Writing the Standard Four or Five Paragraph Essay

The Introductory Paragraph

The Introduction has two purposes:

1) To introduce the subject of discussion via the Thesis Statement

2) To gain the readers attention by creating a desire to read on

A good Introduction can make the difference between an ordinary essay and an excellent one. Typically, the good introductory paragraph contains 5 or more sentences that begin with a broad reference to the essay topic. Each succeeding sentence further clarifies the idea until it has narrowed down to the Thesis Statement. An introductory paragraph might include the following:

Sentence # 1 -- makes a broad, provocative reference to the topic intended to "hook" the reader’s attention

Sentence # 2 or 3 -- clarifies the writer’s intention or direction for writing about the topic.

Sentence # 2 or 3 -- reveals the source of the topic by indicating the title, author, and character involved in the discussion.

Sentence # 4 -- further clarifies the writer’s intention/direction.

Sentence # 5 -- expresses the Thesis Statement or controlling idea of the essay.

The Body Paragraphs

Body Paragraphs are the "meat" of the essay. Their purpose is to provide all the necessary information the reader needs in order to understand the point or argument that the writer is trying to make.

Typically, the Body Paragraph contains a Topic Sentence and several Supporting Detail Sentences. A good body paragraph contains 7-9 sentences that might include the following:

Sentence # 1 -- Topic Sentence - states main idea/point of the paragraph

Sentence # 2-3 -- Discussion - defines/expands on the main idea/point

Sentence # 4-6 -- Examples/Quotes - presents evidence to support the point of the discussion

Sentence # 7-8 -- Commentary - interprets the significance/meaning of the examples/quotes

Sentence # 9 -- Concluding Sentence -- provides a transition into the next paragraph by finishing your discussion of the idea/point and leading into the discussion of the main idea/point of the next paragraph.

Sometimes, young writers have difficulty deciding what to write about in Body Paragraphs. The best way to overcome this problem is to turn the Topic Sentence into a question. All the information and/or reasons needed to answer the question then become the Supporting Detail Sentences. Below are the types of Supporting Detail Sentences that should be used to answer the "Topic Sentence Question":

1. Facts

2. Examples/Quotes

3. Reasons

4. Evaluation/Interpretation (compare-contrast-label-operate-combine)

5. Commentary

Often, Body Paragraphs follow specific patterns which, depending upon what you are writing about or trying to say, will make it easy for the reader to understand. Below are some examples of paragraph types that might be used in an essay. After each type are words and phrases that are found in each one that will make your explanations more clear:

Time Order -- also, moreover, in addition, again, furthermore, first, second, finally, in short, in conclusion

Comparison -- similarly, likewise, in the same way

Contrast -- however, nevertheless, yet, on the other hand, still

Examples -- For instance, for example, in other words, that is, in particular

Cause and Effect -- therefore, thus, consequently, so, as a result, then, hence

Emphasis -- indeed, in fact, certainly, truly, admittedly

The Concluding Paragraph

The best Conclusions leave the reader with something to think about or wanting more. The more predictable the Conclusion, the less memorable the essay. Typically, a good concluding paragraph will contain 4-5 sentences. Below are the types of Conclusions most commonly used:

Restate/Sum Up Thesis -- (Yawn!) Good for a "C" grade

Predict a possible outcome or the future -- What does your topic reveal that might be tomorrow’s reality?

Propose a solution -- If your essay discusses a problem, then what is your solution?

Express your opinion on the subject.