1. The Five-Paragraph Essay (pp. 338-340)
Academic Writing
The Five-Paragraph Essay
(pp )

2. The Five-Paragraph Essay

3. Introductory Paragraph
Lead in sentences
Get your reader interested
Examples: brief story, some background information, quote, question/s
Thesis statement
The last sentence of the introductory paragraph
Tells the reader exactly what to expect

4. Body Paragraphs
Follow the organizational plan you have selected, which will be evident in your thesis
About 3 body paragraphs (2 to 4 body paragraphs for a short essay)
Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence followed by details that support the topic sentence
Use numerous specific details
Use transition words (additionally, furthermore, then, and therfore) throughout

5. Concluding Paragraph Draws your paper to a close
Typically the shortest paragraph (two to three sentences in a short essay)
Restating the main idea (thesis statement) is useful
To complete, point out the effects, importance, or benefits of your topic

6. The Five-Paragraph Essay

7. Proofread and Edit! Grammar Punctuation Effective sentences Main idea
Logic
Organization
Supporting details

8. Tips
The first two paragraphs should be especially error-free (first impression)
Double check thesis statement and topic sentences to make sure they are error-free

9. Common Grammar Errors Comma Splices Fragments
Check each comma and decide if it needs a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
Fragments
Read from the bottom to the top (last sentence first) and check that each sentence has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought

10. Common Grammar Errors Pronoun Agreement Commonly Confused Words
Check for they, their, and them and make sure they refer to plural nouns
Commonly Confused Words
Words that sound similar but are spelled differently (their/there/they’re, its/it’s, then/than)

11. How to Write a Title
1. The first letter of the first and last words should be capitalized.
2. Capitalize the first letter of all words except articles, coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS), and prepositions unless they are the first or last words in the title.
3. Do not put a period at the end of a title.

12. References
Schmid Bellas, E., & Poland, P. (2011). Thinking through the test: A study guide for the Florida College Basic Skills Exit Tests: Reading and writing, with answer key. (Fourth ed.). Boston, MA: Longman/Pearson Education, Inc. DOI: