How to Write a Five Paragraph Essay

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How to Write a Five Paragraph Essay
By Cindy Newton
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Texas Essential Knowledge Skills for Ninth Grade

• 110.42. English I (One Credit).
• (1)  Writing/purposes. The student writes in a
  variety of forms, including business, personal,
  literary, and persuasive texts, for various
  audiences and purposes. The student is expected
  to
• (A)  write in a variety of forms using effective
  word choice, structure, and sentence forms with
  emphasis on organizing logical arguments with
  clearly related definitions, theses, and
  evidence write persuasively write to report and
  describe and write poems, plays, and stories
• (C)  organize ideas in writing to ensure
  coherence, logical progression, and support for
  ideas.

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The Basic High School Essay

• Introduction
• Body Paragraph One
• Body Paragraph Two
• Body Paragraph Three
• Conclusion

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Introduction

• Begin with a generalized topic related to your
  main topic.
• Paragraph should have at least three sentences
  addressing this general topic.
• If the main topic is the unprecedented appeal of
  the Harry Potter books, you could begin with
  several general remarks about the fantasy genre.

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Introduction (Cont.)

• Start with an interesting statement that will
  grab the readers attention.
• Avoid a boring line like -- In this essay I will
  explain why the Harry Potter series is so
  popular.
• A more interesting sentence would be Have you
  ever wanted to visit a place where people can
  fly, animals can talk, and dragons are a common
  sight? That world existsin books.

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Thesis Statement

• Introduces the specific focus of the essay.
• Should contain the names of the text and the
  author, as well as each point that will be proven
  in the paper.
• It is the last sentence of the introductory
  paragraph.
• The Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling use
  magic, likeable characters and the universal
  struggle between good and evil to successfully
  appeal to adolescents disinterested in reading.

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The three body paragraphs will focus on the three
topics introduced in the thesis.
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Body Paragraphs

• Opens with a topic sentence which states the
  point you are making in the paragraph, as well as
  the evidence you will present in support of your
  argument.
• Paragraph should have at least three supporting
  sentences in addition to the topic and concluding
  sentences.
• The magic used in the Harry Potter books creates
  a whimsical atmosphere that sets the stage for
  fantastic adventures for Harry and his friends.
  One such adventure is

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Body Paragraphs (Cont.)

• Each of these sentences must connect back to the
  point of the topic sentence, as well as enhance
  it.

• Do not let the supporting sentences veer off into
  new directions. Make sure each sentence either
  explains or supports the topic.

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Conclusion

• Recaps the entire essay.
• Restates the thesis.
• Briefly recounts the arguments made in the body
  paragraphs.
• May introduce related conclusion reached by the
  arguments made in the paper.
• If authors targeting the adolescent market would
  spend a little more time on character
  development, they could duplicate J. K. Rowlings
  success.

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Tips to Remember

• Each sentence should have a purpose. Try not to
  ramble.
• Make sure that the great topic that wows you
  during a brainstorming session is actually in
  line with the assignment.
• Dont be afraid to consult a thesaurustoo much
  repetition of a word can strike a sour note in
  your paper.

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Credit/Sources

• http//www.bookrags.com/articles/4.html
• www.dukecityfix.com/magick.php/media/18/20050
• http//www.freefever.com/freeclipart/clipart/drago
  n.gif
• www.clas.ufl.edu/users/rthompso/harry.jpg