1. The Five-Paragraph Essay Overview…

2. Elements: Introduction First Central Paragraph Second Central Paragraph Third Central Paragraph Conclusion 1 2 3

3. Introductory Paragraph Begin with a motivator: The purpose of the motivator is to simply get your reader interested in reading more. (i.e. - motivating the reader) A strong, opinionated thesis statement: Your thesis should carry the main idea of your entire essay. (Each paragraph should refer back to this statement.

4. Central Paragraphs Your essay should have three central paragraphs. Each of these paragraphs should support your essay’s main point. A central paragraph is like a one-paragraph essay, with an idea sentence at the beginning and specific support following.

5. Each Central Paragraph should include: A transition word or sentence A set-up for your quote A short quote – lengthy quotes take up space and detract from your commentary and your essay as a whole. A correct citation: (Sutcliff, 188) and then… (192). (The period is taken from the quote and follows the last parenthesis.) Your insightful commentary: This should always refer back to your thesis. Your last sentence should lead into the first sentence of your next paragraph.

6. Verbs Used to Write Interesting Essays allows attempts attributes bares carries combines contains contributes conveys creates demonstrates denotes depicts describes determines discloses endeavors epitomizes establishes exemplifies exists exposes expresses heightens illuminates illustrates implies includes indicates involves lacks marks necessitates occurs pictures points out portrays promises proves provides reflects reinforces remains renders represents responds results reveals reviews revolves serves shows signifies specifies summarizes sums sustains symbolizes typifies uncovers unmasks unveils visualizes

7. Common Transitions To add and idea: also, another, equally, important, finally, furthermore, in addition, last, likewise, moreover, most important, next, second, third To give an example: as a case in point, as an illustration, consider…, for example, for instance To make a contrast: and yet, but, however, instead, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still To begin a conclusion: as a result, clearly, hence, in conclusion, no wonder, obviously, then, therefore, thus

8. Conclusion The last paragraph of your essay should give a sense of finality. Your conclusion should have two parts: –a reworded thesis statement and –a clincher They are intended to remind your readers what your reader has just learned from your 3 central paragraphs. Your final sentence should leave the reader no doubt that your essay has ended.

9. Checklist: Introduction: ______ Does your introduction begin with a motivator? ______ Does your introduction have a thesis statement? ______ Does your thesis statement have a limited subject? ______ Does your thesis have a precise opinion? ______ Do your central paragraphs relate to your thesis? ______ Did you remember to include the TAG?

10. Checklist: Central Paragraphs: ______ Does each central paragraph begin with a topic sentence? ______ Does each topic sentence have a transition from the previous paragraph? ______ Does each topic sentence state the main idea of the paragraph? ______ Is your support specific enough to be convincing? ______ Does your support clearly support the topic sentence (unity)?

11. Checklist: Central Paragraphs (cont.): ______ Do you explain your support fully to make the relation to the topic sentence clear (coherence)? ______ Does your support include a reminder of the opinion in the topic sentence (coherence)? ______ Do you have transitions at critical locations (coherence)?

12. Checklist: Conclusion: ______ Does your conclusion have a reworded thesis statement? ______ Does your conclusion end with a clincher? ______ Is your conclusion “forward-thinking”?

13. Checklist: Other: ______ Is your essay convincing? ______ Is your essay interesting? ______ Have you checked the spelling of words you’re unsure of? ______ Is your paper typed in Times New Roman, 12pt. font and double-spaced? ______ Does your essay have a proper heading and title? ______ Did you proofread, read aloud and/or have a friend read your paper for mechanical errors?

14. If you have checked your essay for all of the items on the checklist, you are ready to turn in your paper. Well Done!