The dreaded 5-paragraph essay

1. The dreaded 5-paragraph essay An Overview

2. All about introductions! • Grabber: A compelling opening sentence that entices the reader to continue reading • In a paper exploring the theme of power in Julius Caesar, which of the following sentences would entice you to read on? • Lord Acton might have just attended a performance of Julius Caesar when he noted that “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” • In Julius Caesar, power is a corrupting influence. • In this essay, I will examine the corrupting influence of power in Julius Caesar. • In Julius Caesar, power is an intoxicating but often poisonous brew.

3. Options to avoid  • Restating the question to your reader:“Ifyou could build a perfect community, what would you include?” • This is technically a rhetorical question, but it’s just restating the question. This is unoriginal as a zinger, too) • Random noise: “Honk. What’s that noise? Oh, it’s one of my community’s high-tech buses!” • This worked in 4th grade, but you can do better!

4. Options to try  • Rhetorical Question: Human beings are far from perfect, but is it possible, perhaps, for humans to create a perfect environment? • This includes a shocking statement. • Quotation: Albert Camus wrote, “Utopia is that which is in contradiction with reality.” However, utopiacanbe a reality. • This alsoincludes a shocking statement. • Anecdote (brief story or description relating to topic): Imagine a world of utter tranquility: meandering paths curve through groves of colorful wildflowers, people lounge in the afternoon shade sipping lemonade and reading in hammocks, and each sunrise ushers in a day more perfect than the last.

5. Background information • How do you get from your grabber to your thesis? • It depends on the topic! • Think about how to put the topic in a larger context • Make sure you’ve narrowed down your topic by the end of your intro

6. The Thesis: Your paper’s main argument A lawyer cannot make a case without making a plea; a writer express his opinion without without a thesis • 1 or 2 sentences @ end of introduction • declarative sentence; avoid questions • basic formula: (I think that) ___________________ because reason 1, reason 2, reason 3. • List your reasons in the order in which you will discuss them in the body of your paper. • Remember: must answer the prompt question directly

7. You need evidence!Body paragraphs • Main part of your paper • develop your assertion with convincing details and/or reasons • Need two main things • a topic sentence • 2 to 3 reasons or examples for your assertion For example, here is the basic format if I am writing a paragraph about my hometown’s natural features:

8. My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features.  First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep. The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. These three landmarks are truly amazing and make my hometown a famous place. • This paragraph contains a topic sentence, 3 supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.

9. Additional details added on top of the basic framework make a paragraph more interesting: My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features.  First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. On either side of this river, which is 175 feet wide, are many willow trees which have long branches that can move gracefully in the wind.  In autumn the leaves of these trees fall and cover the riverbanks like golden snow.  Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep.  Even though it is steep, climbing this hill is not dangerous, because there are some firm rocks along the sides that can be used as stairs.  There are no trees around this hill, so it stands clearly against the sky and can be seen from many miles away.  The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands two hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred years old.  These three landmarks are truly amazing and make my hometown a famous place.

10. Transitions: we love them! • Don’t forget about these helpful little guys: • Furthermore, moreover, additionally, also, again • Accordingly, as a result, consequently, hence, otherwise, therefore, thus • In essence, in other words, in short, to put it differently • For example, for instance • Likewise, similar • First of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next

11. “All’s well that ends well” • An effective conclusion will do three things: • 1. Restate the thesis in a new way • 2. Sum up the main points of your argument • 3. Go out with a bang! How do you go out with a bang??? SAVE SOMETHING for the end! an insight an image a quotation a powerful statement