The Five-Paragraph Essay

Overview…
Elements: • Introduction

• First Central
1
Paragraph

2 • Second Central
Paragraph

3 • Third Central
Paragraph

• Conclusion
 Introductory Paragraph

• Begin with a motivator:

The purpose of the motivator is to simply get your reader
interested in reading more. (i.e. - motivating the reader)

• A strong, opinionated thesis statement:

Your thesis should carry the main idea of your entire
essay. (Each paragraph should refer back to this
statement.)
 Central Paragraphs

• Your essay should have three central

paragraphs. Each of these paragraphs should
support your essay’s main point.

• A central paragraph is like a one-paragraph

essay with an idea sentence at the beginning
and specific support following.
 Each Central Paragraph should include:
• A transition word or sentence

• A set-up for your quote

• A short quote – lengthy quotes take up space and detract from
your commentary and your essay as a whole.

• A correct citation: (Sutcliff, 188) and then… (192).

(The period is taken from the quote and follows the last parenthesis.)

• Your insightful commentary: This should always

refer back to your thesis.
• Your last sentence should lead into the first
sentence of your next paragraph.
 Verbs Used to Write Interesting Essays
allows endeavors necessitates reviews
attempts epitomizes occurs revolves
attributes establishes pictures serves
bears exemplifies points out shows
carries exists portrays signifies
combines exposes promises specifies
contains expresses proves summarizes
contributes heightens provides sums
conveys illuminates reflects sustains
creates illustrates reinforces symbolizes
demonstrates implies remains typifies
denotes includes renders uncovers
depicts indicates represents unmasks
describes involves responds unveils
determines lacks results visualizes
discloses marks reveals
 Common Transitions
To add and idea: also, another, equally important, finally,
furthermore, in addition, last, likewise, moreover, most
important, next, second, third
To give an example: as a case in point, as an illustration,
consider…, for example, for instance
To make a contrast: and yet, but, however, instead,
nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary, on the other
hand, still
To begin a conclusion: as a result, clearly, hence, in
conclusion, no wonder, obviously, then, therefore, thus
 Conclusion
• The last paragraph of your essay should give a
sense of finality.
• Your conclusion should have two parts:
– a reworded thesis statement and
– a clincher

• They are intended to remind your readers what

your reader has just learned from your 3 central
paragraphs.
• Your final sentence should leave the reader no
doubt that your essay has ended.
 Checklist:
Introduction:
______ Does your introduction begin with a motivator?
______ Does your introduction have a thesis statement?
______ Does your thesis statement have a limited subject?
______ Does your thesis have a precise opinion?
______ Do your central paragraphs relate to your thesis?
______ Did you remember to include the TAG?
 Checklist:
Central Paragraphs:
______ Does each central paragraph begin with a topic sentence?
______ Does each topic sentence have a transition from the
previous paragraph?
______ Does each topic sentence state the main idea of the
paragraph?
______ Is your example specific enough to be convincing?
______ Does your example clearly support the topic sentence(unity)?
 Checklist:
Central Paragraphs (cont.):
______ Do you analyze your example fully to make the relation
to the topic sentence clear (coherence)?

______ Does your example include a reminder of the opinion

in the topic sentence (coherence)?

______ Do you have transitions at critical locations (coherence)?

 Checklist:

Conclusion:
______ Does your conclusion have a reworded thesis statement?

______ Does your conclusion end with a clincher?

______ Is your conclusion “forward-thinking”?

 Checklist:
Other:
______ Is your essay convincing?
______ Is your essay interesting?
______ Have you checked the spelling of words you’re unsure of?
______ Is your paper typed in Times New Roman, 12pt. font and
double-spaced?
______ Does your essay have a proper heading and title?
______ Did you proofread, read aloud and/or have a friend read
your paper for mechanical errors?
If you have checked your essay for all of the items on
the checklist, you are ready to turn in your paper.

Well Done!