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UMGC Effective Writing Center Secrets of the Five-Paragraph Essay

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This form of writing goes by different names. Maybe you've heard some of them before: "The Basic Essay," "The Academic Response Essay," "The 1-3-1 Essay." Regardless of what you've heard, the name you should remember is "The Easy Essay."

Once you are shown how this works--and it only takes a few minutes--you will have in your hands the secret to writing well on almost any academic assignment. Here is how it goes.

Secret #1—The Magic of Three

Three has always been a magic number for humans, from fairy tales like "The Three Little Pigs" to sayings like “third time’s a charm.” Three seems to be an ideal number for us--including the academic essay. So whenever you are given a topic to write about, a good place to begin is with a list of three. Here are some examples (three of them, of course):

Topic : What are the essential characteristics of a good parent? Think in threes and you might come up with:

  • unconditional love 

Certainly, there are more characteristics of good parents you could name, but for our essay, we will work in threes.

Here's a topic that deals with a controversial issue:

Topic : Should women in the military be given frontline combat duties?

  • The first reason that women should be assigned to combat is equality. 
  • The second reason is their great teamwork. 
  • The third reason is their courage.

As you see, regardless of the topic, we can list three points about it. And if you wonder about the repetition of words and structure when stating the three points, in this case, repetition is a good thing. Words that seem redundant when close together in an outline will be separated by the actual paragraphs of your essay. So in the essay instead of seeming redundant they will be welcome as signals to the reader of your essay’s main parts.

Finally, when the topic is an academic one, your first goal is the same: create a list of three.

Topic: Why do so many students fail to complete their college degree?

  • First, students often...
  • Second, many students cannot...
  • Finally, students find that...

Regardless of the reasons you might come up with to finish these sentences, the formula is still the same.

Secret #2: The Thesis Formula

Now with your list of three, you can write the sentence that every essay must have—the thesis, sometimes called the "controlling idea," "overall point," or "position statement." In other words, it is the main idea of the essay that you will try to support, illustrate, or corroborate.

Here’s a simple formula for a thesis: The topic + your position on the topic = your thesis.

Let’s apply this formula to one of our examples:

Topic: Essential characteristics of a good parent Your Position: patience, respect, love Thesis: The essential characteristics of a good parent are patience, respect, and love.

As you see, all we did was combine the topic with our position/opinion on it into a single sentence to produce the thesis: The essential characteristics of a good parent are patience, respect, and love.

In this case, we chose to list three main points as part of our thesis. Sometimes that’s a good strategy. However, you can summarize them if you wish, as in this example:

Topic: Women in combat duty in the military Your Position: They deserve it Thesis: Women deserve to be assigned combat duty in the military.

This type of thesis is shorter and easier to write because it provides the overall position or opinion without forcing you to list the support for it in the thesis, which can get awkward and take away from your strong position statement. The three reasons women deserve to be assigned combat duties--equality, teamwork, courage--will be the subjects of your three body paragraphs and do not need to be mentioned until the body paragraph in which they appear.

Secret #3: The 1-3-1 Outline

With your thesis and list of three main points, you can quickly draw a basic outline of the paragraphs of your essay. You’ll then see why this is often called the 1-3-1 essay.

  • Supporting Evidence for Claim 1    
  • Supporting Evidence for Claim 2
  • Supporting Evidence for Claim 3

The five-paragraph essay consists of one introduction paragraph (with the thesis at its end), three body paragraphs (each beginning with one of three main points) and one last paragraph—the conclusion. 1-3-1.

Once you have this outline, you have the basic template for most academic writing. Most of all, you have an organized way to approach virtually any topic you are assigned.

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Five Paragraph Essay Outline

10 May, 2020

7 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

The five paragraph essay exists as one of the most commonly assigned essays, especially for high school students. In fact, the five paragraph essay format is so popular, it is often used not only in the classroom but for exams and admission essays as well. If you’ve never written a five paragraph essay, or find that you simply need a good refresher, you’ve come to the right place! We have thrown out all the useless information and boiled it down to the essential info you need to both understand what a five paragraph essay is and how to write one to earn the grade you want.

five paragraph essay

What is a Five Paragraph Essay?

Unlike some misleading names, the five-paragraph essay is exactly what it sounds like: an essay that consists solely of five paragraphs. This type of essay is strictly about the structure. That’s what matters much more than the topic or questions to be discussed in the essay. The paragraphs in the essay paragraphs follow a very specific outline.

