Once you are finished your outline, you are ready to create your 5-paragraph essay. The 5 paragraphs are as follows:
- Introduction
- Body Paragraph
- Body Paragraph
- Body Paragraph
- Conclusion
Below are the details on each section:
Introduction
The introduction establishes the purpose of the essay. It shows the reader what will follow. Here are the steps of the introductory paragraph:
- Introduce the topic without giving an opinion.
Use the ideas in the question to help you introduce the topic. Do not include your opinion in the first sentence.
- List both sides of the argument.
Restate the two sides of the argument. You can find these in the
question.
- Write your thesis with the 3 points.
Use the question to form the thesis. Include your three points using parallel grammatical structure.
Here is an example of an introduction.
Question
Is it better to learn with a teacher or learn alone?
Sample Introduction |
(1) There are several ways to learn. It is possible to learn independently or with assistance. Some people believe learning with a teacher is best. Others think learning independently is more effective. (2) While both sides have advantages and disadvantages, learning with a teacher is best because (3) a teacher keeps you organized, motivates you, and helps you when you do not understand. |
Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs explain your 3 arguments. In each paragraph you should have two or three main points. Within these points, make sure you use examples to support your arguments. Body paragraphs are structured as follows:
- Topic Sentence
- Supporting Point A
- Supporting Point B
- Concluding Sentence
Topic Sentences
The topic sentence is the first sentence in the paragraph. It shows what the paragraph is about. Your topic sentences should follow these guidelines:
- It must be a complete sentence.
- It is not in the first person (I think, In my opinion, etc.)
- It is an opinion, not a fact.
- It is not a question.
For each supporting point, use the following format:
- Introduce the idea.
Use a simple sentence to introduce the main point or idea.
- Rent is cheaper in an apartment than in a dormitory.
- Explain the idea.
Describe how your idea is true.
- Often rent in an apartment is $200 cheaper than in a This is because a dormitory is close to school, so it costs more.
- Provide an example.
Use an example to illustrate your point and make it more convincing. Use these phrases to introduce examples:
- For example,
- For instance,
- As an example,
- For example, at the University of Toronto, the dormitory rooms costs about $800 per month, which is much more expensive than a room in an apartment.
- Explain the significance.
This is where you show how your point proves your topic sentence and thesis. This step is the most commonly missed step in writing. Don’t forget it!
- The difference in rent prices shows how an apartment is better than a dormitory.
- Use a transitional phrase to move to point B.
- Another reason
- Another benefit
- Another cause
The sample point below is from a paragraph arguing why the Internet is the best invention.
Sample Point from Body Paragraph |
(1) The Internet makes communication easier. (2) Free video chat on the Internet has replaced expensive long distance telephone conversations. (3) For example, Skype allows people to make video calls for free. (4) The increased accessibility to communication has made life better for everyone. |
Here is the full outline of a paragraph. On the left, you can see the features of the paragraph. The sample sentences are on the right. The thesis of this essay is:
- “High school students should have part-time jobs.”
Function | Example |
Topic Sentence | Jobs help high school students develop personal skills. |
Reason 1 | |
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One skill students develop from working is money management. |
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They learn how to earn and budget money. |
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For example, students learn about income tax rates when they receive a pay cheque. |
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This skill will help them for the rest of their life. |
Reason 2 | |
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Another skill students develop is time management. |
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Jobs require stricter attendance than school, so student must act accordingly. |
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For instance, school may allow 10 absences a semester. Employees do not have the same number of sick days. |
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Developing time management helps the student in future studies and career. |
Concluding Sentence | Money and time management skills are two excellent benefits for high school student working in part-time jobs. |
Conclusion
The conclusion summarizes your argument. You should never introduce new ideas in the conclusion. The conclusion format is the reverse of the introduction. Here is the structure:
- Restate the thesis.
Use similar words, but do not make it exactly the same.
- Restate the arguments.
Use one sentence for each body paragraph.
- Conclude the topic by looking to the future.
This is the final sentence. Do not add anything new.
Here is a sample conclusion from the thesis that university students should live in apartments instead of dormitories.
Sample Conclusion |
(1) Living in apartments is better for university students than living in dormitories. (2) Apartments are cheaper, including rent, utilities, and extra fees. Apartments are also better for studying, mainly because of the privacy they provide. Finally, apartments are a healthier option for students. (3) Students attending university should consider all advantages and disadvantages of apartments and dormitories before choosing. The most successful students will choose apartments. |