The 5-paragraph essay may as well be the foundational assignment throughout your studies – you’ll encounter it in tests, but you’ll also get many essay writing assignments based on this precise format. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to write it.
What Does the 5 Paragraph Essay Serve For?
Have you ever wondered why teachers keep assigning this precise format of writing? First, they give you broad instructions on how to write a 5 paragraph essay, and then they start assigning one topic after another. As the term implies, this paper has 5 paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You may have heard other names for it: one three one essay, three-tier essay, or hamburger essay.
There are few reasons why it’s so important:
- It is easy to master;
- It’s suitable for various lengths of essays;
- Your professors can think of endless 5 paragraph essay topics for you;
- This format is suitable for narrative, argumentative, personal, compare and contrast, and many other types of writing;
- The five paragraph essay format supports the logical flow in the text;
- It’s easier for the professor to grade an assignment based on a particular standard.
The Structure of a Five Paragraph Essay
It’s time to realize: you can’t go through your studies without mastering the five paragraph essay. Here at XpertWriters.com, we’re always ready to support you when you struggle with any type of assignment. However, you’ll still be alone on exams and standardized tests that require an essay answer. That’s why we give you free tips that prepare you for that challenge.
Let’s observe the structure of a 5-paragraph essay, so you’ll understand what you need to write in every single section.
Paragraph 1: Introduction
In the first paragraph, you need to give your intro into the topic, state your position, and provide a strong thesis statement that you’ll discuss further on.
Let’s say you’re writing a personal essay on the theme “What Are You Thankful For?” Through the introduction, you will lead the reader into your greatest reasons for being thankful. This is the part that will trigger their interest to read the rest of the paper, so it has to be engaging. You may start with a quote or a personal experience. At the end of the paragraph, you’ll provide your thesis statement. Here is an example of a thesis statement:
I am thankful for my grandfather who protected me, taught me to do the right thing at the right time, and made me believe I had the power to change the world.
You’ll notice that this statement contains three arguments. You’re not just stating “I’m grateful for having my grandfather in my life.” You’re providing three reasons why that’s the case. Those will be the three arguments you’ll discuss in the body of the essay.
This example is for a personal essay but remember: the 5-paragraph format is suitable for all other types of academic writing, too.
Paragraph 2: The First Argument
In the second paragraph of your essay, you’ll start discussing your first argument. In the example above, the first argument is that your grandfather protected you, and that’s why you feel thankful – for having a strong person who provided protection. Statements are not enough in essay writing, though. You have to support them with facts or personal experience. Since this is a personal essay we’re talking about, you will support that argument with an experience. You can share a specific situation when your grandfather protected you against bad news and sights, bullies, or older people making you nervous.
If you’re writing an argumentative essay on global warming, for example, you’ll have to support the statements with facts. You’ll go through various studies and academic articles to find relevant information that supports your point of view.
Remember: there has to be a nice transition between each of the body paragraphs. You can’t jump from one argument to another. It’s important to maintain the logical flow.
Paragraph 3: The Second Argument
Here, you’ll explain the second argument that supports your point of view. In the thesis statement we used as an example above, the argument would be “my grandfather taught me to do the right thing at the right time.”
Do not restate the argument exactly like it’s written in the thesis statement. That would make the paper repetitive and boring. Use it as the leitmotif of this paragraph. In this case, you’ll talk about the moral values you learned from this important person in your life.
Paragraph 4: The Third Argument
In the fourth paragraph, you’ll discuss the third argument that supports the thesis statement. Remember: you need to end the paragraph with a transition sentence, which will lead towards the conclusion.
Paragraph 5: The Conclusion
In the closing paragraph, you will rephrase and recap your opinion on the essay question, and you’ll end with a powerful concluding sentence. In the example we used, you can say that all those experiences your grandfather made possible turned you in the person you are today.
If you’re writing an argumentative essay, the conclusion can offer a solution or predict the future if the current circumstances persist. Remember the example with the global warming? You can discuss possible solutions in the conclusion, but you should still make sure to restate the thesis statement and maintain the logical flow.
With Practice, You’ll Learn How to Write a Five Paragraph Essay
It’s not easy to write an essay on the first attempt. It’s a process. It takes a lot of practice and persistence to improve your essay writing skills. But, it all starts with motivation. When you believe you have what it takes to write that paper, you’ll be on your way to a successful result.
Why don’t you start today? You don’t have to wait for an assignment if you don’t have one at the moment. You can start practicing with the essay question we used above: “What Are You Thankful For?” Or, you can think of a topic you’ve always been interested in. Research more, think more and write more. Practice will make you better. Who knows; maybe there’s a hidden George Orwell somewhere deep inside you.
Here at Xpert Writers, we’re always ready to give you the support you need. Feel free to ask questions and share experiences in the comment section below.