1. The Write Stuff

2. 5 Paragraph Essay Blueprint
Introduction
Hook
Background
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
Supports
Concluding Sentence
Conclusion
Restate Thesis
Summarize
Lasting Impression

3. Introduction Paragraph
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”

4. Parts of the Introduction Paragraph
Hook
Background Information
Thesis

5. The Hook It should grab your reader’s attention. Quote
Vivid description
Anecdote
Definition ?
Question
Must transition into the paper’s topic

6. Hook: Quote
A quote is a memorable line from a famous figure in history.
Make sure to include author/speaker.
Ex) Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

7. Hook: Vivid Description
A vivid description is like a photo- a single snapshot. Unlike an anecdote, it has no plot or action.
Ex) The sweet smell of cotton candy floats in the air. Bumper cars collide in the distance. There is nothing like the county fair.

8. Hook: Anecdote
An anecdote is a short story that leads the reader into your topic.
Ex) Imagine a small child crying at the county fair because they cannot ride the rides the big kids do. Despite their wailing, the parent does not budge. In a similar fashion…

9. Hook: Definition
Define a term that is closely related to your topic. Provide a definition that your audience may not know.
Ex) Webster’s dictionary defines sarcasm as, “a witty remark used to convey insult.”

10. Hook: Question Ask a question to draw your reader into your paper.
Ex) Is it true that sometimes love is not enough to overcome difficult circumstances? In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet…

11. Background Information
Assume that your reader has never read the question
What does your audience need to know?
Names
Dates
Quotes
Arguments
If it is a text, then include the author, title and a brief synopsis of the story

12. Background Info- Examine the Prompt
Superintendent Doug Hammond believes that school violence has escalated. Due to this he is asking Howard County schools to enforce random locker checks each quarter. Students believe this is an invasion of privacy. Write a five paragraph essay stating your position on the issue.
What does your audience need to know? Look for details…

13. The Roadmap for Your Essay
Main argument of your paper
It introduces the reader to the rest of your paper
No thesis statement?

14. So What’s the Formula?

15. Recipe for a Good Thesis
Arguable Point Reason #1
Reason # Reason #3
_______________ because ________________ , ________________ , and ________________ .

16. Body Paragraphs (3) Topic Sentence Support (Quotes)
Concluding Sentence

17. Topic Sentence
A topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about.
Use it to help remind the reader what your paper is trying to prove (thesis)
It should have a subject, a verb, and a controlling idea.
Ex.) One reason why schools should not enforce random locker checks is because it is an invasion of student privacy.

18. Supporting Sentences
This is where you give more information about your topic.
Ask yourself: How can I prove this is true? What examples can I give?
Three supports per paragraph

19. If you use quotes as support
Don’t forget…

20. Adding Quotes- Lead-In
According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, “The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones 252).
Always introduce quotes
with a lead-in
Quotes can’t stand alone.

21. Adding Quotes- State Quote
According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, “The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones 252).
State quote exactly as you see it.
Use quotation marks to show it is borrowed words.

22. Adding Quotes- Parenthetical Citations
According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, “The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones 252).
A parenthetical citation shows where the information is from.
Give author and page number.
No comma. Punctuation follows citation.

23. Adding Quotes-Explain Quote
According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, “The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones 252). This quote illustrates that The Dark Knight is the ultimate super hero movie because of the mass appeal it brought to the super hero film genre.

24. Concluding Sentences
A concluding sentence explains what your paragraph is about.
Use as a bridge between paragraphs
Not only ________________________________ but __________________________________
does recycling help the environment
it is also a quick way to make extra money.

25. Conclusion Paragraph
Restate thesis. Use new words (points in same order)
Summarize main points of essay. Remind reader what you said.
End with a lasting impression. Give reader something to think about after finishing essay.

26. Fin