This kind of essay was separated from all other types with a sole purpose – teaching students about the concept of the essay by practicing it’s most basic structure variant. Even though any kind of essay can have five paragraph – from a  definition essay to story-based narrative essay ; five paragraph essay is never limited to the approach. It might look like any other essay, but the structure is the king here.

Meet the Five Paragraph Essay Outline

This type of essay contains three distinctly different kinds of paragraphs including (in order):

  • Introduction paragraph
  • Three body paragraphs
  • Conclusion paragraph

While all three types of paragraphs follow traditional grammar and syntax conventions, what goes into each paragraph varies based on its purpose.

Let’s take a look at what makes each of these paragraphs unique:

5 Paragraph Essay Outline Structure

Introduction

The introduction paragraph should have three key parts: an attention getter , background information , and a thesis statement . These elements should appear in this order; the thesis statement typically appears as the last sentence in the introduction because it acts as a transition to the body paragraphs which each work to support the argument outlined within the thesis. Let’s say that the topic of your five paragraph essay is the best type of pet to own. After doing some research, you decide to write about cats. The attention getter sentence should capture the audience’s attention and make them want to read more about cats. Attention getter sentences often fall into one of four categories:

  • An interesting fact
  • An engaging statistic
  • A relevant quotation
  • A personal anecdote

It’s important to note that a personal anecdote or story from your own life may not be appropriate for all types of essays — especially if an instructor has noted that no personal pronouns be used in the paper.

Related post: How to write an Essay introduction

After gaining the audience’s interest, the next few sentences, anywhere from 3 to 10 sentences, depending upon the essay, should be about background information. Such information may define specific vocabulary or generally provide background information relevant to the topic.

In a five-paragraph essay about cats, relevant background information could include when cats became domesticated, how many breeds of cats are available today, and where individuals can find cats as pets.

Finally, the last part of the introduction paragraph should be the thesis statement. A well-written thesis statement should include an argument and a roadmap on how to prove it.

In this case, a simple yet effective thesis statement could be: “Cats make the best pets because they are intelligent, friendly, and sociable.” The first part, “cats make the best pets” is the argument while the second part, “intelligent, friendly, and sociable” is the roadmap. This is called a roadmap because it outlines the ideas that will guide the paper in the body paragraphs.

According to this thesis statement, there will be a body paragraph that provides evidence that cats are intelligent, another proving that cats are friendly, and a third proving that cats are sociable.

Stuck on writing your outline? Our essay writer will help You!

Body Paragraphs

A typical body paragraph is anywhere from six to twenty sentences; the length of a body paragraph depends upon the amount of research, analysis, and discussion needed in each paragraph to support the argument set forth in the thesis statement. Typically, a body paragraph will follow an organization such as this:

  • Topic sentence
  • Background sentence(s)
  • Explanation

There could be more sentences if you have more quotations from research to include. Additionally, some topics may require several background sentences while others only require one.

Body Paragraphs

Remember: value your time and your teacher’s time; skip writing sentences to pad the length of your paper and ask yourself if each sentence contributes to proving the argument outlined within the thesis. If the sentence doesn’t, get rid of it!

The conclusion paragraph should be the final paragraph in the paper. It is often the shortest paragraph. Its purpose is to review the main points and prove to the audience that the writer has successfully argued his or her point. A conclusion paragraph should never introduce any new information. Most teachers prefer students to skip obvious phrases such as “In conclusion” or “Before ending” because these statements are understood by the reader.

Related post: Cause and Effect essay outline 

Following the conclusion paragraph, you will likely need to create a “Works Cited” and/or a “Bibliography” page if you included any type of research within the five paragraph essay outline. After each quotation or paraphrase in the essay should be a parenthetical citation, and each parenthetical citation should be referenced in the Works Cited and/or Bibliography page. Your teacher or professor should clearly communicate their preference; a Works Cited page exists as a reference for all the works quoted in the essay whereas the Bibliography page lists every source you consulted during the research process.

Tips from our writers

Tips and Tricks

If writing isn’t one of your favorite requirements of academic life, check out these 10 tips and tricks to navigate creating a five paragraph essay smoothly:

  • Begin early
  • Make an appointment with the teacher to discuss your ideas/progress and get feedback
  • Take good notes, and cite the sources as you go
  • Create a sentence outline before the draft
  • Edit the essay twice: once for content, once for grammar
  • Get at least one other person to provide constructive criticism
  • Make an appointment at the Writing Center if your campus has one
  • Hire a professional editing service to catch pesky grammar errors
  • Review the final essay against any provided rubric item by item
  • Check the paper’s formatting for spacing, margins, and headers/footers

Writing assignments are never sprints, but they don’t have to be marathons either — try to find a happy medium!

