How to Write a Five Paragraph Essay Philadelphia PA

Steps

1. Determine your thesis(opinion).
2. Decide on three ways to develop your thesis.
3. Write a thesis statement(opinion sentence) that includes both your opinion and the three ways that you'll develop that opinion.
4. Take each idea in your thesis statement and write a topic sentence(TS) for each main body paragraph(MB).
5. Take each main body paragraph topic sentence and brainstorm three sub-topics.
6. For each sub-topic, brainstorm lots of DER(Details/Examples/Reasons).
7. Write main body paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 (MB1,MB2,MB3) using your three sub-topics and DER.
8. Go back to your thesis statement and write an introductory paragraph using that thesis statement as the last sentence.
9. Write a concluding paragraph, making sure you restate (not repeat) your thesis.
10. Revise and check spelling, punctuation, and word choices.

Tips

• Use sources like dictionaries for making sure of the meanings of words used in your essay.
• Use a thesaurus to replace common used words with better and more descriptive words.
• Remember to reread your work.
• Never plagarize (taking someone's work without giving them credit) it is illegal and will most likely give you a zero on your paper.
• Have a good opener that attracts the reader's attention. Try to think of a creative closer (kicker) as well.
• Try not to start your conclusion paragraph with To conclude.
• One very important thing to remember in your first paragraph is don't say "In this essay I am going to tell you.." That's never the way to go!! Example: In this essay I am going to tell you why I'm on the swim team.I take risks,make friends, and dedicate myself. Corrected version: I have gained valuable experiences being on the swim team. I learned to take more risks in life, become more social, and understand dedication.

Things You'll Need

• Topic or idea of the essay
• Pen or pencil
• Paper or a computer
• Dictionary
• Thesaurus

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