| I. Introduction Paragraph: Begin with general statement about the author�s main point, and be sure to include the author�s name and the title of the passage. Summarize the main point of each paragraph (approximately one sentence per paragraph). The last sentence of the intro should be the specific thesis (central point or idea) to be proven in the essay. Avoid stating a thesis that has nothing to do with the information you�ve summarized. II. Body Paragraph #1: Start with a clear topic sentence that states your first reason in support or defense of your thesis statement. For example, my thesis is "The only way to improve the sad state of education in New Orleans is to increase the number of certified teachers, to foster more parental involvement, and to appropriate more funds for technology and classroom materials." Thus, my first sentence in my first body paragraph could be, "If there were more qualified teachers in the classroom, the education of our students would improve greatly." The rest of this paragraph will provide examples and support of this topic sentence. Transition/Clincher sentence: The last sentence of each body paragraph should be a clincher for the paragraph (include two or three key words from the topic sentence and restate the essential idea of the topic sentence) and it should also lead into the next paragraph somehow. For example �However, effective teachers are not all we need; we also need more active parents.� III. Body Paragraph #2: State second point in support of the thesis in the topic sentence. For example, �Many students do poorly in school because the get no support from their parents.� Develop the second point throughout paragraph. Paragraph ends with clincher/transition sentence. IV. Body Paragraph #3: State third point in support of the thesis in the topic sentence. For example, �For students to learn properly, they the proper materials, such as up-to-date books and technology.� Develop the third point throughout paragraph. Paragraph should end with clincher/transition sentence. V. Concluding Paragraph: This final paragraph begins with a restatement of your thesis, but do not use the exact same words. This paragraph is in some way of summary of what you wrote in your body paragraphs. Try to conclude with force and power and some idea of why your point is important or compelling. Adapted from: http://www.alexandriatutorials.com/Five%20Paragraph%20Essay%20Format.htm |