BASIC FIVE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY FORMAT

 

I. Introductory paragraph

   A.  Broad general statement leading into the essay

   B.  Thesis statement taken as closely as possible from topic

   C.  Point #1 supporting thesis

   D.  Point #2 supporting thesis

   E.  Point #3 supporting thesis

 

II. First body paragraph (6-8 sentences)

  A.  Topic sentence dealing with point #1 from introductory paragraph

  B.  Statement

  C. Give example or expand on statement.  How, when, why, where, what

  D.  Further statement

  E. Example or expand

  F. Clincher or conclusion which winds up paragraph

 

III. Second body paragraph (6-8 sentences)

  A.  Topic sentence dealing with point #1 from introductory paragraph

  B.  Statement

  C. Give example or expand on statement.  How, when, why, where, what

  D.  Further statement

  E. Example or expand

  F. Clincher or conclusion which winds up paragraph

 

IV.  Third body paragraph (6-8 sentences)

  A.  Topic sentence dealing with point #1 from introductory paragraph

  B.  Statement

  C. Give example or expand on statement.  How, when, why, where, what

  D.  Further statement

  E. Example or expand

  F. Clincher or conclusion which winds up paragraph

 

V.  Conclusion (at least 3 sentences)

  A. Sum up essay

  B. Comment

  C. Concluding statement