How to Write the Standard 5 Paragraph Essay

Many people, teachers and students alike, loathe the five paragraph essay. They call it constraining because it's too formulaic or they complain that it requires too narrow a line of thinking. I'm not saying that I like this form of writing, but I am saying that most high schools and colleges require you to write one at some point, whether it's as a homework assignment or part of a final exam. The theory is that the five paragraph essay helps you choose a subject, hone in on a topic, and develop and defend an argument about that topic. Of course, like tennis or sewing, writing a five paragraph essay is not an exercise that comes naturally to everybody. If you fall into that category, here are some tips for making your next essay a success:

Begin with an introduction: You've probably heard it before---your intro has got to hook the reader. Your first sentence or two should present some kind of novelty, maybe a quote, an interesting fact, a pun, or some element of humor. Never launch right into your argument without first introducing your topic. It will undoubtedly confuse or bore you reader. In a format that's so rigid, the introduction and the conclusion are the two places where you can actually get creative.

Present your thesis: Think hard about what your thesis, or argument, is. Since it's the crux of your paper, it's important that your thesis is clear and concise. Be sure that your thesis is debatable and answers a question. A typical example of a question your thesis may answer is this: Is abortion morally right or wrong and why? Your thesis would then either read (hopefully in more sophisticated language than this and without using the word "I"), "Abortion is right/wrong because __." It's customary to insert your thesis in your introductory paragraph. Try to place it either in the last or second to last sentence of that paragraph.

Incorporate smooth transitions: After your introductory paragraph (which, again, should include your thesis), it's time to proceed to your first body paragraph. But don't just jump from one paragraph to another. If you don't want your paper to sound choppy, use translations and the paper will flow much more eloquently. Fall-back transition words and phrases include the following: however, therefore, on the other hand, but, because, also, besides, furthermore, similarly, accordingly, conversely, consequently...and the list goes on. Link one paragraph to another by considering how they are related. Does one paragraph feed off of the next? Do the two adjacent paragraphs discuss opposite sides of a story or issue? Your transitions should come either in the last sentence of the previous paragraph or in the first sentence of the next paragraph.

Write your body paragraphs: If your thesis is your argument, then your body paragraphs are your pieces of evidence. Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence that refers directly back to your thesis. The topic sentence basically explains what the topic of that paragraph is and furthers your argument in some shape or form. The topic sentence may or may not include a transition word or phrase. Try not to fill your body paragraphs with needless information; always check back to see that your body sentences support and further argument in some way.

Conclude gracefully: After you've presented and defended your argument, you can't just end there. Well, you can, but don't expect to earn an A. For most teachers, it's enough for you to summarize what you've said in your paper. If that's the case with yours, look back at your thesis and the topic sentence for each of your body paragraphs. Find a new way to word your thesis and topic sentences and then you're done. Most teachers only expect your conclusion to last three to five sentences, anyway. Whether or not your teacher has a minimum requirement, though, make sure that your conclusion paragraph isn't longer than any of your body paragraphs. Other teachers, however, request more than a mere summary. If you have to write a more sophisticated conclusion, consider how your argument influences something else, i.e., impacts the world as a whole, a certain point in history. Be careful not to launch into a new argument, though. Stay within the confines of your thesis.

Proof-read: You must double-check your work! No matter how good of a typist you are, it's likely that you made some kind of mistake, whether grammatical, mechanical, or logical. Maybe you put "there" instead of "they're," or you forgot to capitalize a proper noun. If grammar and mechanics are not your strength, get somebody else to read your paper. In fact, even if you're good at grammar and mechanics, you should ask for a peer-edit, anyway. You never know what kind of dumb mistakes you may have made!