1. Quick Tips for your 1 st 5-Paragraph Essay

2. 5 Areas of Focus Thesis Statement THE BEST CITATIONS Introductory Paragraph Body Paragraphs (3) Conclusion Paragraph

3. Thesis Statement What makes a good thesis statement? – It is an opinion – It is a unique insight – It can be supported with facts (citations) It must include the title of the work Clearly outline the MAIN IDEA (meat) of your paper.

4. THE BEST CITATIONS Make sure your chosen citations show your argument, and you are not simply telling the reader about a cool idea you sort of have. Make sure your citations transition smoothly within the sentence structure. Follow the rule of “THE THREE C’s” when writing. – Context – Where in the story? – Claim – How does it relate to the main idea? – Citation – Is this the best citation? Does it sound natural?

5. THE BEST CITATIONS “But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound to saucy doubts and fears.” (Act 3, Scene 4, ll.26-27) Macbeth says he has “fears” when he talks to the murderer (III.iv l. 27). Macbeth feels “cabined” and “confined,” after the murderer tells him that Fleance has fled, because he is still filled with “doubts and fears” about Banquo’s line (III.iv ll.26-27).

6. Introductory Paragraph Hooks in the reader. Gets right to the point. Only discusses content relevant to the main idea. Sets up parameters for the reader. – Parameters – focus the reader. Hones him/her in on what you want to discuss.

7. Body Paragraphs Topic sentence – Every other sentence in your paragraph relates to this topic sentence. Check yourself before you wreck yourself. 2-3 citations For every citation: – Share in a proof sentence – FOLLOW THE THREE Cs – Relate back to the main idea DO NOT SIMPLY PROVIDE A PLOT SUMMARY

8. Conclusion Paragraph The dessert at the end of your paper This is where you can expand on earlier ideas and get a bit away from the topic if necessary/compelling (interesting). Reinforces the question – SO WHAT?! WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT THE READER JUST READ YOUR WORK? WHAT ARE YOU CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACADEMIC WORLD?

9. Final Thoughts Remember who your audience is (me.) – If it is obvious to the audience, then it probably won’t be compelling to read. I know this is your first “real 5-paragraph essay.” It will be far from perfect, but each one of you can reach the standards just outlined in this PowerPoint. The more interesting the topic is to you, the easier it will be to write the paper, and therefore you will write a better paper, which means your teacher will enjoy reading it more. Dig deep.