FIVE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY
how to write a five-paragraph essay
A five-paragraph essay has five parts:
- Introduction
- Body paragraph 1
- Body paragraph 2
- Body paragraph 3
- Conclusion
Each paragraph has a different job.
Paragraph one – introduction
The introduction tells the reader what your essay is about.
It has three important parts: Hook → Background information → Thesis statement
- Hook – catches the reader’s attention.
- Background information – gives the reader important information about the topic.
- Thesis statement – gives the main idea of your essay.
Example
Hook:
Have you ever imagined going to a school where students learn magic instead of mathematics?
Background information:
The Harry Potter books tell the story of a young wizard who discovers a world of magic, friendship and danger.
Thesis statement:
The Harry Potter books are popular because of their magical world, interesting characters and struggle between good and evil.
The thesis also gives us the three main ideas for the body paragraphs:
Body 1 – The magical world
Body 2 – Interesting characters
Body 3 – Good versus evil
Paragraphs 2–4 – Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph focuses on one main idea from your thesis.
Use this structure:
Topic sentence → Explanation → Evidence/example → Explain the evidence → Closing sentence
Example
Topic sentence:
One reason the Harry Potter books are popular is their magical world.
Explanation:
The reader discovers places, creatures and objects that do not exist in the real world.
Evidence/example:
For example, students at Hogwarts learn spells, play Quidditch and meet magical creatures.
Explain the evidence:
These details make the world feel exciting and different from everyday life.
Closing sentence:
The magical world therefore gives readers an exciting place to explore.
The next body paragraphs could start:
Another reason the Harry Potter books are popular is their interesting characters.
Finally, the struggle between good and evil is an important part of the Harry Potter books.
Paragraph 5 – Conclusion
The conclusion brings the essay together.
You should:
- restate your thesis in different words
- summarise your three main ideas
- finish with a final thought
- not introduce a new argument
Example
The Harry Potter books have become popular for many reasons. The magical world gives readers something new to discover, the characters make the story interesting, and the struggle between good and evil creates excitement. Together, these parts have made Harry Potter a story that many readers remember.
Remember
Introduction:
Hook → Background information → Thesis statement
Body paragraphs:
Topic sentence → Explanation → Evidence/example → Explain the evidence → Closing sentence
Conclusion:
Restate thesis → Summarise main ideas → Final thought