How to write a five paragraph essay

How To Write An
Effective Five
Paragraph Essay
PREPARED BY SANDRA DANIEL
An effective five paragraph essay places the
thesis, or argument, at the beginning of the
essay so the writer can offer support for the
argument in subsequent paragraphs.
The essay also has an effective conclusion that
restates the thesis and wraps up the argument.
PREPARED BY SANDRA DANIEL
Thesis Statement – part 1
An effective thesis statement should make a strong
assumption about the topic and serve as a map for the
rest of the essay. It must be narrowly focused and able
to be supported with evidence in subsequent
paragraphs.
A good thesis statement offers reasons , or “because
statements.” These reasons can be expanded upon in
the three supporting paragraphs that follow.
PREPARED BY SANDRA DANIEL
Topic: The death penalty should be abolished.
Do you concur with this statement?
Example: The death penalty should not be
abolished because although it is an unusual and
cruel punishment, it is an effective deterrent of
crime as decent people in society has to have
some form of protection from criminals who are
fully that their crimes committed will end in
their deaths
Supporting paragraphs can now expand on these

ideas.
Thesis Statement – part 2
PREPARED BY SANDRA DANIEL
Body Paragraphs – part 1
Each of the three body paragraphs,
or supporting paragraphs, should
focus on the thesis statement and
serve to strengthen the argument as
a whole.
Each paragraph should start with a
topic sentence and feature
supporting statements directly
related to the topic sentence.
PREPARED BY SANDRA DANIEL