Five paragraph essay

By Arundathie AbeysingheLecturer in English

International Aviation AcademySriLankan Airlines

Introductory paragraph Body – first paragraph Body – second paragraph Body – third paragraph Conclusion (Concluding paragraph)

Structure of a five paragraph essay

Includes a thesis statement – a mini outline for

the essay Why should there be a thesis statement? To grab the reader’s attention Tell the reader what the essay is about Includes a transitional “hook” which moves

the reader to the first paragraph of the body of the essay

Introductory paragraph

The strongest argument should be included

here This should be the most significant example,

cleverest illustration, a starting point First sentence should contain the “reverse

hook” – this ties with the transitional hook at the end of the introductory paragraph

Subject of this paragraph should relate to the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph

Body – first paragraph

Includes the second strongest argument, most

significant example, follow up of the first paragraph

Topic sentence of this paragraph should relate to the thesis statement

Fist sentence of the paragraph contains the reverse “hook” which ties in with the transitional “hook” at the end of the first paragraph

Last sentence of the paragraph should include a transitional “hook” to join the third paragraph

Body – second paragraph

This paragraph includes the weakest example,

weakest illustration and a follow up of the second paragraph

Fist sentence of this paragraph should contain the reverse hook which joins with the transitional “hook” at the end of the second paragraph

Topic of this paragraph should also relate to the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph

Transitional “hook” in this paragraph signals the reader that it is the final major point of the essay

Body-third paragraph

Fifth and final paragraph in the essay Summary of the essay Restate the thesis and supporting ideas in the

body paragraphs to convince the reader This is the last opportunity to explain the

reader the gist of the essay

Concluding paragraph

A restatement of the thesis statement (but

should not be a duplicate of the thesis statement)

Summary of the three main points from the body of the essay

An indication that the discussion has come to an end

Concluding paragraph should include….

Thank you!