ENGLISH COMPOSITION FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY STRUCTURE

OVERVIEW OF STRUCTURE PURPOSE AND PARTS OF FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY

WHAT IS A FIVE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY? Simplest academic essay structure Contains the same parts as a longer academic essay, such as a research paper Simple, effective way to understand structure in academic writing Useful format for essay exams or timed writings in class Easily expanded to a longer essay

PARTS OF A FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY Introduction Thesis Statement Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 2 Body Paragraph 3 Conclusion Restated Thesis Statement

INTRODUCTION AND THESIS ORIENTING YOUR READER

INTRODUCTION Purpose: Hook readers’ interest Introduce your topic Provide thesis statement/plan of development for essay

INTRODUCTION BEGIN WITH A GENERAL STATEMENT END WITH MOST SPECIFIC STATEMENT, OR THESIS

THESIS STATEMENT Last sentence of introduction One sentence that clearly states the topic of your essay States your position on the topic Provides a “plan of development” – an overview of the points contained in your body paragraphs in the order you will discuss them

HOW TO WRITE A THESIS STATEMENT Sample Thesis for Exemplification Essay Topic – Distractions for Drivers Position – common distractions Examples – routine distractions, cell phone, passengers Put your examples in an order that makes sense – in this case, from least to most distracting Save most informative or persuasive points for last

HOW TO WRITE A THESIS STATEMENT Sample Thesis Statement : The most common distractions for drivers include routine distractions, cell phones, and passengers. According to this plan of development, Body Paragraph 1 will cover routine distractions, Body Paragraph 2 will cover cell phones, and Body Paragraph 3 will cover passengers. This is the “plan of development” for the essay.

SAMPLE INTRODUCTION WITH THESIS Sample introduction – starts with a broad idea and narrows to the thesis statement: Driving is an activity that most people do on a daily basis. It is an essential part of life that allows people to work, maintain contact with family, and pursue interests such as school or hobbies. Most drivers feel safe in their vehicles, and many take that feeling for granted. In reality, driving requires careful attention in order to be safe. Distracted drivers are likely to cause accidents and lapses in attention can have fatal consequences. The most common distractions for drivers include routine distractions, cell phones, and passengers.

BODY PARAGRAPHS SUPPORTING YOUR THESIS

BODY PARAGRAPHS Purpose: to support your thesis and provide details that allow readers to understand your position Organization: should be organized according to your plan of development Length: a well-developed body paragraph has 7 – 10 sentences

SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH OUTLINE Paragraph 1: Routine Distractions Thinking about things other than driving Food/drink Radio Paragraph 2: Cell Phone Locating Conversations Texting Paragraph 3: Passengers Conversations among passengers Children/pets Arguments/discussions with others

BODY PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE Topic Sentence with Keyword One sentence that provides an overview for your paragraph Uses a keyword – a word from your thesis that readers will recognize Supporting Points Try to include at least three points Use detail and description to make points specific Be sure points support your thesis Transition or Concluding Sentence Body Paragraphs 1 and 2 end with a transition to move readers to the next paragraph Body Paragraph 3 ends with a concluding sentence to wrap up the paragraph

SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH Body Paragraph 1– Routine Distractions Routine distractions are common activities that divert drivers’ attention from the road. Sometimes a driver’s thoughts can be a distraction. Reviewing a business meeting, planning an event, or even thinking about last night’s big sporting event are thoughts that can impact a driver’s attention. Eating and drinking while driving can also prove to be a big distraction. Almost everyone has had the experience of trying to unwrap a sandwich or fish the last chip out of the bag while cruising down the road. Music is another distraction for drivers. Fiddling with the radio or trying to find just the right CD opens the door for distraction to enter. More dangerous than routine distractions, however, is what has become a major issue for modern drivers: the cell phone.

CONCLUSION WRAPPING UP

CONCLUSION Purpose To restate your thesis (in the first sentence of your conclusion) To wrap up your points To make your essay feel “finished” by providing a sense of closure for readers

HOW TO RESTATE A THESIS Restated Thesis Try “flipping” your thesis statement – put your plan of development at the beginning of the sentence This: Sample Thesis Statement : The most common distractions for drivers include routine distractions, cell phones, and passengers. Becomes This: Sample Restated Thesis : Routine distractions, cell phones, and passengers are the most common distractions for drivers.

CONCLUSION BEGIN WITH RESTATED THESIS END WITH MOST GENERAL POINT FOR CLOSURE

SAMPLE CONCLUSION WITH RESTATED THESIS Sample conclusion – starts with a restated thesis and ends with a broad idea: Routine distractions, cell phones, and passengers are the most common distractions for drivers. Limiting distractions improves safety on the road. Recognizing potential distractions is an essential first step in that process. Every driver needs to evaluate his or her own driving behavior and work on eliminating distractions. The most important part of driving is to be safe.

ACADEMIC WRITING STYLE COMMON CHARACTERISTICS

CHARACTERISTICS OF ACADEMIC WRITING Formal – avoids contractions (“I’m” = “I am”); does not use slang; is not “conversational” Incorporates variety in word choice – use a thesaurus! Is written in 3 rd person – you cannot use “I” (first person) or “you” (second person) Should feel objective and factual; is not driven by opinions May incorporate research