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The five
paragraph essay is used as a test
for writing proficiency, and is
often a timed exercise.
Getting
started means getting organized:
practice is a vital part
of writing effectively.
§
Analyze the assignment
and determine
what is required. With a
highlighter, note important words
that define the topic, then organize
your plan
For example, you have
been given this writing prompt:
You have a present that
was really memorable. It
could have been given for an
important occasion or just
for no reason at all. Tell
us about the present and why
it was memorable. Include
the reason it was given, a
description of it, and how
you felt when you got it.
The objective is to
write a narrative essay about a
present you were given
The subject is a memorable
present
The three main subtopics are:
- the
reason it was given
- a
description of it
- and
how you felt when you got it
§
Outline the five paragraph essay
Your
essay will include these
elements:
| Introductory
Paragraph
General Topic
Sentence: memorable
present
- Subtopic One: the
reason it was given
- Subtopic Two: a
description of it
- Subtopic Three: how
you felt when you got
it
(Transition)
|
First
Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic One
Supporting Details or
Examples
Transition
|
Second
Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic Two
Supporting Details or
Examples
Transition
|
Third
Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic
Three
Supporting Details or
Examples
Transition
|
Closing
or Summary Paragraph
Synthesis and
conclusion of the thesis
rephrasing main topic
and subtopics.
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§
Write the essay!
Think small, then build the full
essay gradually.
Divide your essay into
sections and develop each separately
and incrementally.
The
Introductory Paragraph
- The opening
paragraph sets the tone
It not only introduces the
topic, but where you are
going with it (the
thesis). If you do a
good job in the opening,
your will draw your reader
into your
"experience."
Put effort up front, and
you will reap rewards.
- Write in the
active voice
It is much more powerful.
Do that for each sentence
in the introductory essay.
Unless you are writing a
personal narrative, do not
use the pronoun
"I."
- Varying sentence
structure
Review to avoid the same
dull pattern of
always starting with the
subject of the sentence.
- Brainstorm to
find the best supporting
ideas
The best supporting ideas
are the ones about which
you have some knowledge.
If you do not know about
them, you cannot do a good
job writing about them.
Don't weaken the essay
with ineffective argument.
- Practice writing
introductory paragraphs on
various topics
Even if you do not use
them, they can be compared
with the type of writing
you are doing now. It is
rewarding to see a pattern
of progress.
Supporting
Paragraphs
- Write a
transition to establish
the sub-topic
Each paragraph
has to flow, one to the
next.
- Write the topic
sentence
The transition can be
included in the topic
sentence.
- Supporting
ideas, examples, details
must be specific
to the sub-topic
The tendency in supporting
paragraphs is to put in
just about anything.
Avoid this:
the work you have made
above with details and
examples will help you
keep focused.
- Vary sentence
structure
Avoid repetitious pronouns
and lists
Avoid beginning
sentences the same way
(subject + verb + direct
object).
The Ending or
Summary Paragraph
This is a difficult
paragraph to write
effectively. You cannot assume
that the reader sees your
point
- Restate the
introductory
thesis/paragraph with
originality
Do not simply copy the
first paragraph
- Summarize your
argument with
some degree of authority
this paragraph should
leave your reader with no
doubt as to your position
or conclusion of logic
- Be powerful
as this is the last
thought that you are
leaving with the reader.
§
Edit and revise your essay
- Check your
spelling and grammar
Subjects and
verbs agree, and verb
tenses are consistent
- Examine your
whole essay for logic
Thought builds and flows?
Avoid gaps in logic, or
too much detail.
Review individual
sentences
- Use active verbs
Avoid passive
constructions and the verb
"to be"
- Use transitional
words and phrases
Avoid sentences beginning
with pronouns,
constructions as
"There are....,"
Example: "There
is a need to proofread all
works" becomes
"Proofreading is a
must."
- Be concise
though vary the length and
structure of sentences
Ask a knowledgeable
friend to review and comment
on your essay
and to repeat back
what you are trying to say.
You may be surprised.
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