Five Paragraph Essay

This is only one method of organizing an essay.

Introductory paragraph

 

  • Catches the reader’s interest
  • Gives brief background on your topic
  • Begins or ends with the thesis statement
Body (paragraphs 2, 3, etc.)

 

  • Develops, expands, and/or supports the thesis statement
  • Includes a topic sentence for each paragraph
  • Includes supporting details which reinforce the topic sentence.
Concluding paragraph

Restates the thesis or sums up the argument.

  • Tells the reader what you think is important to remember. (Often, this is a personal response).
  • Never introduce new information in the conclusion. Extend your thinking on something from the essay.
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