The Traditional Five Paragraph Essay

Transcription

1 The Traditional Five Paragraph Essay The Three Main Parts: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion J. Kent Media Specialist

2 OVERALL STRUCTURE OF THE FIVE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY Introduction: Tell them what you re going to tell them. Body: Tell them. Conclusion: Tell them what you ve told them.

3 I. Introduction:The First Paragraph of the Essay The first paragraph of the five paragraph is called the introduction. In a non persuasive essay, it about three to five sentences long. These three to five sentences make up the three main parts of the introduction. The three main parts of the introductory paragraph are named as follows: the Lead-In, the Transition, and the Thesis Statement/Essay Map. They may be explained as follows:

4 A. The Lead-In: a very general sentence or sentences that simply introduce(s) the subject (topic) of the essay. 1. Example: Michael J. Fox has a form of Parkinson s Disease that strikes people under 40.

5 B. Transition: A Slightly more specific sentence or sentences that identify/ies the particular aspect of the topic that will be discussed in the essay. In other words, the transition narrows the topic.

6 1. When Michael was first diagnosed with Parkinson s Disease, he decided to keep his condition a secret. 2. The television program Spin City was created to help him stay near his family. Finally, when Michael could no longer hide his condition he decided to share his secret with the world. Michael s courage and wish to make a difference have made him feel like a truly lucky man.

7 C. Thesis Statement-Essay Map 1. The Thesis Statement is the main idea of the entire essay. In this case, the Thesis Statement is that Michael J. Fox is a courageous man and is happy because he is making a difference. 2. The Essay Map is the list of the three main ideas that will be developed in the Body Paragraphs: in this essay, they are: Michael first hid his condition from the world; he created a television series in order to work near his family; he finally decided to share his secret and make a difference. 3. Example: Michael s courage and decision to make a difference have made him feel like a truly lucky man.

8 II. The Body Paragraph: Three Main Components A. Topic Sentence 1. The topic sentence is the sentence that expresses the main idea of the body paragraph, which is one of the three main supporting ideas presented in the Essay Map. a. Example: When Michael J. Fox first discovered that he had Parkinson s Disease, he decided to keep it a secret.

9 B. Supporting Details 1. The supporting details are the specific pieces of information that clarify, explain, illustrate and develop the main idea expressed in the Topic Sentence. A. Example: 1. Michael had married in 1988 and had a son. He was rich and famous and did not want to stop working or expose his family to media attention.

10 C. Concluding Sentence 1. The concluding sentence gives closure to the paragraph by paraphrasing the Topic Sentence. a. Example: In short, Michael felt that his disability or condition would hurt his family and his reputation as an actor.

11 III. The Concluding Paragraph: Four Main Components A. Paraphrase of the Lead-In 1. Example: In conclusion, although Michael was only 30 years old, he was struck by Parkinson s Disease. B. Paraphrase of the Transition 2. Example: Michael s first response was to keep his condition secret and to continue with his career and family life as usual.

12 C. Paraphrase of Thesis Statement and Essay Map 1. Example: However, in sharing his disability with the world, Michael was able to make a difference by starting the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson s Disease.

13 D. Statement emphasizing and expanding the importance of the topic 1. Example: His giving spirit and his reaching out to his many fans for support have brought Michael a feeling of hope and happiness. He has been an inspiration to other victims of Parkinson s. His book entitled Happy Man tells about his wish to educate people about Parkinson s Disease and to raise research money. He believes that a cure for the disease will be found in his lifetime.