Writing Guide
5 Paragraph Essays: The Standard Path to Writing Success
With all the diversity of essay writing types, there is still a standard of essay organization, the so-called 5 paragraph essay. A 5 paragraph essay is considered an ideal and most comfortable form to organize your ideas coherently. Therefore, knowledge and mastery of a 5 paragraph essay are essential for any student. Read on and find out the key principles of composing 5 paragraph essays.
5 Paragraph Essays: The Introduction
The introduction of your 5 paragraph essay should start with a certain ‘ice-breaker’ (a generalization, a quotation or an anecdote) that intrigues your reader to read on. Narrow down to the specific focus of your 5 paragraph essay in the next few sentences. Finally, introduce the thesis sentence as the main idea of your essay, along with naming the key arguments which are intended to support this idea.
5 Paragraph Essays: The First Body Paragraph
The first body paragraph, as any body paragraph in your 5 paragraph essay, should open with a topic sentence that concentrates the key idea discussed in this paragraph. After the topic sentence, proceed to supporting it by examples and details. Do not forget to provide comments and explanations after every example. Sum up your body paragraph with a concluding sentence.
5 Paragraph Essays: The Second Body Paragraph
In the second body paragraph of your 5 paragraph essay discuss the second argument in support of your thesis. Structure this paragraph exactly the same way you did with the first one.
5 Paragraph Essays: The Third Body Paragraph
Discuss the third supporting idea, follow the aforementioned rules for body paragraphs.
5 Paragraph Essays: The Conclusion
Review your 5 paragraph essay from the very beginning and briefly summarize the arguments and the way you proved them. Reformulate your initial thesis and provide a broader context for the topic discussed. Provide a well-rounded conclusion.
