Basic Five-Paragraph Essay

The five-paragraph essay is a general pre-college writing style. 

View Example

Introduction

An introduction gives background information on your subject. It introduces the reader to your topic. Include things that you would want to know about your topic if someone were telling you about it. Some other good information to include:

  • Information about the author. If you are critiquing a book or doing a book review--was the author's background important to the piece?
  • Background concerning the piece you are writing about. When was it written? Who wrote it? Why?
  • Background of the issue you are writing about, for an argumentative essay. 
Thesis

A thesis is your paper boiled down into one, specific sentence. 

  • The essay should have 3 points specifically laid out in the order you want to discuss them. 
  • The paper should follow the format the thesis lays out. The first body paragraph should be about your first point, paragraph 2 about your second point, and paragraph 3 about your third point. 
  • You should be able to transition smoothly between paragraphs, so order your points in a manner that flows well logically. 
  • Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that relates directly back to your thesis.  
  • Example:
    • Dogs are great pets because they help owners get exercise and are loyal and friendly. 
Topic Sentence
  • A topic sentence is sort of like a thesis but on a smaller level. 
  • It is your paragraph boiled down into one sentence. 
  • It summarizes one thesis point and should correspond clearly to your thesis. 
  • Example:
    • Because dogs need to be taken for walks, they provide a fun, safe way for owners to get exercise. 
Supporting Points
  • The two points you use in each of your body paragraphs should support the topic sentence of your paragraph, and thus your thesis as well. 
  • When you pick your points, make sure they really support your topic sentence and thesis; they should be relevant. 
  • Example:
    • If you wanted to give two supporting points about dogs being loyal, you could talk about how dogs can protect their owners and about how dogs will love their owners no matter what. 
Conclusion
  • A conclusion should do what it says: conclude. 
  • You should not introduce new information in your conclusion. If you have not talked about it before your conclusion, then don't use it. 
  • Don't copy and paste parts from your paper. Wrap up your ideas, but say them in a new way. Readers don't want to read the same sentences over. They want you to remind them of what you've been saying and what your point is, but in new words. 
  • Example:
    • People ought to consider getting dogs. Not only are dogs loving, caring, and loyal, but they are good with people and provide a healthy pastime for their owners. 

Example of a General Outline for a Basic Five-Paragraph Essay

I. Intro

  • Background Info 
  • Thesis--including at least three specific points

II. First Body Paragraph

  • Topic sentence that relates directly to the first point in thesis
  • Supporting Point One
  • Supporting Point Two 
    • (At least two points, but more points are fine)

III. Second Body Paragraph

  • Topic sentence that specifically relates to the second point in the thesis.
  • Point One
  • Point Two

IV. Third Body Paragraphs

  • Topic sentence that specifically relates to the third point in the thesis.
  • Point One
  • Point Two

V. Conclusion

  • Wrap up points
  • Restate thesis
  • End with completion; do not try to introduce more information