This document provides guidance on writing a successful 5 paragraph essay. It outlines the key components of the essay structure, including an engaging hook, clear thesis statement, 3 body paragraphs that each analyze a topic from the thesis, and a conclusion that restates the main points. Each body paragraph should include topic sentences that introduce evidence in the form of facts, statistics, quotes and details. Transitions are important to connect each paragraph. The document emphasizes analyzing the prompt, organizing ideas, using precise evidence, and proofreading to ensure a well-structured essay that fully addresses the assigned topic.

1. THE 5 PARAGRAPH
ESSAY:
ROADMAP TO SUCCESS
HAVE YOU EVER RECEIVED
BAD DIRECTIONS? HAVE YOU
EVER GIVEN BAD
DIRECTIONS?
If the answer is yes, then you
know how frustrating that
situation can be. Writing an
essay is like giving directions.
There are specific guidelines to
ensure a smooth arrival.
my.ccsd.net/userdocs/documents/20638
62646.ppt

2. Before Writing
1. Read and analyze the question
– What is the question asking?
– What is the question asking you to do?
(Know key words of the prompt)
2. Collect and Sort information
– Brainstorming, categorizing, generalizing
– Create categories for the thesis/body paragraphs

3. Writing the basic 5 paragraph
essay is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4,
5!
• Hook
• Thesis
• Intro
• Body with
transition

4. THE HOOK
aka the Lead in
Sentence

5. The Hook
Statement
Remember to explain the information, how it is
important within the statement.
• short narrative (VIVID-one sentence)
• anecdote (emotional appeal)
• startling statistic
• Quotation ****
• historical background lead
Example: The destruction in WWI is exemplified in the
statistic that 80% of the deaths did not result from a

6. The
Thesis

7. How to write
THE DREADED THESIS
time period/date + subject + strong verb + organizational categories
(economic, political, social) (PERSIA)
Time period = date or general time frame
Subject= topic
Strong verb=action. What happened??? Don’t use changed!!!
Example: In the late 1800’s, the Great Plains transformed
economically, politically, and socially.
Remember to use the components:
Fully address the question (prompt) asked

8. The
Introduction

9. The Introduction
• 1st
sentence- HOOK
• 2nd
sentence or at the end of the intro- THESIS
• 3RD
-5th
sentences-3 general topics (political, social and
economic)
NEVER USE SPECIFIC INFO
IN YOUR INTRO
JUST SAY NO!

10. The
Body

11. THE BODY
Now it is time to use that thesis!
• 3 paragraphs
• 3 general topics/categories from thesis
ex. (political, social, economic)
• Precise and relevant evidence=REAL FACTS*!
Let’s do the math-
How many facts in a basic 5 paragraph essay?
Answer: HONORS---18 facts (yes, 2 per sentence is the
general rule!)
*FACTS ARE: names, dates, statistics, events, documents,
numbers, quotes, places

12. Transitions

13. TRANSITIONS
TWO TYPES:
• words to sequence, compare, place, summarize, prove,
show exception, example.
• conclusion sentence in body paragraphs to flow to
next paragraph.
Example: While women in the 1920’s were breaking all
the rules socially, likewise women made political
gains.
GUESS WHAT?!
YOU NEED BOTH!!!

14. Conclusion

15. CONCLUSION
The conclusion is the flashing red light that tells the
reader: WE ARE FINISHED!
• restate introductory paragraph
• restate thesis in 1st
sentence
• Restate 2nd
-4th
intro paragraph sentences
• Use a clincher to end or HAMMER THAT THESIS
• no new info, futuristic predictions, opinions, what
you learned!

16. I. Introduction
A. HOOK- Grab the reader’s attention in ONE sentence
B. Thesis (should have three parts in order of the above topics)
C. 3rd
sentence-(one of 3 supporting topics)
D. 4th
sentence-(one of 3 supporting topics)
E. 5TH
sentence-(one of 3 supporting topics)
II. Body (2nd-4th
sentences from introduction)
A. sentence restated from introduction (TOPIC SENTENCE)
B. specific support (3 FACTS)
C. specific support (3 FACTS)
D. specific support (3 FACTS)
E. RESTATE TOPIC SENTENCE-TRANSITION
III. Conclusion-RESTATE THE INTRODUCTION(NO NEW INFO HERE!)
A. 1st
sentence-restate thesis
B. 2nd
-3rd
sentences restate intro
C. clincher or hammer the thesis again!

17. Keener’s list of essay DOs
• DO Read and analyze the question
• DO Collect and Sort information
• DO refer to the SEVEN-STEP ESSAY PROCESS guide and the Nevada
Writing Assessment Holistic Rubric when writing essays!
• DO create a thesis that fully addresses the question (prompt) and provides
organizational categories that will be used in the essay.
• DO show creativity and insight.
• DO use precise and relevant evidence. This may require some extra research.
Precise evidence = real facts such as names, dates, statistics, events, documents,
numbers, quotes, places. Example, write about more than just a topic like
cuneiform. Above average papers (5 or 6) also will include The Epic of
Gilgamesh.
• DO be concerned with organization and structure.
• DO use multiple sentence structure and word choices.
• DO use transitions.
• DO proofread and evaluate your essay for needed changes and make it better.
• DO ask for clarifications if needed.

18. Keener’s top 10 list essay of DO
NOTS
• DO NOT use first person or pronouns (I, you, we, they)
DO NOT NARRATE
• DO NOT use absolutes (always, never)
• NO clichés (that’s the way is goes, money talks)
• DO NOT use “in conclusion, as you can see”
• DO NOT use numeric ordering-1st
, secondly, My third
topic is…”
• DO NOT use the words “things” (situations, events,
issues) or “ a lot” (much, many, often, numerous,
countless DO NOT narrate (analyze, synthesize)
• DO NOT over repeat words (the rule: an outstanding
word may not repeat)
• DO NOT write “my thesis is…” or “the main idea of this
essay is…”