Hachiko Waits
Five-Paragraph Essay Writing Project
While reading Hachiko Waits, we learned about the characteristics of the Akita-Ken, a
particular breed of dog native to Japan. For this writing assignment, you will be selecting a particular
breed of dog and researching it. You will present your findings in a five-paragraph essay, which
discusses the history of the breed, its physical characteristics, and any additional interesting facts for
which the breed is known.
Your essay should be organized in the following manner.
First paragraph – The first paragraph is your introduction. Make sure to state the breed of dog
that you have chosen and some key information to hook your reader’s attention. You will also need
to let your reader know how the rest of your essay is going to be organized by stating the three
topics that will be covered in the essay.
Second paragraph – The second paragraph should focus on the history of the breed. From where
in the world did it first appear? Were these types of dogs bred for a particular purpose? If so, what
was it? Be sure to include at least 3 facts about the history of the breed in this paragraph.
Third paragraph – The third paragraph should focus on the physical characteristics of the breed.
Be sure to include at least 3 facts about what the breed looks like (its size, color, distinctive
characteristics, etc.)
Fourth paragraph - The fourth paragraph should include additional interesting facts or information
that you uncovered in your research. Make sure to start of with a strong opening sentence and to
write a total of 4-6 sentences.
Fifth paragraph – The fifth paragraph is your conclusion. Do not simply restate your introduction
but do summarize the most important ideas in your essay.
Throughout your essay, remember to use strong opening and concluding sentences, vivid
verbs, juicy adjectives, and a variety of sentence structures.
My introduction sentence:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
3 facts about the history of the breed
1. ___________________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________________
3 facts about the physical characteristics of the breed
1. ___________________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________________
3 facts additional interesting facts about the breed
1. ___________________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________________