Wendy’s Writing Workshop

Created by Daniel Fox

Hey everyone! It’s Wendy here and I am here to help you out! I have been told that you all have a big essay test coming up and I wanted to help you guys out. I am going to show you all how to write a five paragraph essay. Are you ready?

My friend, Phil, is an expert when it comes to writing. I told him we would be coming over so he could also help us out. Let’s head over to his place! On our way let’s review the four components of an essay.

Four Components of an Essay

Introduction Thesis Body Conclusion

Hey y’all, I’m Phil! Wendy told me you guys need some learning how to set up an essay. Find and click on each component of the essay to learn more about each section.

Introduction The introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of your

essay. It introduces the main idea of your essay. A good opening paragraph captures the interest of your reader and tells why your topic is important.

How long should it be?

3 or less sentences 4 sentences 5 sentences

Correct! Your introduction essay should have at least

5 sentences. You do not want it to run on too much longer than this, so shoot for 5 sentences.

Also, all of your paragraphs should be at least five sentences (Introduction, Body, and Conclusion paragraphs).

Incorrect Try again!

Thesis A thesis statement is usually one sentence that is

developed, supported, and explained in the course of the paper by means of examples and evidence.

Where does it go?

At the beginning of the introduction paragraph At the end of the introduction paragraph At the end of the conclusion

Correct! Your thesis statement should be placed

at the end of your introduction paragraph. This is because it tells the readers what the body of your essay will be focusing on.

Incorrect Try again!

Body Body paragraphs are the meat of your essay, and as such

are the most important component of your essay. In the body paragraphs, you will expand upon and provide support for the thesis you introduced in the first paragraph and will provide the details that move that theme forward.

How many paragraphs should make up the body of your essay?

3 body paragraphs 4 body paragraphs 5 body paragraphs

Correct! The body of your essay should only be three

paragraphs long. If it is shorter than 3 paragraphs you normally

do not have enough information to address your thesis.

If it is more than 3 paragraphs then you may be loosing focus on what you are trying to support in your thesis (writing about more than your thesis).

Incorrect Try again!

Conclusion The conclusion is the final paragraph to your essay. In the

conclusion you will briefly touch what you wrote in your body paragraphs.

Why is it important?

To tell the reader that you are finished with the essay To tell the reader how long you worked on the essay To give the reader a sense on closure and the point of the

essay

Correct! The conclusion is supposed to give the

readers a sense of closure. Your should briefly review how you

defended your thesis and why you took the stance you took.

Incorrect Try again!

Congratulations!

You now know the four components to an essay. If you want to review again click “Review?”