The Main Parts:
Introduction, Body, Connection and
Conclusion

OVERALL STRUCTURE OF THE FIVE-PARAGRAPH
ESSAY
Introduction: Tell them what you’re going to tell them.
Body: Tell them.
Connection to the Past and
Present
Conclusion: Tell them what you’ve told them.

The First Paragraph of the Essay
• The first paragraph of the essay is called the introduction. In a non – persuasive essay, it about three to five sentences long.
• These three to five sentences make up the three main parts of the introduction.
• The three main parts of the introductory paragraph are named as follows: the Lead-In, the
Transition, and the Thesis Statement.

a very general sentence or sentences that simply introduce(s) the subject
(topic) of the essay.
1. Example:
In the 1700’s, the citizens of
France were becoming discontent with their daily living.

A Slightly more specific sentence or sentences that identify/ies the particular aspect of the topic that will be discussed in the essay. In other words, the transition narrows the topic.
1. Example: The king, Louis XVI, was becoming more oppressive and absolute in his rule.

1. The Thesis Statement is the main idea of the entire essay.
2. The factors in the three main ideas that will be developed in the Body Paragraphs: in this essay, they are: political, social and economic conditions in
France.
3.
Example: In the 1700’s, the citizens of France were becoming more discontent politically, socially and economically causing the French Revolution.

II. The Body Paragraph: Three Main Components (needs to be done for 3 paragraphs
A. Topic Sentence
1. The topic sentence is the sentence that expresses the main idea of the body paragraph, which is one of the three main supporting ideas presented in the thesis.
a. Example: The citizens of France were not being represented politically thus there was
discontent.
- DO YOU SEE HOW THIS SHOWS THE
POLITICAL FACTOR?

1. The supporting details are the specific pieces of information that clarify, explain, illustrate and develop the main idea expressed in the Topic
Sentence.
A. Example:
1. For example, the King was not allowing the citizens to have a vote in the Estates General.
WHAT DOCUMENT SUPPORTS THIS ?
THEN YOU MUST HAVE THE ANALYSIS- He was also not allowing people to have a say in the affairs of France. Thus the people decided to rise up and demand a vote in government causing the
Revolution
YOU MUST DO THIS ATLEAST TWO TIMES

1. The concluding sentence gives closure to the paragraph by paraphrasing the Topic Sentence.
a. Example:
The citizens of France were unhappy with the politics of France.

1.
You must have a topic sentence about the form of government in France during the
1700’s.
2.
THEN You must explain how it could cause a revolution.
3.
Connection to Current Event
4.
Explain how the French Revolution has shaped World History
5.
Concluding sentence

• Restate your thesis (this means you mix it up…NOT copy)
• You add final thoughts about the French
Revolution/ government from the past or today.
• Possible lessons learned by the French
Revolution.