Five+Paragraph+Essay

=The Five Paragraph Essay=

Structure: 5 paragraphs (each paragraph 5-8 sentences)

1. States very specifically, in //one sentence// the points of the essay’s topic which will be discussed in the body of the essay 2. Serves as an outline for the body 3. Unifies the essay by giving key words, phrasing, etc. which can be repeated in the body
 * Introduction –** 1 paragraph with thesis statement at the end
 * Body –** 3 paragraphs – topic sentence starts each
 * Conclusion -** 1 paragraph with thesis at beginning
 * Thesis Statement:**
 * Thesis Statement:**
 * Thesis Statement:**

1. Generally discuss the topic to “set the stage” for your observations, feelings, thoughts, research, and explanations of your topic. 2. Focus in on the specific points of your discussion in one clear thesis statement. The thesis statement typically comes at the end of the introduction paragraph. 1. Specifically discuss each point of your thesis statement in the order stated in the thesis, usually one paragraph per point. 2. The topic sentence of each paragraph should pick up on key words and phrasing used in the thesis. 3. Give specific proof to support each point. You are like a lawyer proving your case to the readers. Convince the reader that your opinions are valid. Explain how, why and when. a. Use facts, examples, logical reasons, and statistics to support your point or opinion b. Use relevant quotes from the story c. Explain specific parts of the story that support your points d. Make allusions or comparisons to other literary works, historical events, or current events.
 * Introduction:** **General to Specific**
 * Body:** **Specific, Specific, Specific …**
 * Body:** **Specific, Specific, Specific …**
 * Body:** **Specific, Specific, Specific …**

1. Restate your thesis using different wording, but keep your points in the order you discussed them in the body. 2. Sum up key proofs for your points 3. Make generalizations about you topic based on your proof (What difference does this make to the story, to you, to other people, to the world
 * Conclusion:** **Specific to General**
 * Conclusion:** **Specific to General**
 * Conclusion:** **Specific to General**
 * Three options:**
 * 1) What are the three types of __conflict__ in the short story “The Interlopers” and how do they affect the story?
 * 2) In what three ways is Mrs. Jones revealed through indirect __characterization__ in “Thank You, M’am”?
 * 3) Demonstrate and explain the three types of __irony__ in “The Cask of Amontillado.”
 * 1) Demonstrate and explain the three types of __irony__ in “The Cask of Amontillado.”


 * Word Bank: Commonly used words and phrasing in essays**
 * 1) A good example of is, illustrates, symbolizes, depicts, shows, manifests, pictures, clearly shows, reveals, highest example of, epitome of
 * 2) before this, next, another example, also, furthermore, in addition to, after this, besides that, not only … but also, following that, as a result of, because of, finally
 * 3) However, on the other hand, conversely, in contrast to, yet, nevertheless, contrary to
 * 4) in conclusion, therefore, thus, consequently, because of, after examining the …


 * The Dos and Don’ts of Essay Writing**

Do

 * 1) Put the title, author, and genre (short story, poem, novel …) of the work being discussed in the first paragraph
 * 2) Use good transitions between paragraphs and points in each paragraph
 * 3) Use literary terms (protagonist, setting, irony, symbolism…)
 * 4) Make allusions to other works
 * 5) Use quotes from the work being discussed

Don’t

 * 1) Don’t write in first person: I, me, I believe, I think, In my opinion
 * 2) Don’t switch tenses
 * 3) Don’t refer to the essay itself. For example, “This essay will prove…” “The next paragraph discusses…” “In my third point…”
 * 4) Don’t say the same thing over and over in the body paragraphs. Use specific and numerous details of proof.
 * 5) Don’t use contractions or abbreviations. “wasn’t, can’t, won’t shouldn’t…” “&, 4, U, @”
 * 6) Don’t retell the plot
 * 7) Don’t use SLANG words