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The
five paragraph essay is used as a test for writing
proficiency, and is often a timed exercise.
Getting
started means getting organized:
practice is a vital part of writing effectively.
Analyze the
assignment
and determine what is required. With a
highlighter, note important words that define the topic, then
organize your plan
For example, you
have been given this writing prompt:
You have a present
that was really memorable. It could have been given
for an important occasion or just for no reason at
all. Tell us about the present and why it was
memorable. Include the reason it was given, a
description of it, and how you felt when you got it.
The objective is
to write a narrative essay about a present you were given
The subject is a memorable
present
The three main subtopics are:
- the reason it
was given
- a description
of it
- and how you
felt when you got it
Outline
the five paragraph essay
Your
essay will include these elements:
| Introductory
Paragraph
General Topic Sentence:
memorable present
- Subtopic One: the
reason it was given
- Subtopic Two: a
description of it
- Subtopic Three: how
you felt when you got it
(Transition)
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First
Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic One
Supporting Details or
Examples
Transition
|
Second
Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic Two
Supporting Details or
Examples
Transition
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Third
Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic Three
Supporting Details or
Examples
Transition
|
Closing
or Summary Paragraph
Synthesis
and conclusion of the thesis rephrasing main topic
and subtopics.
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Write the essay!
Think small, then build the full essay gradually.
Divide your essay into sections and develop each
separately and incrementally.
The
Introductory Paragraph
- The opening
paragraph sets the tone
It not only introduces the topic, but where you are
going with it (the thesis). If you do a good
job in the opening, your will draw your reader
into your "experience." Put effort up
front, and you will reap rewards.
- Write in
the active voice
It is much more powerful. Do that for each sentence
in the introductory essay. Unless you are writing a
personal narrative, do not use the pronoun
"I."
- Varying
sentence structure
Review to avoid the same dull pattern of
always starting with the subject of the sentence.
- Brainstorm
to find the best supporting ideas
The best supporting ideas are the ones about which
you have some knowledge. If you do not know about
them, you cannot do a good job writing about them.
Don't weaken the essay with ineffective argument.
- Practice
writing introductory paragraphs on various topics
Even if you do not use them, they can be compared
with the type of writing you are doing now. It is
rewarding to see a pattern of progress.
Supporting
Paragraphs
- Write a
transition to establish the sub-topic
Each
paragraph has to flow, one to the next.
- Write the
topic sentence
The transition can be included in the topic
sentence.
- Supporting
ideas, examples, details must be specific
to the sub-topic
The tendency in supporting paragraphs is to put in
just about anything.
Avoid this: the work you have made above with
details and examples will help you keep focused.
- Vary
sentence structure
Avoid
repetitious pronouns and lists
Avoid beginning sentences the same way
(subject + verb + direct object).
The Ending or
Summary Paragraph
This is a difficult
paragraph to write effectively. You cannot assume that
the reader sees your point
- Restate the
introductory thesis/paragraph
with
originality
Do not simply copy the first paragraph
- Summarize
your argument
with some degree of authority
this paragraph should leave your reader with no
doubt as to your position or conclusion of logic
- Be powerful
as this is the last thought that you are leaving
with the reader.
Edit and revise your
essay
- Check your
spelling and grammar
Subjects
and verbs agree, and verb tenses are consistent
- Examine
your whole essay for logic
Thought builds and flows?
Avoid gaps in logic, or too much detail.
Review
individual sentences
- Use active
verbs
Avoid passive constructions and the verb "to
be"
- Use
transitional words and phrases
Avoid sentences beginning with pronouns,
constructions as "There are....,"
Example: "There is a need to proofread all
works" becomes "Proofreading is a
must."
- Be concise
though vary the length and structure of sentences
Ask a
knowledgeable friend to review and comment on your essay
and to
repeat back what you are trying to say. You may be
surprised.
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