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Free Printable Outline for the Five Paragraph Essay

Published: February 12, 2015

Carrie Fernandez

Contributor: Carrie

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

Most students will eventually need to know how to write the 5-Paragraph Essay. Here is a great five paragraph essay printable outline for helping your middle school and high school students with creating an outline for their essays.

The image is of a five essay outline with the title of this blog post, "FREE Printable Outline for the Five Paragraph Essay."

Five Paragraph Essays

The idea of five-paragraph essays is a simple format of writing an essay that sets the stage for the progression of more difficult essay assignments. Learning how to write five-paragraph essays  helps students to structure basic papers in the future.

Of course, students need to know how to write a paragraph before writing essays though.

Scroll to the bottom of this post to find out how to get your FREE copy of the 5 Paragraph Essay Outline today.

What is a five-paragraph essay?

A five-paragraph essay is used to help students write an essay with a specific method. This style is typically what is required in educational assignments and is a writing tool to build a foundation of how papers should be formatted.

Structure of a Five-paragraph Essay

The five-paragraph essay includes one introduction paragraph, three supporting paragraphs that form the body of the essay, and the last paragraph that concludes the essay.

Five Paragraph Essay Structure

The five-paragraph essay is a very specific type of essay that sets the stage for larger forms of writing. Because there is one paragraph at the beginning, one at the end, and three in between, it is often called a one-three-one essay, a three-tier essay, or a hamburger essay.

Introductory Paragraph

The first introductory paragraph is very important and sets the tone for the rest of the essay. The introductory paragraph should contain a thesis statement.

The thesis statement is a single sentence that summarizes what the essay is about. The thesis statement normally includes the writer’s opinion or argument, or point of view.

Another purpose of the introductory paragraph is to briefly state what will follow in the body of the essay. This only gives an idea of what will be in the body of the essay.

Body Paragraphs

The brief sentences in the introduction set the stage for the body of the essay. The bodies of the essay are normally called the “meat” of the essay.

The three paragraphs in the body of the essay include essay details and evidence that supports the thesis statement. However, each paragraph has a topic sentence (the first sentence) that is an umbrella of what that paragraph will be about.

After the topic sentence, the rest of each paragraph is filled with details that support the topic sentence of that paragraph. It is important that the sentences from the paragraphs in the body do not go off-topic but include relevant details.

Concluding Paragraph

The concluding paragraph does just that, concludes the essay with a summary paragraph. No new supporting information should go in this last paragraph.

In this conclusion, the writer rewords the thesis statement. The conclusion should summarize the main idea and the points of the paragraphs in the body section and introduction.

In the conclusion of essay writing, your goal is to convince the reader to do something, think a certain way, or see a view on a particular subject.

How to Start a Five-paragraph Essay

Sometimes the most challenging part of writing an essay is not knowing how to start it. To develop a well written essay, there are certain processes, to begin with that will set the writer up for success.

Start with an outline. Label the outline as follows:

INTRODUCTION

  • paragraph 1
  • paragraph 2
  • paragraph 3

Next, know what the thesis or main topic of the essay will be. The thesis will be the main idea the essay will need to support, prove, and expound on. Once you know the thesis statement, the rest of the can start being filled out.

Beginning your essay with an outline and thesis statement will allow the rest of the essay to fall into place.

How to Transition Between Paragraphs

Another challenge in writing essays is going from one idea to the next. Transitioning from one paragraph to the next in a smooth way is difficult for many.

A well-written work flows smoothly, but that takes experience and time. When students first begin writing, their work can be choppy and often end abruptly.

Transition sentences are the key to making those ideas and paragraphs flow. Use words that connect the new idea. Transition sentences can start with words like “however” or “consequently” or “after.” Find a list of transition words or phrases for your children on Grammarly .

Five Paragraph Essay FAQ

Frequently asked questions are a great go-to when students learn to write in a five-paragraph essay format.

How do you outline a 5 paragraph essay?

A five-paragraph essay outline is the best way to help a writer make a skeleton of the most important points of supporting arguments, supporting information, and the entire essay. The below is a good outline to produce good writing in a simple format.

Outline of an essay:

INTRODUCTION (includes the thesis statement and a brief summary of what the essay is about)

  • Main idea/theme (this sentence or the last sentence includes a thesis statement)
  • Transition sentence

BODY (topic sentences with details, evidence, etc.)

