English 10
5-Paragraph Essay Writing Practice
Name:____________________________
Based on the topic below, practice planning for an impromptu essay by doing some basic brainstorming and
outlining.
TOPIC: Last year, you learned about the hero’s journey and what makes a hero. Based on that
understanding, is Equality a hero? And how does his heroism impact society? What connections can
be made between your summer reading character and Equality?
First, do some brainstorming.
 Take a stance. Do you agree or disagree? _________________________________________________
 Brainstorm three reasons why you agree or disagree.
1.
2.
3.

What are some examples that might help support your three reasons for agreeing or disagreeing?
1.
2.
3.
Second, outline the structure of your impromptu:
Intro
 Ideas for Hook Sentence:

Thesis: ____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Body Paragraph 1: What traits make Equality a hero?
 Topic sentence:______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Lead into example with background info/explanation

Example #1: _______________________________________________________________________

Explain how Example #1 proves/connects to thesis: ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
English 10
Name:____________________________
Body Paragraph 2: How does Equality, as a hero, impact society?
 Topic sentence:______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Lead into example with background info/explanation

Example #2: _______________________________________________________________________

Explain how Example #2 proves/connects to thesis: ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Body Paragraph 3: Instead of a counterargument, your third body will connect Equality’s heroic
traits with that of your summer reading character. i.e. In what ways is Equality similar or different to
your summer reading book in terms of heroism or his/her impact on society.
 Topic sentence:______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Lead into example with background info/explanation

Example #3: _______________________________________________________________________

Explain how Example #3 proves/connects to thesis: ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion
 Restate thesis in different words: ________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________


Revisit/wrap up main points from body paragraphs
Implications/take-home message – why is this topic important or significant? _____________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The last step in the 5-paragraph writing process is actually writing the essay. For this part of the
assignment, please choose one of your outlined body paragraphs, and expand it into a full paragraph
on a separate sheet of paper.