What is a Five-Paragraph Essay?
The five-paragraph essay is, as the name suggests, an essay composed of a total of five separate paragraphs. It is a basic essay format that is often assigned in high school, and is an oft-used starting point for students to begin exploring and building their writing skills.
More advanced writers can also use the five-paragraph format as an initial template in which to organize their content and ideas when beginning a new essay. The simplicity of the format can facilitate further exploration and development of the ideas to be conveyed in the essay. The finished piece may or may not adhere exactly to the format depending on the writer’s requirements.
Elements of the Five-Paragraph Essay
The five paragraphs in these essays are categorized into the following three types:
- Introductory: The introductory paragraph is the first paragraph of the essay. It explains and introduces the topic to the reader, and also defines the essay’s thesis. In all five-paragraph essays, there is only one introductory paragraph.
Besides introducing the subject of the essay and stating its thesis, the introductory paragraph may also include a hook that catches readers’ attention and draws them in. This hook is usually written into the beginning of the paragraph.
- Body: There are three body paragraphs in five-paragraph essays, and they make up the bulk of the essay. They consist of discussion issuing from the thesis stated in the introductory paragraph and work to either prove or disprove it.
Each paragraph tackles one point, which is stated in its opening topic sentence. These points are arranged by order of significance, i.e. the most important or illustrative point is discussed in the first body paragraph, the second most important point in the second body paragraph, and so on.
- Concluding: The concluding paragraph brings the essay to an end and, like the introductory paragraph, is a singular one in five-paragraph essays. Rather than making new points, the concluding paragraph simply summarizes the main points and restates the thesis, which now stands supported and strengthened, or disproved.
Outline for the Five-Paragraph Essay
- Introduction:
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- The essay’s introduction is contained within its first paragraph.
- The introduction contextualizes the essay by briefly providing the background information necessary to comprehend it and understand its significance.
- The thesis of the essay, which is its basis and determines the direction it will take, is also stated as part of the introduction.
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- Body:
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- The body of the essay spans three paragraphs.
- Each one presents a point that derives from the thesis and works to support or disprove it.
- Every body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that succinctly introduces and states the point forming the subject of the paragraph.
- The remaining paragraph lays out the reasoning behind the point and/or other evidence.
- Transition words and sentences must be used correctly at the beginning and/or end of each paragraph to ensure a smooth flow between the points. Proper flow contributes to better readability by making the essay an integrated whole rather than a collection of random, seemingly unconnected points.
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- Conclusion:
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- The conclusion is contained in the essay’s final paragraph.
- It summarizes the points made in the essay and reiterates the thesis.
- Depending on the type of essay, the conclusion may also emphasize a message and/or a call to action.
Example of a Five-Paragraph Essay
The following is a breakdown of an example of a five-paragraph essay. It discusses commonly held wrong ideas about e-cigarettes.
- Paragraph 1: Introduction
The topic of the essay is introduced, providing context and background.
“Nowadays, the dangers of nicotine are widely understood. It is addictive and is related to the occurence of cancer. On the other hand, many people believe that electronic cigarettes are a safer alternative to regular cigarettes. Their use is widespread among teenagers and young adults as a seemingly harmless means to access the effects of nicotine. However, most people don’t actually know what is in them. There are thousands of chemicals in the cartridges inserted into these devices.”
The writer then states their thesis.
“Unfortunately, the notion that electronic cigarettes are safe and effective is a myth. The consequences of using electronic and regular cigarettes are more or less the same, with one difference being that the former does not contain tobacco, though it can still cause cancer and other diseases.”
- Paragraph 2: Body
The first point to substantiate the writer’s thesis is presented in the topic sentence.
“People who already smoke are turning to electronic cigarettes as a substitute source of nicotine.”
The remaining paragraph adds details and broaches implications.
“The liquid nicotine cartridges that e-cigarettes contain and require to function, are available in several variants depending on the amount of nicotine. There is the “full flavor,” which is eighteen milligrams of nicotine and is used by heavy smokers. The twelve milligrams offering is called “light” and is used by smokers who used to or still smoke light cigarettes. The “ultra-light” variant contains six milligrams and is most commonly used by people who want just a hint of nicotine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that electronic cigarettes “contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals.” There is no such thing as a cigarette without nicotine even if it is an electronic cigarette. The many other chemicals in electronic cigarettes are, unsurprisingly, bad for the body as well.”
- Paragraph 3: Body
The next erroneous thought is introduced with the transition word “another.”
“Another prevalent notion is that electronic cigarettes are a way to help smokers quit.”
What follows the topic sentence in this paragraph is a clarification of the misconception stated in it.
“However, they do no such thing as they continue to provide nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes that keeps smokers hooked. Users of e-cigarettes are no more likely to quit than regular smokers. One study found that eighty-nine percent of vapers (as users of electronic cigarettes are called) were still using them one year later. There is also a rising concern that young people are using electronic cigarettes as a nicotine starter kit, leading them to smoke traditional cigarettes and to a lifetime of nicotine addiction.”
- Paragraph 4: Body
The use of “also” allows the writer to transition to their next point.
“Electronic cigarettes also do not emit water vapor as some believe, but a concoction of chemicals in the form of aerosol.”
Further details are then added to support the point made.
“These chemicals are volatile organic compounds, which along with other fine particles in the vapor may be very dangerous to the human body. The ultra-fine particles travel deep into the lungs and cause tissue inflammation. This increases cardiovascular health risk, an issue that smokers of traditional cigarettes also suffer from.”
- Paragraph 5: Conclusion
The thesis is reiterated with added support from the contents of the body.
“Electronic cigarettes are just as bad for the human body as regular cigarettes, and the complications arising from their use are similar, including the incidence of cancer.”
The paragraph is brought to an end with a comment in the form of a call to action.
“However, misinformation about e-cigarettes is rampant and is driving people to vape without being aware of the harm it is causing. There is an urgent need to correct this misconception and stem the usage of such devices.”