1. paragraph 1

  • Transition Sentence

2. paragraph 2

3. paragraph 3

CONCLUSION (review of the three-paragraph points and thesis statement)

  • The explanation for why your support for the thesis is correct.
  • Your supporting points are summarized briefly.
  • Summary and wrap up.

What are the 5 parts of a 5 paragraph essay?

Some new writers confused the 5 different paragraphs of an essay with the 5 parts of that essay. The actual parts of an essay have to do with the essay’s content.

Part 1: Introduction

All types of writing, including essays, need an introduction. It includes a hook, brief background information, and a thesis statement.

Part 2: Argument

The argument is where the body of the essay lies. In a 5 part essay, the argument will be in the 1st of 3 (1 of 3) middle paragraphs. Here writers provide sufficient details that support or explain their thesis statement.

Part 3: Counter Argument

This section continues the three paragraphs (2 of 3) but focuses on the counterargument or just explains alternate views of the topic. This holds evidence for the opposing view or just an alternate view from the thesis.

Part 4: Rebuttal

In the rebuttal part of the essay (3 of 3), writers can refute the claims from the counterargument. Writers can challenge the ideas that do not support the thesis and prove/support the thesis. This last paragraph should be persuasive in nature and end with a concluding sentence.

Part 5: Conclusion

The matter of the thesis rests in the conclusion. Therefore, the writers should restate the thesis and follow it with a summary of all the claims made in the body of the 5 part essay.

How many sentences are in a five-paragraph essay?

It is customary for a five-paragraph essay to have about 25-40 sentences. In that essay, each paragraph should hold 5-8 sentences.

How long does it take to write a 5-paragraph essay?

This seems like a simple enough question. However, the time it takes to write a five-paragraph essay can vary on many factors.

The consensus is that a five-paragraph essay should take about 3 hours for a straightforward topic and 5 hours if the topic is more complex. Please be advised that writing is not the bulk of the time. The bulk of the time may come from research and getting the information to add to the outline.

How do you begin a paragraph?

Because a paragraph should discuss a single topic, it also starts with a topic sentence. A good topic sentence pulls the audience into the rest of the supporting sentences.

Free Writing Resources

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In Conclusion

The conclusion of your essay repeats the thesis statement (maybe not word for word ) and reiterates the essay’s overall purpose. The writer has the freedom to invite the reader to consider their views. Remember that no new ideas should appear in the conclusion/the final paragraph.

So, in conclusion of this blog post, remember that the introduction and conclusion are like bookends. The five-paragraph model shows three body paragraphs but can be expanded once writers are used to the five-paragraph essay.

Once the outline is put into five-paragraph form, write the first draft. Have someone read the draft and make more edits. The final draft is what is handed in.

It is important that students learn the foundations of the five-paragraph essay. If they continue their education, they must build upon that five-paragraph frame in their academic writing.

Any writing assignment would benefit from the 5-paragraph structure of your essay to adopt as a writing style. Whether it be a persuasive essay, argumentative essay, a literary analysis, or any different types of essays, using this three-tier model is the easiest way to produce good writing.

Five Paragraph Essay Printable Outline

Five-paragraph essays provide the foundation for writing essays and papers of any length and structure. Use this printable 5 Paragraph Essay Outline to help students get their thoughts organized on paper. This will enable them to remember the steps of writing a five paragraph essay.

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Carrie Fernandez is the owner of  Daily Skill Building . She has been homeschooling for over 18 years, has two girls and works side by side at home with her awesome husband. She has been saved by grace, fails daily, but continues to strive toward the prize of the high calling of being a daughter of the Most High God.

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Long Composition Worksheet Templates

Customize long composition templates.

Big Burger Themed Long Composition Worksheet Design

If you're assigning this to your students, copy the worksheet to your account and save. When creating an assignment, just select it as a template!

5 Paragraph Essay Outline Template | Long Composition Worksheets

What is a 5 Paragraph Essay Outline Template or Long Composition Worksheet?

A 5-paragraph essay or long composition worksheet is a tool that helps students write a long expository composition in a structured and organized manner. It is a formulaic strategy that consists of an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. This type of worksheet helps kids to plan and organize their ideas, and it is commonly used in classrooms and for standardized tests. By using a planning worksheet, students can identify the main idea, supporting details, and important points that they want to include.

