Examples of 5-Paragraph Essays
Composition

The 5 Paragraph Essay Format

The five-paragraph essay is a simple way of using a general principle of effective communication: state an idea; develop it with examples, illustrations, anecdotes, reasons, or facts; then summarize or re-state evocatively your main idea.

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) Narrows the discussion of the topic by identifying an issue or problem.
4) 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, that 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 may 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 intellectual conclusion.

Concluding paragraph:

1) Begins with a topic sentence that clearly relates to the topic, or issue, or problem, that was identified in the introductory paragraph.
2) Sentences that make connections with, or revisit, points from your introductory paragraph and your body paragraphs. These points now serve to close your argument.
3) A synthesis of these points that clearly demonstrates the focus of your thesis statement.
4) A final comment, or intellectual conclusion of sorts that points out the larger significance of your argument.