The document discusses the five-paragraph essay structure that is commonly taught. It consists of an introduction with a thesis statement and evidence preview, three body paragraphs each with a claim, evidence, and conclusion, and a conclusion paragraph that restates the thesis and evidence. While this structure provides an easy template for writing, it is limiting. The document argues that students should think more broadly about essay structure in terms of an introduction setting context and claim, a body with evidence, and a conclusion synthesizing the evidence. The key elements of restating the claim, reviewing evidence, and applying it to a broader context are still needed.

1. The Five-Paragraph Essay: Template for College Writing Dr. Harold William Halbert

2. How Many of You Remember the Five-Paragraph Essay? Who taught it to you? What were the major elements? What good was it?

3. Key Elements Introduction Body Paragraph (Claim 1) Body Paragraph (Claim 2) Body Paragraph (Claim 3) Conclusion

4. Introduction A “Hook” (whatever that was) Background Information on subject Thesis (the argument you are making) Preview of 3 Pieces of Evidence or Claims Springboard (restatement of thesis) Body Paragraph (Claim 1) A transition A central claim 3 details to flesh out claim Conclusion to paragraph Body Paragraph (Claim 2) SAME Body Paragraph (Claim 3) SAME Conclusion Summation transition (“In Conclusion”) Restatement of thesis Review of 3 pieces of evidence Synthesis of claim + evidence applied to broader issue EXPANDED OUTLINE

5. Official Uses of Five-Paragraph Essay English class essay (book reviews, short arguments, etc.) In-class essay exams SAT Writing assessment Some editorial or newspaper column pieces

6. REAL Purpose of Five Paragraph Essay Easy template to American academic writing expectations Easy to teach Easy to grade Easy to remember Easy to finish

7. PROBLEM: Never Shown Broader Application Instead of thinking “paragraphs,” think “sections” Instead of thinking “five,” think “Introduction--Body--Conclusion” Better still, think “ Context/Claim, Evidence, Synthesis”

8. Five-Paragraphs are just a template: SYNTHESIS = CONCLUSION BODY PARAGRAPH #3 BODY PARAGRAPH #2 BODY OF EVIDENCE = BODY PARAGRAPH #1 CONTEXT & ARGUMENT = INTRODUCTION

9. Still Need Same Basic Elements Restate central claim Review evidence Apply evidence and claim to context to create broader significance Synthesis Conclusion Transition from prior section Single, clear claim for section Strong details supporting claim Mini-conclusion on claim Evidence Body Paragraphs Create Hook Establish background context for writing Give thesis Preview evidence/organization Springboard Context & Claim Introduction