-pound 'victim' lying on
it, for a distance of 100 feet. Working fire-fighters must also be able to climb and then descend four standard flights of
stairs in 60 seconds while wearing the requisite protective clothing, air tank, and headgear.
Second, fire-fighters must demonstrate the appropriate degree of intelligence required to fight fires in a 'smart'
fashion. Depending on the combustible materials involved in a fire, fire-fighters need to understand and follow the
necessary procedures. Intensive classroom instruction teaches each of these professionals about the effects of heat and
vapor and how that understanding can mean the difference between life and death for not only the victims of the fire but
also the fire-fighters. Numerous written examinations must be passed in order to demonstrate this level of expertise.
Third, working fire-fighters must possess a high level of courage. The 'average' citizen will not enter a burning
structure. When faced with danger, the fire-fighter must be so brave as to disregard her/his personal safety and go inside a
burning edifice in order to rescue those inside. When common sense tells the fire-fighter to stay away from this dangerous
situation, and even though personal injury/death is a definite possibility, courageous dedication propels him/her to complete
the job. This quality can't be taught to either the 'average' citizen or the fire-fighter; by nature, it is either present or absent.
In conclusion, it is apparent that fire-fighters must have three major characteristics in order to be successful at their
chosen profession. These qualities make fire-fighters true professionals at their trade. First, they are required to have an
exceptional amount of strength. Second, they must be extremely smart in their line of work. Third, bravery and courage are
what motivate them to do what they do so well.