How to Write a Five Paragraph Essay

Outline of the Basic Form: Introduction to Conclusion

Nov 21, 2008 Rachael Scott

The five paragraph essay is the first formal writing structure taught to school children. This creates a solid foundation on which to build more advanced writing skills.

Even at advanced levels of writing, elements of the five paragraph essay are evident. When first learning, focus on mastering the structure itself. Individual style develops over time and with practice.

Introductory Paragraph

The introductory paragraph has a clear purpose: to grab the reader’s attention, to state the central idea, and to outline the body of the essay. The elements of the introductory paragraph are:

1. The hook
2. The central idea (also sometimes called: hypothesis or thesis)
3. List of three substantiations

1. The Hook

The hook is the first sentence of the introductory paragraph. Its purpose is to grab the reader’s attention and get them interested in the rest of the essay. Examples of good hooks include:

• Questions. “Can you imagine what it was like to grow up during the time of slavery?”
• Quotes. “To educate a man is to unfit him to be a slave.” – Frederick Douglas
• Exclamations. “The children of today are running wild in the streets!”

2. The Central Idea

The central idea is a few words that tell readers what the writer is going to show them. For example, if the essay is a book report on The Letter Writer by Ann Rinaldi, the essay writer will not give a summary of the whole book from start to finish. In an essay, the writer comes up with a single (central) idea and supports it with evidence.

Example: In Ann Rinaldi’s book, The Letter Writer, <Harriet learns that an innocent and charitable act can have unforeseen consequences.>

3. Substantiations

Substantiations are the pieces of evidence used to support the central idea. In a five paragraph essay, there are three substantiations. They are usually listed in one sentence along with the central idea, though they may be in a separate sentence immediately following. The list of substantiations concludes the introductory paragraph.

Example … can have unforeseen consequences when Nat Turner deceives her, the slaves rebel, and finally her own family’s is killed in the uprising.

The Body

The body of the essay is three paragraphs (the second, third and fourth) each of which presents and discusses one of the three substantiations. Each paragraph should be four to eight sentences and provide direct evidence from the source.

Example: Harriet’s act of kindness toward Nat Turner took an unexpected turn when he deceived her…

The Conclusion

The conclusion is often the most difficult to write. The final paragraph should restate the central idea and the three substantiations and then provide a piece of additional insight, or a question for the reader to consider. Technically speaking, it is a summary of what has been said in the essay plus the answer to the question, “so what?” Readers want to know why they just read what they read, what it all means.

Example: In the end, Harriet learns to look deeper than the surface to assess the characters and intentions of people.

Sources

Thanks to Susan Bauska, my high school English teacher at Annie Wright. She taught me how to write essays.

The copyright of the article How to Write a Five Paragraph Essay in Academic Writing is owned by Rachael Scott. Permission to republish How to Write a Five Paragraph Essay in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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