Teaching Essay Writing: Understanding the Different Types of Essays

When it comes to teaching essay writing to budding writers, it's important for teachers to understand the different types and their purposes. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common types of essays:

Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a type of essay that is designed to persuade the reader to agree with the writer's point of view. To achieve this, the essay typically presents a main argument supported by evidence and examples. An outline is an ideal template for this type of writing, as it helps to organize your thoughts and evidence to support your main argument effectively. To further assist your class in crafting effective argumentative essays, thesis statement worksheet templates can be used.

Compare and Contrast Essay

In contrast, a compare and contrast essay requires the writer to analyze and compare two or more subjects, highlighting their similarities and differences. A contrast essay outline is perfect for this, as it helps to organize your ideas and ensures that you address all the relevant points.

Expository Essay

An expository essay is intended to explain or inform the reader about a particular topic or idea. It typically includes a clear introduction, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a conclusion. Using a general outline template for essays is ideal, as it provides a clear structure.

Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays in that they aim to persuade the reader. However, they may use emotional appeals in addition to logical arguments. Templates that include both logical and emotional appeals can be used as a basis for composing a persuasive essay.

Personal Statements

Lastly, personal statements are often required for college or job applications, allowing the writer to express their personal experiences, values, and goals. Picture composition worksheets and written composition worksheets are ideal templates for this type of essay, especially for visual learners who find it easier to organize their ideas using diagrams or pictures.

Each type of essay requires a different approach and it's important for teachers to provide their class with essay planning templates, essay structure worksheets, and other resources to guide them. Using the appropriate composition templates is crucial for writing an effective piece. Whether you're working on an argumentative essay, compare and contrast essay, expository essay, persuasive essay, or personal statement, there is an outline for 5 paragraph essay or outline templates for essays that can help organize ideas and produce a well-structured final copy. With this teacher's guide, you can better understand the different types of essays and tailor your classroom activities accordingly.

Benefits of Using Essay Planning Template for Effective Essay Writing for Students

As a teacher, you may be wondering how to help your class improve their essay writing skills. One effective way is to encourage them to use a planning template. Here are some benefits of using a template to create an effective essay plan:

  • Provides Structure: A 5-paragraph essay outline or an essay planner template helps structure ideas and thoughts in a clear and concise manner. It helps them stay on track and ensures that they include all necessary components of an essay, such as an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
  • Helps to Identify Main Points: A composition template can help identify the main points they want to make in their essay. It helps them focus on the topic and ensure that their writing is relevant to the assignment.
  • Encourages Topic Sentences: Essay outline worksheets can help create topic sentences for every paragraph, ensuring that each relates to the main topic and supports the thesis statement.
  • Customizable: Essay planner templates can be customized to suit each student's writing style and needs. Some templates are more visual, while others are more text-focused. Students can choose a template that suits their preferences and style, making the process more comfortable and enjoyable.
  • Saves Time: Using template for essay outline can save time in the long run. By planning their essay ahead of time, they can avoid writer's block and ensure that they stay focused on the topic.
  • Improves Writing Skills: Another benefit of using these templates is students can develop their own writing skills. It helps them to organize their thoughts and ideas, improve their structure, and enhance their critical thinking skills.

By providing learners with the tools and resources they need to succeed, you can help them become confident writers who are capable of expressing their ideas and thoughts effectively.

How to Choose the Right 5 paragraph Essay Template for Your Students' Writing Needs

To write an essay can be a daunting task. One of the most effective tools to help them organize their thoughts and ideas is an essay outline or an essay planning sheet. With different types of templates available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for their writing needs. Here are some tips on how to choose the right essay outline for your students.

  • Identify Essay Type: Start by identifying the type of essay they need to write, whether it's a narrative, descriptive, persuasive, or expository essay. Different types of essays require different structures and formats. Once they have identified the type of essay, they can then consider the purpose of their writing. Are they trying to inform, persuade, or entertain their readers?
  • Evaluate Skills: Next, have them evaluate their own skills. Are they beginners or experienced writers? If they're beginners, it's best to choose a starting point that provides more guidance and structure. On the other hand, if they're experienced writers, they may prefer a template that allows for more flexibility and creativity.
  • Think About Style Preference: When choosing an essay outline or template, it's important to look for one that matches their style and preferences. Some templates may have more visual elements, while others may focus on text. Some may have a formal tone, while others may be more casual. Encourage them to choose something that aligns with their style and preferences. Another popular essay template that teachers may consider is the hamburger template. This template breaks down each paragraph of the essay into three parts: the introduction or "top bun," the body or "meat," and the conclusion or "bottom bun." It is a helpful tool for writers to visualize the structure of their essay and ensure that each section has a clear topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence.
  • Experiment: Finally, encourage them to experiment with different essay templates until they find the one that works best for them. They can try using a variety of essay templates, such as essay planning sheets or composition worksheets, until they find the one that suits their needs.

