Essay Writing 101 The 5 Paragraph Essay

Start By Brainstorming Free writing Lists/Bulleting Webbing Grouping Webbing Brainstorming Start By

Outline I.After brainstorming, draft an outline a. Write down important points b. Don’t forget to include scholarly research when relevant II.Always include an outline when submitting your final draft III. Don’t forget your bibliography!

Introduction The introduction MUST clearly state the thesis – A thesis should be short and clear stance that the essay will support The first sentence of the introduction will ideally will grab the reader’s attention The last sentence of each paragraph should contain a transitional “hook” which moves the reader to the first body paragraph of the paper

NEVER in the Introduction Apologize. Suggest that you don’t know what you’re talking about Use an encyclopedia definition Take your time. Get to the point! Announce your intentions. Do not flatly say what you are about to do in this essay

NEVER in the Introduction Say… Avoid phrases like: – “The purpose of this essay is to…” – “In this paper I will…” – I’m not sure about this, but…” – “In my [humble] opinion…”

Body Paragraphs The first sentence of each body paragraph MUST be clear and explain the purpose of the paragraph. – You should be able to read your first sentence aloud and understand what the paragraph is about. The rest of the paragraph is following up the first sentence with supporting evidence, including scholarly research and your explanation/interpretation of the scholarly research

First Body Paragraph Should contain the strongest argument. It should also have the strongest: – Example – Illustration Topic sentence should contain a “reverse hook” acknowledging the thesis, but also explaining the point of the paragraph If all of your arguments are equally strong, start out with the most logical beginning point The last sentence should always transition to the second body paragraph

Second Body Paragraph Should contain the second strongest argument The first sentence should include the reverse hook which ties in the transitional hook at the end of the first paragraph The last sentence should include a transitional hook which ties into the third body paragraph

Third Body Paragraph First sentence should include a reverse hook which ties in the transitional hook at the end of the second paragraph Should be the weakest argument The last sentence should include a transitional concluding hook – Signals to the reader that this is the final major point of the paper

Conclusion Restate the thesis statement – Language should echo the thesis, not quote it verbatim Summarize the three main points of the paper Clearly signals to the reader that the paper has ended The final statement may be a “call to action” in a persuasive paper

NEVER in the Conclusion Say: “In conclusion…” “To summarize…” “This completes my argument that …” Or bring up new resources/information