1. 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

2. 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

3. Writing the basic 5 paragraph essay is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5!
Hook
Thesis
Intro
Body with
transition
Conclusion 2

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

5. 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

6. The
Thesis

7. 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.

8. The
Introduction

9. 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

10. The
Body

11. 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

12. Transitions

13. 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

14. Conclusion

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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