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. 1

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 with transition Conclusion 2

aka the Lead in Sentence THE HOOK aka the Lead in Sentence 3

The Hook Statement Remember to explain the information, how it is important within the statement. short narrative (VIVID-one sentence) anecdote (emotional appeal) startling statistic Quotation **** historical background lead Example: The destruction in WWI is exemplified in the statistic that 80% of the deaths did not result from a bullet but rather disease, exposure, and starvation. IN ANY CASE-HOOK THE READER 4

The Thesis

How to write THE DREADED THESIS Remember to use the components: Fully address the question (prompt) asked time period/date + subject + strong verb + organizational categories (economic, political, social) (PERSIA) Time period = date or general time frame Subject= topic Strong verb=action. What happened??? Don’t use changed!!! Example: In the late 1800’s, the Great Plains transformed economically, politically, and socially.

The Introduction

NEVER USE SPECIFIC INFO IN YOUR INTRO The Introduction 1st sentence- HOOK 2nd sentence or at the end of the intro- THESIS 3RD-5th sentences-3 general topics (political, social and economic) NEVER USE SPECIFIC INFO IN YOUR INTRO JUST SAY NO! 6

The Body

THE BODY Now it is time to use that thesis! 3 paragraphs 3 general topics/categories from thesis ex. (political, social, economic) Precise and relevant evidence=REAL FACTS*! Let’s do the math- How many facts in a basic 5 paragraph essay? Answer: HONORS---18 facts (yes, 2 per sentence is the general rule!) *FACTS ARE: names, dates, statistics, events, documents, numbers, quotes, places 7

Transitions

conclusion sentence in body paragraphs to flow to next paragraph. TRANSITIONS TWO TYPES: words to sequence, compare, place, summarize, prove, show exception, example. 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. GUESS WHAT?! YOU NEED BOTH!!! 8

Conclusion

CONCLUSION The conclusion is the flashing red light that tells the reader: WE ARE FINISHED! restate introductory paragraph restate thesis in 1st sentence Restate 2nd-4th intro paragraph sentences Use a clincher to end or HAMMER THAT THESIS no new info, futuristic predictions, opinions, what you learned! 9

A. HOOK- Grab the reader’s attention in ONE sentence I. Introduction A. HOOK- Grab the reader’s attention in ONE sentence B. Thesis (should have three parts in order of the above topics) C. 3rd sentence-(one of 3 supporting topics) D. 4th sentence-(one of 3 supporting topics) E. 5TH sentence-(one of 3 supporting topics) II. Body (2nd-4th sentences from introduction) A. sentence restated from introduction (TOPIC SENTENCE) B. specific support (3 FACTS) C. specific support (3 FACTS) D. specific support (3 FACTS) E. RESTATE TOPIC SENTENCE-TRANSITION III. Conclusion-RESTATE THE INTRODUCTION(NO NEW INFO HERE!) A. 1st sentence-restate thesis B. 2nd-3rd sentences restate intro C. clincher or hammer the thesis again! 10

Keener’s list of essay DOs DO Read and analyze the question DO Collect and Sort information DO refer to the SEVEN-STEP ESSAY PROCESS guide and the Nevada Writing Assessment Holistic Rubric when writing essays! DO create a thesis that fully addresses the question (prompt) and provides organizational categories that will be used in the essay. DO show creativity and insight. DO use precise and relevant evidence. This may require some extra research. Precise evidence = real facts such as names, dates, statistics, events, documents, numbers, quotes, places. Example, write about more than just a topic like cuneiform. Above average papers (5 or 6) also will include The Epic of Gilgamesh. DO be concerned with organization and structure. DO use multiple sentence structure and word choices. DO use transitions. DO proofread and evaluate your essay for needed changes and make it better. DO ask for clarifications if needed.

Keener’s top 10 list essay of DO NOTS DO NOT use first person or pronouns (I, you, we, they) DO NOT NARRATE DO NOT use absolutes (always, never) NO clichés (that’s the way is goes, money talks) DO NOT use “in conclusion, as you can see” DO NOT use numeric ordering-1st, secondly, My third topic is…” DO NOT use the words “things” (situations, events, issues) or “ a lot” (much, many, often, numerous, countless DO NOT narrate (analyze, synthesize) DO NOT over repeat words (the rule: an outstanding word may not repeat) DO NOT write “my thesis is…” or “the main idea of this essay is…” DO NOT introduce new info in the conclusion “I have learned…” or “In the future” or “As you can see this essay has taught a lot” or “In my opinion…” DO NOT allow misspelled words, typos or fragmented sentences into your final draft 14