How to structure a 3-to-5 paragraph essay:

 

• All essays will have an Intro Paragraph and a Concluding Paragraph
• A 3 paragraph essay will have one major division of proof developed in one body paragraph with three subordinate (minor) divisions of proof developed there.
• A 4 paragraph essay will have two major divisions of proof, each developed in one of two body paragraphs with three subordinate (minor) divisions of proof.
• A 5 paragraph essay will have three major divisions of proof, each developed in one of three body paragraphs with three subordinate (minor) divisions of proof.

 

What each paragraph should include:

Intro Paragraph:

• Get reader’s attention with a quote or something interesting in first sentence.
• Include necessary background for your thesis to make sense (including the title, author, and genre of the book and other details needed for it to make sense)
• Thesis statement (with subject, commentary and divisions of proof)
• Same format as topic sentence of single expository paragraph, but the divisions of proof should be broader
• Example Thesis Statement: Football is the greatest sport in the world because of the pace, physical contact, and the fans.

 

Body Paragraphs (3 body paragraphs in a 5 paragraph essay, each developing one of the divisions of proof from the thesis statement).

• Each body paragraph has the same format as a single expository paragraph, but develops one major division of proof from the thesis statement. For example, one paragraph would just be developing “Football has a great pace”. Note the relationship of this single division of proof to the proposed thesis statement (above).
• Example topic sentence for a body paragraph would be “Football is a fast-paced sport as shown in running plays, passing, and the short quarters”
• Body Paragraph #1 develops “football has a fast pace”
• Body Paragraph #2 develops “football has extensive physical contact”
• Body Paragraph #3 develops “football has great fans”

 

Concluding Paragraph:

• Restate the thesis in new words, showing that it has been proven
• Include additional commentary about this issue/topic (opportunity for you to elaborate, make predictions)
• Close with something interesting, finish strongly (a quote or a profound statement)