THE 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY: ROADMAP TO SUCCESS HAVE YOU EVER RECEIVED BAD DIRECTIONS? HAVE YOU EVER GIVEN BAD DIRECTIONS? If the answer is yes, then you know how frustrating that situation can be. Writing an essay is like giving directions. There are specific guidelines to ensure a smooth arrival.

Before Writing 1. Read and analyze the question –What is the question asking? –What is the question asking you to do? (Know key words of the prompt) 2. Collect and sort information –Brainstorming, categorizing, generalizing –Create categories for the thesis/body paragraphs

Writing the basic 5 paragraph essay is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5! Hook Thesis Intro Body Conclusion

THE HOOK [aka the lead in sentence]

The Hook Statement 1)Anecdote (emotional appeal) 2)Historical background 3)Startling statistic 4)Quote

The Hook Statement Quotes “John Wooden once said, ‘Never mistake activity for achievement.'” “Learn to laugh” is something my kindergarten teacher told me after Ralph Thorsen spilled paint on my daffodil picture.

The Thesis

How to write THE DREADED THESIS How to write it:  Fully address the question (or prompt) asked  Use the words from the prompt in your thesis statement.  Pretend that your reader has no idea what you were assigned to write about.  The most important sentence in your entire essay.  One main idea that controls the entire content of you essay.  Contains sub points that help organize your paper for the reader. What is it:

Find the thesis statement Maya Angelou is an accomplished African- American author in the United States. While growing up, she suffered tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult life events are portrayed in novels and poems such as, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Her written works often include strong themes such as perseverance through trials, love for family, and passionate optimism.

The Introduction

The Introduction 1 st sentence- HOOK 2 nd sentence or at the end of the intro.- THESIS 3 rd -5 th sentences- 3 general topics (e.g., political, social, and economic) NEVER USE SPECIFIC INFO IN YOUR INTRO

The Body

THE BODY Now it is time to use that thesis! 3 paragraphs explaining your 3 general topics/categories from thesis Precise and relevant evidence=REAL FACTS*! Let’s do the math-How many facts in a basic 5 paragraph essay? Answer:18 facts (yes, 2 per sentence is the general rule!) *FACTS ARE: names, dates, statistics, events, documents, numbers, quotes, places

Transitions

TRANSITIONS TWO TYPES: 1)Words to sequence, compare, place, summarize, prove, show exception, example. 2)Conclusion sentence in body paragraphs to flow to next paragraph. Example: While women in the 1920’s were breaking all the rules socially, likewise women made political gains. You need both types of transitions in your essay!

Conclusion

CONCLUSION The conclusion is the flashing red light that tells the reader: WE ARE FINISHED! Restate introductory paragraph Restate thesis in 1 st sentence Restate 2 nd -4 th intro paragraph sentences No new info, futuristic predictions, or opinions.

Here’s a better way to write a personal essay that shines:  Relate it to a deeply personal and significant experience and the life lesson you learned.  Use creative and critical writing techniques to relate your personal experience to a universal theme, such as courage, sense of community, rites of passage, etc.

Now it’s your turn!  Pick one of the following pictures to write your essay about