5 Paragraph Essay the Formula Introduction with thesis as the last sentence Paragraphs 2, 3,4: Body Paragraphs (Function, Example and Negation) Paragraph 5: Conclusion

Paragraph 1: The Introduction Catchy opening/Hook/Grab reader’s attention Give a few brief sentences of summary about story/time/place Last sentence of the introduction =THESIS The one sentence that states what the entire essay will prove – Your central idea/objective summary The most important sentence in the essay Usually 3 pronged: addresses your example paragraph, negation paragraph and function paragraph. Example Thesis: Heroism is the action of standing up for what is right (function), risking your life for others (example) and not staying silent in others time of need (negation).

Introduction: Moves from the General to the Specific Begin generally. Begin with a hook: Anecdote, Quotation, Question, Statistic. (1 sentence) GENERAL Explain how your hook applies to the specific topic. (2 sentences) SPECIFIC Give some brief background information on the topic being discussed. (1 sentence) THESIS Thesis: Your specific argument. (1 sentence) Thesis is the last sentence of the introduction.

Hooks Begin with: A provocative question A startling statement An anecdote An interesting quotation An intriguing definition

Anecdote as Hook In June 2008, a fifteen year old heiress, daughter of actress Ellen Barkin and Revlon owner Ron Perelman, Caleigh Perelman, sued her mother for not allowing her to have more computer time and won. While this situation seems far-fetched, we are now living in a topsy-turvy world where some children seem to have more power than their parents. This scenario is precisely the one depicted in Bradbury’s “The Veldt.” In this story, the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hadley, are murdered by their children, Peter and Wendy, who premeditate their parents’ demise after being forbidden to continue to play in their high tech nursery. The parents make the decision to close the nursery at the suggestion of their psychologist. Ultimately, the psychologist, the children, and the parents are all to blame for playing a role in this tragedy.

Quotation as Hook http://www.quoteland.com (click here) “A boy or girl who knows that love abounds at home will not resent well-deserved punishment. One who is unloved or ignored will hate any form of discipline.” -Dr. James Dobson Explain the quotation. Then explain how it applies to the story.

Startling Statement as Hook Technology is ruining our lives.

Provocative Question as Hook How come parents just cannot say no to their children anymore? Does technology help us or harm us?

Conclusion: From the Specific to the General Draw a conclusion Answers the “SO WHAT?” question General NEVER, EVER, EVER end with “The End” in an essay!!!

You can also end with a hook: A provocative question A startling statement An anecdote An interesting quotation An intriguing definition

Definition by function: Paragraphs using the function strategy explain how the concept functions or operates in the real world. Example: Heroes can be found in everyday life. Teachers help people learn and give their time. They spend time teaching and grading papers giving their time. This shows that teachers are helpful and encouraging. In addition, police men risk their lives. For instance they go after criminals and keep areas safe putting themselves in danger. This shows that they are brave and courageous. Teachers and police both help people in their everyday lives. Heroes can be found anywhere.

Definition by example: Paragraphs using the example strategy use specific examples of the concept from texts or life Example: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass are prime examples of historical heroes. “White House Sermon for Abraham Lincoln” by Dr. Phineas D. Gurley shows that although Lincoln was assassinated, the liberty he created will live on forever. For example, Lincoln’s heroic deeds live on today because “though the friends of Liberty die, Liberty itself is immortal,” which Lincoln bore into our country (Gurley). This shows that Lincoln cared less about his own life and more about what he believes will help the country in the long run. In comparison, Robert Hayden’s poem, “Frederick Douglass”, portrays the image of Frederick Douglass fighting for freedom despite his hardships. For instance, Douglass gets back on his feet after “being beaten to his knees, exiled,” and righteously fights for and speaks for what he thinks is just (Hayden).

Definition by negation: Paragraphs using the negation strategy explain what something is by showing what it is not. A non-example should be based on what someone else would say is an example. If no one would disagree with the negation, it is ineffective. Example: A hero is not selfish. Mia, from Gayle Forman’s novel If I Stay, shows she can be selfish. Mia contemplates and thinks about leaving, “I’m not sure if this is the world I belong in anymore, I'm not sure I want to wake up” (Forman 164). This shows that she thinks about herself and not her family and friends. In addition, Rosemary, from The Giver, by Lois Lowry does not show she is selfless. For instance, Rosemary could not handle memories, “That when she was gone, the memories came back to the people” (Lowry 144). This shows that she thought of herself first and not others. Both Mia and Rosemary do things that affect the people around them. Being selfish is not a trait a hero should have.