The 5 Paragraph Essay: a Template

The 5 Paragraph Essay: An EXPLANATION

Introduction (paragraph #1)

Hooka statement or question that catches the attention of the reader or audience /

(“Grabber”)1 sentence

Backgroundestablishing and narrowing the context for the thesis, often includes book titles and author’s names / 1-2 sentences

Thesis Statementthe main point of the essay / the point to be proven / 1 sentence

Limiting Pointsevidence in support of the thesis statement / these points will become the

“Topic Sentences” in the “Body” paragraphs /appear in order from strong to

stronger to strongest / 1-3 sentences

Body 1 (paragraph #2)

Topic SentenceTransition* / the main point of this paragraph / this is the spirit of the

“Limiting Point #1” in the “Introduction”

Support Sentencesevidence developing and supporting the “Topic Sentence” of this paragraph, usually incorporates a quote and explain it /3-5 sentences

Conclusion Sentenceconcludes the point of this paragraph and prepares the reader for the next point

Body 2 (paragraph #3)

Topic SentenceTransition* / the main point of this paragraph / this is the spirit of the

“Limiting Point #2” in the “Introduction”

Support Sentencesevidence developing and supporting the “Topic Sentence” of this paragraph, usually incorporates a quote and explain it /3-5 sentences

Conclusion Sentenceconcludes the point of this paragraph / Transition*

Body 3 (paragraph #4)

Topic SentenceTransition* / the main point of this paragraph / this is the spirit of the

“Limiting Point #3” in the “Introduction”

Support Sentencesevidence developing and supporting the “Topic Sentence” of this paragraph, usually incorporates a quote and explain it /3-5 sentences

Conclusion Sentenceconcludes the point of this paragraph / Transition*

Conclusion (paragraph #5)

Thesis Restatementthe “Thesis Statement” is restated (paraphrased)

Summarysummarizes the “Limiting Points” as support of “Thesis Statement” (1- 3

sentences)

*Transitional Devices

These devices prepare the audience for the next point by making connections: they assist the audience to follow a main line of thought. Transitions may appear either as a prefix idea in the “Topic Sentence” or as a suffix thought in the “Conclusion Sentence” of a paragraph.

Note:Remember, writing is a creative process. As you write, you are bringing to life your thoughts. This template is a guide and not an instruction manual. When you write, feel free to use this template to assist you in structuring your thoughts into a cohesive argument; however, once you have physically shaped your argument, through your words, make the template disappear while maintaining the structure.