Using an essay outline is an excellent way to start planning and organizing their writing. By choosing the right essay outline or template that matches their writing needs, style, and preferences, students can feel more confident and motivated to write an essay that informs, persuades, or entertains their readers.

Understanding the Basics of Effective Essay Writing with a 5 Paragraph Essay Example

A 5 paragraph essay is one of the most common writing assignments that students encounter throughout their academic journey. It's a straightforward essay format that consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This essay structure is an excellent way to develop writing skills and learn how to organize their thoughts and ideas effectively.

Here's a 5 paragraph essay example that can serve as a guide:

  • Introduction: The introduction is the first paragraph of the essay, and it should grab the reader's attention by providing some background information about the topic. In this example, we will be talking about the importance of exercise.
  • Body Paragraph 1: The first body paragraph should introduce the main point or argument of the essay. In this example, the main point is that exercise has numerous physical health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It's essential to support this point with specific examples and evidence to make the essay more convincing.
  • Body Paragraph 2: The second body paragraph should expand on the main idea, and provide more evidence and examples to support it. In this example, the main idea is that exercise also has mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety levels. Again, it's crucial to provide specific examples and evidence to support this argument.
  • Body Paragraph 3: The third body paragraph should address any opposing viewpoints or arguments related to the main statement. In this example, some people may argue that exercise is time-consuming or expensive. However, it's important to rebut these arguments by providing counter-evidence or explaining how they are not valid.
  • Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and provide a final thought or call to action. In this example, we could conclude by reiterating the importance of exercise for both physical and mental health and encouraging readers to incorporate exercise into their daily routine.

Ideas on How to Use Composition Worksheets in Classroom Activities

Composition worksheets are a valuable tool for developing their writing skills. They provide a structured approach to the writing process. But how can teachers effectively incorporate composition worksheets into their classroom activities? Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Essay Writing Practice: Provide students with templates, such as outline worksheet templates or a multi-paragraph essay template , to practice writing essays. These templates and worksheets will help writers learn how to structure their essays and develop their ideas in a clear and organized way.
  • Peer Review: Have kids review each other's essays using composition worksheets. These worksheets can help students provide constructive feedback to their peers, and allow them to identify areas that need improvement.
  • Group Work: Assign groups to work on different parts of an essay using composition worksheets. For example, one group could work on the introduction, while another group works on other sections. This will help students develop their collaboration skills, while also learning how to structure an essay.
  • Analyzing Literature: Analyzing literature is a common task in language arts classes, and composition worksheets can be a valuable tool to analyze literary works. By using these worksheets, students can identify the main points of a story and develop their own ideas and arguments about the text. In addition, critical analysis worksheet templates can help students structure their analysis and focus on key elements such as plot, character development, and theme.
  • Exam Preparation: Provide the class with 5 paragraph essay outlines as a tool for exam preparation. These outlines can help students develop their writing skills and prepare for writing assignments.

By incorporating composition worksheets into classroom activities, teachers can provide students with the tools they need to develop their writing skills and become more confident writers.

How to Make a 5 Paragraph Essay

Choose one of the premade templates.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Long Composition Worksheets

What is a long composition worksheet.

A long composition worksheet is a tool that helps students organize their ideas and structure their writing. It provides a framework for developing a cohesive and well-structured essay.

What are the benefits of using an essay structure worksheet?

An essay structure worksheet helps students to plan and organize their writing, making the writing process more efficient and effective. It also helps students to develop their critical thinking skills by encouraging them to analyze and evaluate their ideas and arguments.

How do I write a 5 paragraph essay?

To write a 5 paragraph essay, start with an introduction that introduces your topic and presents your thesis statement. Then, write three body paragraphs, each focusing on a separate point or argument. Finally, conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis statement.

What is an argumentative essay outline?

An argumentative essay outline is a template that helps students to structure their argumentative essays. It typically includes sections for an introduction, background information, main argument and evidence, counterarguments and rebuttals, and a conclusion.

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Informative essays

Grammar and Writing Workbook for Grade 5

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Organize and write

Students write a 5 paragraph essay starting from a prompt and using a graphic organizer.

5 paragraph essay handout

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The Five Paragraph Essay

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Zandrea Banton

Students drag and drop the labels for the parts of the argumentative essay.

