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The 5 Paragraph Essay Format

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The 5 Paragraph Essay Format
This is only one method of organizing an essay.Introductory paragraphA. Catches the reader's interestB. Gives brief background on your topicC. Begins or ends with the thesis statementBody (paragraphs 2, 3, etc.)A. Develops, expands, and/or supports the thesis statementB. Includes a topic sentence for each paragraphC. Includes supporting details which reinforce the topic sentence.Concluding paragraphA. Restates the thesis or sums up the argument.B. Tells the reader what you think is important to remember. (Often, this is a personal response).C. Never introduces new information in the conclusion. Extend your thinking on something from the essay.

The 5 Paragraph Essay Format

The first paragraph:

1) Begins with a topic sentence that introduces a general theme.

2) Follows the topic sentence with sentences that narrow the focus of the theme, so that it is less general.

3) Introduces the author of the text you are writing about.

4) Introduces the title of that text.

5) Narrows the discussion of the topic by identifying an issue or problem.

6) Finishes by making a debatable claim (a thesis statement, which is defined as a debatable point/claim).

Body paragraphs:

1) Begin with topic sentences that clearly relate to the topic, or issue, or problem, which was identified in the introductory paragraph.

2) Sentences that elaborate on the issue, or problem discussed in the introductory paragraph, and also demonstrates a clear connection to the thesis statement.

3) A sentence or sentences that make a claim about the topic, issue, problem.

4) A quote from the text you are analyzing that supports your claim.

5) Your interpretation of that quote, which explains how you arrived at your conclusion, and also demonstrates a clear connection to the thesis statement.

· Body parargraphs employ the One, Two, Three Rule, which is:

1) Make a debatable claim.

2) Support the claim with a quote.

3) Explain the connection between your claim and the quote, which means you make an

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