FIVE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY REVIEW
Components:
I. Introduction (paragraph 1)
II. Body Paragraphs (paragraphs 2, 3, 4)
III. Conclusion (paragraph 5)
I. Introduction
1. Gain the reader’s attention with a “hook.” Some effective hooks include
interesting
quotes, descriptions of a setting, or sensory details (writing that appeals to the
reader’s
sense of taste, touch, hearing, smell and/or sight).
2. Provide background information on your topic. If the essay involves a novel
or other
literary work, you should include the author, title, and a brief summary.
3. Write a thesis statement. A thesis statement is like a road map for your
audience.
After reading it, your audience should have a thorough understanding of where
your
essay is going. A good thesis statement for a five-paragraph essay:
a. Addresses the prompt (make sure you answer the teacher’s question)
b. Has three parts, making clear what each body paragraph will be about
c. Is well-focused, concise, and specific
Evaluate the following example:
For many people, a dog is not simply a pet. Dogs have been known to lift up their
owners’
spirits and even risk their own lives to save others. Billy’s relationship with his
hound dogs in
Wilson Rawls’ novel Where the Red Fern Grows exemplifies this special bond. In
the story,
Billy recalls the joy of raising his hounds and the grief of losing them to a vicious
mountain
lion. The deep connection between Billy and his dogs highlights this character’s
determination, courage, and compassion.
Does this introduction accomplish the three tasks outlined above? Ask yourself:
1. Does it gain my attention with a hook? If so, what makes the hook effective?
2. Does it provide background information? Where?
3. Does it have a thesis statement? If so, does the thesis statement accomplish
the three
tasks outlined above? Ask yourself:
a. Does it address the prompt?
b. Do I know what the three body paragraphs will be about?
c. Is the thesis statement well-focused, concise, and specific?
Look at the following example of an alternate thesis statement.
Billy is an interesting character who goes on many adventures with his dogs.
Ask yourself:
a. Does it address the prompt?
b. Do I know what the three body paragraphs will be about?
c. Is the thesis statement well-focused, concise, and specific?
II. Body Paragraphs
The body of the essay is where the ideas introduced in the thesis are
developed; each of the
three body paragraphs supports one of the three parts of the thesis statement.
You should think of each body paragraph like a “mini essay.” Each one has
a topic sentence
(like the introduction/thesis statement), three concrete details with evidence to
support that
sentence (like the three body paragraphs), and a “clincher” (like the conclusion).
This is how
each body paragraph should be structured:
Topic Sentence (include a transition)
Concrete Detail #1
Commentary #1
Transition
Concrete Detail #2
Commentary #2
Transition
Concrete Detail #3
Commentary #3
Clincher
Topic Sentence
Usually the first sentence
Includes a transition (optional in body paragraph 1)
States the main idea and controls the focus of the paragraph
Is more general than the concrete details that follow
Concrete Detail
Evidence that supports the topic sentence’s main idea
It can be an occurrence, description, definition, exploration, or example
If the essay is about a literary work, the concrete should include– or be– a
direct quote
from the work
Either way, the detail must be specific
Note: you must give your detail context and/or background and weave your
quotes
(don’t just plop them in)
Commentary
The analysis or interpretation of the concrete detail
Explains how and why the concrete detail supports the topic sentence
Transition
A word, phrase or sentence that logically connects the first concrete
detail/commentary pair to the next concrete detail/commentary pair
Should also be used in the topic sentences to connect one body paragraph to
the next
Examples include: furthermore, in addition to, also, and moreover (see your
Transitional
Expressions sheet for more examples)
Clincher
The closing sentence, which wraps up the main idea
III. Conclusion
1. Restate the thesis
2. Go beyond the thesis by adding something worthwhile and creative. You could:
a. Reach a judgment
b. Endorse or oppose an issue (not applicable for all assignments)
c. Discuss findings
d. Offer an explanation or insight based on your findings
e. Tie in or elaborate on your hook
f. Bring relevance to the topic by relating it to the world at large
A Note on Organization and Order:
The three parts of your thesis must be in the same order as the corresponding
body
paragraphs. For example, in the essay that follows this thesis statement…
The deep connection between Billy and his dogs highlights this character’s
determination,
courage, and compassion.
…the first body paragraph must discuss Billy’s determination, the second, his
courage, and
the third, his compassion. If you change the order while writing your body
paragraphs, do
not forget to go back and change the order in your thesis, as well; the two
must correspond.
Good ways to order the three parts include:
1. Chronological
2. Cause, then effect
3. Least important to most important
4. Simplest to most complicated
How would you order the three parts in these example theses? Why?
1. Through his friendship with Leslie, Jess discovers his…
sharp intelligence
sensitivity and kindness
artistic talent
2. The view that one should not judge a book by its cover is supported by…
Americans’ initial view of Native Americans
the novel To Kill a Mockingbird
(a personal experience)
3. The theme of using one’s inner strength to triumph over hardship is displayed
in…
Meg’s rescuing of Charles Wallace
acceptance of her father’s weakness
realization of her own strengths
Using Startling Facts or Statistics as a Grabber - Examples
Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or interest to your essay, and
help you to assert a strong voice. A surprising or unusual fact makes your
readers curious. They can't wait to read on. When using this technique, it is
sometimes a good idea to include the source of your information.
In the following examples, notice how the surprising facts have been used grab
the reader's interest.
Back to Step 6: Write the Introduction