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The Five Paragraph Essay

5-Paragraph Essay Writing Handouts for Middle or High School Students

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5 paragraph essay handout

Description

Scaffold the writing process with these 5-Paragraph Essay Handouts for Students! When students have these reference handouts, they'll be able to find the answers to basic 5-paragraph essay questions without having to ask you again and again!

These six 5-Paragraph Essay Handouts each cover a different topic: structure and formatting, introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, conclusion paragraph, Works Cited page, and citing sources. The handouts focus on MLA format.

Each handout includes information, examples, and tips to help students follow the 5-paragraph essay format.

Their eye-catching design makes them perfect for classroom displays or bulletin boards as well.

These 5-Paragraph Essay Handouts for Students Include:

  • 6 NON-EDITABLE Handouts in PDF format

Please note that this resource is NOT editable. Please look at the preview before purchasing to ensure this resource is right for you and your students.

Pair these handouts with my FREE Source Credibility Checklist !

Need more? Grab the whole 5-Paragraph Essay Bundle and save or check out:

  • FREE 5-Paragraph Essay Pacing and Teaching Guide
  • 5-Paragraph Essay Mini-lessons
  • Label the Essay Worksheet
  • Writing Strong Thesis Statements Activity
  • Unscramble the 5-paragraph Essay Activity
  • 5-Paragraph Essay Scaffolded Outlines & Rubric
  • 5-Paragraph Essay Peer-editing Stations

***This resource contains NON-EDITABLE PDF files within a zip folder. Please be sure you have the appropriate software for unzipping a zip folder before purchase (if you have any issues, Teachers Pay Teachers has great tech support and a FAQ page). Before purchasing, please review the preview to make sure this resource supports your and your students' needs.

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IMAGES

  1. Argumentative Essay Outline 5-Paragraph Handout

    5 paragraph essay handout

  2. Writing a 5-Paragraph Essay: Organizers, Passages, and Prompts!

    5 paragraph essay handout

  3. 5-Paragraph Essay Handouts for Students by It's Lit Teaching

    5 paragraph essay handout

  4. 5 Paragraph Essay: What Is It and How to Write It

    5 paragraph essay handout

  5. How to write a 5 paragraph essay outline for kids

    5 paragraph essay handout

  6. ️ 5 paragraph essay example 6th grade. Grade 6 Level 5 Writing Sample

    5 paragraph essay handout

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  5. How to write a 5 Paragraph Essay By KGTeacherFlow- (Beef it Up Instrumental)

  6. Write a solid END HOOK for your essay!

COMMENTS

  1. PDF The Basic Five Paragraph Essay: Format and Outline Worksheet

    The Basic Five Paragraph Essay: Format and Outline ...

  2. PDF Five Paragraph Essay

    Body Paragraph 3. Follow the same guidelines as body paragraph 1, but now focus on your third main point. 5. Conclusion Paragraph. main point. • Revisit your main points, restate your thesis, and consider what idea you want to leave your audience with. A few good ways to end: • Advise your readers. • Give your opinion.

  3. PDF Five Paragraph Essay: Format and Outline

    Paragraph 5: Conclusion -- It's time to wrap up your essay and tie it all together. Restate your thesis statement. Summarize your supporting points. Refer back to your attention-getting device in the introduction paragraph. REMEMBER: This is not the time to introduce new ideas or new quotes. You can continue to insert however many paragraphs ...

  4. Secrets of the Five-Paragraph Essay

    The five-paragraph essay consists of one introduction paragraph (with the thesis at its end), three body paragraphs (each beginning with one of three main points) and one last paragraph—the conclusion. 1-3-1. Once you have this outline, you have the basic template for most academic writing. Most of all, you have an organized way to approach ...

  5. PDF BCCC Tutoring Center Outline for a Five-Paragraph Essay

    Outline for a Five-Paragraph Essay

  6. Writing a 5-Paragraph Essay Outline: A Beginner's Guide

    Don't know where to start a five-paragraph essay? Learn how to make an outline for your essay without the stress right here.

  7. How to Write a Five-Paragraph Essay, With Examples

    How to Write a Five-Paragraph Essay, With Outlines and ...

  8. PDF Outline for a Five-Paragraph Essay

    Remember, while the five paragraph essay is a common assignment, other writing may require a more in-depth ... handout. If you choose to restate the thesis or summarize the essay's main ideas, do not repeat the same wording from the introduction or body paragraphs. Remember not to introduce new, unrelated ideas in the

  9. PDF Five Paragraph Essay Outline

    Five Paragraph Essay Outline Please fill in the spaces below to help you organize and outline your draft. If you would like explanations of each component, please see the "Five Paragraph Essay" handout for guidance. Topic . Introduction . Thesis Statement . First Major Point . 1. 2. 3. Conclusion and Lead-in: Second Major Point . The ...

