Reviewing the Five-Paragraph Essay:

Thesis-Driven Writing

Recall from freshman composition:

• The introduction paragraph ending in the thesis is the “promise.”

• The body paragraphs are the “delivery.”• The conclusion paragraph is the time to say

nicely “I was correct!”

Why Five Paragraphs?

• Recall that the five-paragraph essay is a great format for a simple essay.

• The thesis sentence at the end of the introduction paragraph will have the three points needed for the three body paragraphs in the essay.

The Five-Paragraph Essay Equation

1 Introduction Paragraph+

3 Body Paragraphs+

1 Conclusion Paragraph= Five Paragraphs

Each paragraph type has three functions:

Introduction Paragraph

• Introduction: The Promise1. Engage attention2. Introduce topic3. End with thesis sentence that includes three

main points

Body Paragraphs

• Body Paragraphs: The Delivery1. Begin with topic sentence that supports a

thesis point2. Support the topic sentence with examples,

facts, and reasoning3. Close point with an overview and prepare for

next paragraph

Conclusion Paragraph

• Conclusion: “I was correct!”1. Restate thesis points in reverse order.2. Summarize why the reader should care.3. Return to the attention-engager topic from

the introduction

Thank you!

• We will hold special Collaborate sessions to go over this essay format. Watch the announcements for days and times.

• Please let me know if you have additional questions (ptymon@vhcc.com).

Credits Roll:

• All images, including the one below, used to create this work were licensed under Creative Commons licenses.