Name: ______________________________
Date Due: _____________________
5 Paragraph Essay
How did the character of Stanley change throughout the story?
Introduction: (About 5 sentences telling the title of the book and the author, giving a short summary
of the book, explaining who Stanley is, and what this essay is going to be about. Always at the end
of the introduction you should put your thesis statement.)
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Thesis statement: In the book, Stanley changes physically, makes friends, and gets his luck
back.
Body Paragraph #1: (Here you write a paragraph about the first point in your thesis statement. The
first sentence should be a topic sentence that introduces what this paragraph will be about. The rest
of the paragraph should have sub-points that support your main point. For each sub-point you must
include an example or quote from the book. The last sentence should be a transition statement that
introduces what your next paragraph will be about.)
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Name: ______________________________
Date Due: _____________________
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Body Paragraph #2: (Here you write a paragraph about the second point in your thesis statement.
The first sentence should be a topic sentence that introduces what this paragraph will be about. The
rest of the paragraph should have sub-points that support your main point. For each sub-point you
must include an example or quote from the book. The last sentence should be a transition
statement that introduces what your next paragraph will be about.)
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Body Paragraph #3: (Here you write a paragraph about the third point in your thesis statement. The
first sentence should be a topic sentence that introduces what this paragraph will be about. The rest
of the paragraph should have sub-points that support your main point. For each sub-point you must
include an example or quote from the book. The last sentence should be a transition statement that
introduces what your next paragraph will be about.)
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Name: ______________________________
Date Due: _____________________
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Conclusion: (About 4 sentences summarizing what you wrote in your essay. Do not include any new
information. Always at the end of the conclusion you should re-state your thesis statement.)
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Name: ______________________________
Date Due: _____________________
Notes: You may write your essay on these pages or write or type them on a different page. Be sure to write in
blue or black pen. When quoting from the book put the page number in parentheses after the quote (p. 12).
Assessment: This will be an important assignment for your grade in the class, so do your best work
and ask for help if you aren't sure about something! You have the criteria that I handed out at the
beginning of the year. Here is a reminder of what you must do in order to get the top marks.
Criteria A: Content  I have shown that I have a unique understanding of the topic. I always use good and
interesting details to support what I'm saying.
Criteria B: Organization  I am always well-organized, clear, and easily understandable. My ideas build
upon each other in a sophisticated manner. I use quotations and examples from the book to support my points.
I cite the page numbers for quotations that I use.
Criteria C: Language  I use a wide range of vocabulary and sentences that serve my purpose excellently. I
use grammar accurately and I make almost no mistakes so that they don't get in the way of what I'm trying to
say. I effectively use a tone and style to fit my purpose, which means that I don't use slang or everyday
language, but I use formal language as if I was writing to someone important.
I use punctuation and spelling that are accurate and make almost no mistakes so that they don't get in the way
of what I'm trying to say.
Extra Challenges: If you want to challenge yourself, I encourage you to try this:
1. Instead of using the thesis we wrote as a class, come up with a different thesis that answers
the essay question.
2. If you want to take it further, try to come up with a completely different essay topic and thesis
based on a different character or story element (conflict, plot, setting).
If you do either of these extra challenges, be sure to check with me first to make sure you're on the
right track!