  10. PDF A Brief Guide to 5-Paragraph Essay Writing

    Avoid using exclamation points; stay more or less neutral in your writing. Check your writing for spelling and grammar mistakes. Brief Guide to 5-Paragraph Essay Writing. Make sure your ideas flow logically. Avoid too much detail or wordiness. Be concise, specific and brief, but do give details and examples.

  11. Five Paragraph Essay

    Five Paragraph Essay | Definition, Structure & Example

  12. Five Paragraph Essay Outline

    If writing isn't one of your favorite requirements of academic life, check out these 10 tips and tricks to navigate creating a five paragraph essay smoothly: Begin early. Make an appointment with the teacher to discuss your ideas/progress and get feedback. Take good notes, and cite the sources as you go. Create a sentence outline before the ...

  13. PDF Beyond High School Writing: Rethinking the 5-Paragraph Essay

    Assume that each paragraph will take up roughly ¾ of a page, and make sure that the number of paragraphs you have will result in the assigned page length of your paper, if there is one Several potential purposes for a paragraph, see which of these fit and how many are necessary: • to define terms, to review the literature,

  14. PDF Essay Structure The Five-Paragraph Essay Structure

    The research essay structure is in many ways similar to that of the five-paragraph essay structure. The introduction must introduce the topic and include a workable thesis statement that attempts to answer a question, argument, or claim. However, the thesis statement is ... Note: Refer to Transitions Handout for further information on how to ...

  15. Five-Paragraph Essay Organizer

    Five-Paragraph Essay Organizer. Click here to print. Line-by-line color-coded organizer to familiarize students with the nuts and bolts of basic essay-writing and organization. This chart shows students line-by-line how to write an essay. Teachers give students this sheet, and students proceed to fill it in. Once this sheet of essay notes has ...

  16. PDF Five-paragraph Essay Organizer

    Five-paragraph Essay Organizer PARAGRAPH ONE: INTRODUCTION Sentence one (Restate the question as a sentence - "what will be proven"): Sentence two (Summarize first main point): Sentence three (Summarize second main point): Sentence four (Summarize third main point): PARAGRAPH TWO: FIRST MAIN POINT OR TOPIC Sentence one (Introduce this topic):

  17. Free Printable Outline for the Five Paragraph Essay

    The five-paragraph model shows three body paragraphs but can be expanded once writers are used to the five-paragraph essay. Once the outline is put into five-paragraph form, write the first draft. Have someone read the draft and make more edits. The final draft is what is handed in.

  18. 5 Best Paragraph Essay Template

    A 5-paragraph essay or long composition worksheet is a tool that helps students write a long expository composition in a structured and organized manner. It is a formulaic strategy that consists of an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.

  19. PDF Five Paragraph Essay

    Follow the same guidelines as body paragraph 1, but now focus on your third main point. 5. Conclusion Paragraph. • Revisit your main points, restate your thesis, and consider what idea you want to leave your audience with. A few good ways to end: • Advise your readers. • Give your opinion. • Offer a solution.

  20. 5 Paragraph Essay Outline Worksheet

    This worksheet is designed to help students form an outline for a standard 5 paragraph essay. Using the prompts included for each paragraph, students can thoughtfully construct a basic academic essay. I found that students in the intermediate ELL classroom found this the most helpful--having a template onto which they could anchor and organize ...

  21. Informative essays

    Students write a 5 paragraph essay starting from a prompt and using a graphic organizer. Worksheet #1 Worksheet #2 Worksheet #3 Worksheet #4 Worksheet #5 Worksheet #6. Worksheet #7 Worksheet #8 Worksheet #9 Worksheet #10. Similar: Comparing and contrasting.

  22. The Five Paragraph Essay worksheet

    Level: 9. Language: English (en) ID: 1092902. 16/06/2021. Country code: JM. Country: Jamaica. School subject: English language (1061957) Main content: The five paragraph essay, The Argumentative Essay, Essay Structure (1407665) Students drag and drop the labels for the parts of the argumentative essay.

  23. 5-Paragraph Essay Handouts for Students by It's Lit Teaching

    These six 5-Paragraph Essay Handouts each cover a different topic: structure and formatting, introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, conclusion paragraph, Works Cited page, and citing sources. The handouts focus on MLA format. Each handout includes information, examples, and tips to help students follow the 5-paragraph essay format.