1. The Five Paragraph Essay

2. WHAT YOU DO AND DON’T NEED
You do not have to be a wizard to learn to write a five-paragraph essay.
You do need some basic skills and practice.
You need to develop specific thinking and organizational patterns.

3. WHY LEARN TO WRITE THE FIVE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY
1. It is important to pass the ELPA.
2. It is an essential first-tool-basic for research papers.
3. It is a mainstay basic in writing reports within the professional world.
Mastering this form of writing is a first step to success.

4. ESSAY FORMAT
First paragraph – introduces the thesis/main idea of the essay and directs us to the three main supporting subtopics.
Second to fourth paragraphs – expand on the three main ideas.
Fifth paragraph – restates the main thesis and reminds the reader of the three main ideas.

5. INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
The introductory paragraph is the place in which the writer introduces the reader to the topic. The key points are:
1. The thesis statement needs to be clear and limited.
2. The thesis statement is often the first sentence.
3. This is where the writer grabs the reader’s attention.
4. Includes the three subtopics that develop the thesis.
5. Between this paragraph and all paragraphs of the essay, there needs to be some kind of transition word, phrase, or sentence.

6. BODY OF THE ESSAY
The body of the essay contains paragraphs two through four. They are constructed in much the same way. They include:
1. Topic sentences which are restatements of the three ideas presented in paragraph one.
2. Three or more supporting sentences which back up the subtopics.
3. Supporting statements which emphasize the relevancy and relationship of each of the subtopics to the thesis statement.

7. FIFTH AND FINAL PARAGRAPH
The final paragraph is the summary paragraph. The writer must:
1. Restate the thesis statement and the three supporting ideas.
2. Be powerful and original as this is the last chance the writer has to influence the reader.
Because the purposes of the first and fifth paragraph are so similar, it may be useful to construct them at the same time. Editing can be done, as necessary, after you are finished writing the essay.

8. GETTING STARTED MEANS GETTING ORGANIZED
First, analyze the question to get an understanding of what is being asked and what type of essay you are being asked to write.
Second, you need to think about the information that you know about the subject and decide what is relevant.
Last, you must decide what information you will use and where it will be most effective.

9. EDITING CHECKLIST
Editing is far more than correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ask yourself the following questions.

10. Have I answered the question or task as fully as possible?
What is my thesis/main idea?
Do I make a clear argument or take a position about the topic?
Does my introduction/opening paragraph prepare the reader for what follows?

11. Is my essay clearly structured?
Does my assignment have a clear introduction, a body (three paragraphs), and a definite conclusion?
Does my writing advance in logical stages?
Are the major points connected?
Do the major points all relate to the topic and contribute to answering the task or question?

12. Are my paragraphs clearly connected and understandable?
Does each paragraph begin with a topic sentence?
Do the sentences flow smoothly and logically from point to point?
Does each sentence clearly follow on from the one before?
Does each paragraph state its case clearly and completely?
Are there adequate transitions between sentences and paragraphs? Are transitions varied?
Are facts and opinions supported with examples or explanations where necessary?

13. Have I followed the guidelines of the assignment?
Is the assignment long enough or too long?
Should it be typed?
If I typed it, did I use spell check and grammar check? (Remember, these programs will not pick up all mistakes!)
If I have written the assignment, is it legible?
Was I supposed to double space the assignment?
Did I use a blue or black ink pen?
Have I met the deadline for the assignment?

14. Editing Steps:
Grammar and Spelling 1. Check your spelling. 2. Check your grammar. 3. Read your essay again. 4. Make sure each sentence has a subject. 5. Make sure your subjects and verbs agree with each other. 6. Check the verb tenses of each sentence. 7. Make sure that each sentence makes sense.
Style and Organization 1. Make sure your essay has an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a summary paragraph. 2. Check that you have a thesis statement that identifies the main idea of the essay. 3. Check that all your paragraphs follow the proper paragraph format. 4. See if your essay is interesting.