This document provides instructions for writing a five paragraph essay. It begins by defining an essay as a written collection of organized paragraphs used to state and support an opinion. It then explains that five paragraph essays consist of an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, three body paragraphs addressing supporting points, and a concluding paragraph. The document outlines the key components of each paragraph, including providing a sample introductory paragraph. It concludes by offering tips for writing formal essays such as using specific language and avoiding personal pronouns.

1. Writing an Essay
Essay Writing Workshop for Intermediate to
Advanced level
Tabinda Mirza

2. Is this you?!

3. DO NOT PANIC!

4. Today we will learn how to write an
essay, step by step!

5. What is an
Essay?
 An essay is a written collection of prose, organized
and divided neatly into paragraphs
 Always remember that an essay is a written form of
communication and therefore, must be clear,
organized and easily understandable to those reading

6. What is the Purpose of an Essay?
• An essay is used to state and support an
opinion with proof and explanation
• Essays can be used to persuade others to
agree with your opinion

7. Why do we write five paragraph
essays?
• The first paragraph is an introductory
paragraph
• The middle three paragraph are the body
paragraphs
• The last paragraph is the concluding
paragraph

8. ESSAY BURGER

9. Introductory Paragraph
Introductory Paragraph and Thesis Statement
• The first sentence [or two] in your introductory paragraph
should always be a hook sentence to get your audience
interested in reading your essay.
• The next sentence should list your three reasons/proofs.
These should be ordered from weakest to strongest (or at least
important to most important) to make sure the audience want s
to keep reading your essay.
• The thesis statement is the most important part of your essay.
It is a specific statement that expresses your opinion about a
topic without using the words “I believe” or “I think”
• Your thesis statement should only be one sentence long
• Your thesis statement is always the last sentence of your
introductory paragraph

10. Introductory Paragraph
Sample Introductory Paragraph
Topic: Civil Service for all Canadians in their eighteenth year is compulsory.
Reasons/Proofs:
• Already exists in many other countries around the world
• In this economy, it is a good way to get some job experience
• A good way for Canadians to do something worthwhile for their country
Introductory Paragraph:
The topic of civil service is not one that enters the mind of many teenagers as
they approach the time at which they are required to make those life altering
decisions that affect everyone. However, there are many benefits to
considering this issue. Mandatory civil service at the age of eighteen is an
admirable idea because [A] it already exists in many countries around the
world, [B] it would allow teenagers to gain valuable job experience and [C] it
is an excellent way for individuals to do something worthwhile for their
country. For these reasons, [Thesis statement] civil service should be
mandatory for all Canadians in their eighteenth year.

11. The Body Paragraphs
The Body Paragraphs
• The body of an essay contains three paragraphs. Each paragraph
deals with one of the three reasons/proofs from your introductory
paragraph.
• Remember, you must always keep your reasons/proofs in the same
order. Therefore, write about them in the same order as you did in the
introductory paragraph.
• At the beginning of each body paragraph, use a transition word to
remind the reader which paragraph they’re reading.
• At the beginning if the first paragraph, use the word “First” or
“Firstly”
• At the beginning of the second paragraph, use the word “Second” or
“Secondly”
• At the beginning of the third paragraph, use the word “Third”,
“Thirdly”, or “Finally”.

12. Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should follow the structure bellow:
Sentence #1
• Topic sentence stating the Reason/Proof dealt with in the
paragraph
Sentence #2
• Offer a piece of evidence to support your reason/proof
Middle Sentences
• In your own words, explain how your evidence supports or
proves the reason/proof
Last sentence
• Concluding sentences summarizing the paragraph’s
reason/proof and connecting it back to the thesis statement.

13. Concluding Paragraph
First Sentence
The first sentence in your concluding paragraph should restate the
thesis statement. DO NOT repeat the thesis exactly the same way
you stated it in the introductory paragraph.
Never begin your concluding paragraph with, “In this essay, I have
proven that…”
Middle Sentences
Rephrase (but DO NOT copy) the three reasons/proofs. If the
reasons/proofs are short and brief, this can be accomplished in one
sentence. Otherwise, restate each in its own sentence, each
beginning with an appropriate transition word/statements.

14. Concluding Paragraph
Last sentence
• Finish your essay with a profound general
statement that leaves your audience thinking
about the point of your essay. This may take
more than one sentence.
• Never, never, never, even in your wildest
dreams, in spite of peer pressure, introduce
new information in the concluding paragraph

15. Concluding Paragraph
There are several different reasons why compulsory civil
service for all eighteen-year-old Canadians is a beneficial
idea. First, many other successful countries in the world
already do it, so Canada can look to their examples. Secondly,
young Canadians would have the opportunity to gain valuable
job experience for themselves, often doing things that they
would never be able to do in their hometowns. Lastly, it would
give Canadians the chance to contribute to the development of
their country. Given our freedoms and lifestyle opportunities,
it only makes sense to give something back to the country that
makes it all possible. It is an easy concept to understand, and
on that can make a world of a difference.

16. Tips for Writing Formal Essays
• Do not use personal pronouns (I, we, you)
These suggest your essay is an opinion instead
of factual
• Write in Present tense
• Do not use rhetorical devises or creative
writing skills
• Do not use contractions (Can’t, won’t,
couldn’t)
• Do not use slang or informal language

17. Tips for Writing Formal Essays
Avoid using vague language (be specific)
In an essay do not simply summarize your
novel/play (assume that whoever is reading
knows the novel/play well)
In your body paragraph, be as detailed and
specific as possible when explaining and
supporting your evidence and quotations
Use transition words to move smoothly from one
idea to the next (in addition, lastly, for example,
therefore)
NEVER bring up new information in your closing
paragraph

18. And that is how it is done!