ELEMENTS OF A

FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY

FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY

A formal argumentative essay that is laid out

into five distinct paragraphs:
Title

Introduction
Three

separate body paragraphs

Conclusion
Works Cited

YOUR five paragraph essays will NOT use I, my,

or any other reference to your thoughts or
opinions. If you have an opinion state it as a fact
and back it up with support.

TITLE
It needs to be catchy and informative.
Centred at the top of your page.
_____________________________________________
Your Title Goes Here

Your introduction begins here with a strong

hook something catchy and informative just like
your title is. Your intro quickly summarizes your
topic and explains what is in your essay. It ends
with your thesis statement (the argument).

INTRODUCTION
Brief background about your topic. This is the
only section of the essay where there is more
describing than analysing.
Your introduction must lay out the plan for your
essay and end in a thesis statement.

THESIS STATEMENT

The argument of your essay stated in a single

sentence and appearing at the end of the
introduction.

BODY PARAGRAPH
The paragraphs that support your thesis.
Each body paragraph focuses around a single
support.
Like all well formed paragraphs it includes:

Topic

sentence
Specific support with reference to the source
Concluding sentence summarizing the paragraph

TOPIC SENTENCE
The first sentence of a paragraph.
Tells the reader what the entire paragraph is
about.

CONCLUSION

A complete paragraph that recaps the entire

essay and a restatement of the thesis in different
words.

WORKS CITED
An alphabetical list of ALL the resources you used.
Formatted according to MLA style.
Double spaced with hanging indentations

(click the small arrow on the right hand side of the paragraph box at the top of Word).

_________________________________________________________________
Works Cited
Clinton, Bill. Interview by Andrew C. Revkin. Clinton on Climate Change. New York
Times. New York Times, May 2007. Web. 25 May 2009.
Dean, Cornelia. "Executive on a Mission: Saving the Planet." New York Times. New York
Times, 22 May 2007. Web. 25 May 2009.
Ebert, Roger. "An Inconvenient Truth." Rev. of An Inconvenient Truth, dir. Davis
Guggenheim.

rogerebert.com. Sun-Times News Group, 2 June 2006. Web. 24 May 2009.

RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT
Your

essay should be 250 to 500 words which is

approximately one to two pages (normal
margins, double spaced, size 12 font).
At least three sources. Internet sites and
Wikipedia do NOT count.
Your essay is due at the end of class on Friday
June 14th