DEVELOPING A FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY

EXAMPLE TOPIC: WHAT WOULD MAKE YOUR PERFECT DAY?

By: Ryan DamekConcentration: 9th Grade Beginning English

Step 1: Review the RubricThe first thing that you need to do before you begin any writing assignment is to review the rubric that is given to you. In this case, you will be using my rubric that is designed to be very similar to the state’s rubric on writing.

NOTE: When you take the State’s Writing Assessment, a rubric will be supplied so get familiar with this process.

Click on the Below Link to review the rubric that I will be using on your writing assignments.

Mr. Damek’s Rubric

Step 2: Create a Concept Map or Brainstorming ListAfter you know the topic that you will be writing on and once you have reviewed the rubric, you are to create a concept map or brainstorming list so that your ideas are organized and in front of you.

NOTE: If you skip this step, there will oftentimes be several repetitive points throughout your essay because it will not be organized.

Click on the below two links to see an example of both a Concept Map and a Brainstorming List.

Link: Concept Map

Link: Brainstorming List

Step 3: Creating a 3 point Thesis

A thesis statement is a sentence that is located in your introductory paragraph. This sentence is the most important sentence in your essay.

WHY? A thesis sentence is important because it acts as a compass in your essay. It lets the reader know the direction that your essay is going and puts in effect the main idea of your essay. It is also a great organization tool.

Click on the below link to watch a video that goes into further detail on what your thesis should incorporate.

Video: Writing A Thesis

Step 4: Writing Your Essay

Introductory Paragraph The introductory paragraph is the first

paragraph in your essay. The primary purpose of an introductory paragraph is to attract the reader's attention and identify the topic and purpose of the essay. A thesis statement typically appears at the end of an introductory paragraph.

Body Paragraph 1 The 1st body paragraph is your second

paragraph in your essay. Your first body paragraph needs to support the first point of your three point thesis.

Example: Referring back to the concept map, we need include the four reasons that support the first point of our thesis and incorporate those into this body paragraph. By doing this, our reasoning will be well supported.

Body Paragraph 2 The 2nd body paragraph is your third

paragraph in your essay. Your second body paragraph needs to support the second point of your three point thesis.

Example: Referring back to the concept map, we need include the four reasons that support the second point of our thesis and incorporate those into this body paragraph. By doing this, our reasoning will be well supported.

Body Paragraph 3 The 3rd body paragraph is your fourth

paragraph in your essay. Your third body paragraph needs to support the third point of your three point thesis.

Example: Referring back to the concept map, we need include the four reasons that support the third point of our thesis and incorporate those into this body paragraph. By doing this, our reasoning will be well supported.

Conclusion Paragraph The final paragraph and sentences in

your essay. By re-stating your thesis in your conclusion, the reader(s) of your essay will be able to easily see your points/main ideas of your essay.

Paper Overview / Outline

Step 5: Working with your “Writers Colony”After you review the rubric, brainstorm, create your thesis, and write your rough draft, you will be placed into a “writers colony” with 4 or 5 other students and you will all peer edit each others work. This concept will work in two fashions.

Fashion 1- Peer edit in class-or-Fashion 2- Peer edit online using your “writers colony” blog

Click on the below link to see a “writers colony” blog that I created. We will go into more detail with these at a later date.

Blog: Writer’s Colony

Additional Tips For An A+ PaperReference quotes from scholars/ well known people that back up your stance.

Read your paper out loud after every paragraph and check for sentence flow and word choice. Am I making sense? Am I repeating myself?

Have others read your paper and let them give you suggestions.

Make your paper stand out… Be creative and interesting!

Click Below to watch a video pertaining to other ways you can organize your paper if you do not like the concept map or brainstorming idea.

Video: "The Hand" Writing Technique

Question 1) What is the first thing I should do before I write my paper?2) How many points should be in my thesis?3) How many body paragraphs are needed in a five paragraph

essay?4) True or False: Is your thesis included in your introductory

paragraph?5) True or False: Is your thesis re-instated in your conclusion

paragraph?6) What should body paragraph one cover?7) What should body paragraph two cover?8) What should body paragraph three cover?9) How many sentences on an average should be in each of my

paragraphs?10)What should I do before submitting my paper to the teacher?

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