The document provides guidance on writing a 5-paragraph essay. It explains that getting organized by outlining main points and facts is important. A thesis statement should have three parts: the topic, a point, and facts to prove the point. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence, three examples, and a conclusion sentence. The body of the essay will have three paragraphs that support the thesis. The document walks through the full process of analyzing a prompt, outlining main points, crafting a thesis, and writing the essay.

1. Write Fast! Demystifying The 5 Paragraph Essay

2. You know the scene. You’re asked to write an essay on a topic, book, event, etc. Suddenly your mind goes blank, your palms start sweating, and you stare blankly at the screen.What Do You Do?

3. The 5 Paragraph EssayContrary to what you might think, writing an essay is not that difficult once you master the steps involved.Today we’re going to learn how to organize your thoughts, identify main points, create a thesis, and submit a sound 5 paragraph essay.I believe each of you can do this!

4. Why We WriteWe write for many reasons; for fun, to express ourselves, to explain, to persuade, etc.Most writing for school is known as expository writing. We’ll be discussing EXPOSITORY writing today.

5. Expository WritingThe purpose of most expository writing is to communicate ideas or answer questions.Gives information about a topicExplains ideasGives directionsShows how to do something

6. The Essay Format

7. Step 1: Get Organized!It’s important to organize your thoughts. Consider using a diagram to organize your main points and the facts you will use to prove them.Helping the EnvironmentRecycleReduce ConsumptionReuse

8. The THESIS StatementYour thesis statement will have three parts.The first part states the topic.“The American Revolution…”The second part states an point.“…was caused by…”The third part includes the facts you will use to prove your point.“…the lack of representation for colonists, high taxes, and a deep desire for self-rule.”“The American Revolution was caused by the lack of representation in Parliament, high taxes, and a deep desire for self-rule.”

9. A Good ParagraphEach paragraph should be no less than three sentences and follow this format.Topic SentenceThree ExamplesConclusion“Watching television is enjoyable but it can also be harmful. Many children develop short attention spans as a result of too much television. Also, television can be distracting and keep children from accomplishing their goals. For these reasons, television should be limited each day.”

10. The Body of the Essay

11. Putting It All TogetherStep 1: Analyze the question to find the MAIN TOPIC. Brainstorm ideas.Step 2: Outline your essay. Identify the main points that fit into the topic.Step 3: Create a thesis statement based on your main points.Step 4: Outline Again. Identify the facts you will use to support your main points.Step 5: Write the Essay.Step 6: Take a break! Walk away and do something else.Step 7: Proof read your essay for errors. Read it out loud!

12. Let’s Do This TogetherPrompt: Using your knowledge of literature, answer the following question. How does an author create a mood of suspense in their writing? Consider writing style, plot, and characterization.

13. Main Topic: How an author creates a mood of suspense.

14. Thesis StatementIn their writing, authors establish suspense through the setting, descriptive words, and the characters in that are portrayed.

15. The SettingDescriptive WordsCharactersA dark and stormy night

16. A gloomy castle