Five Paragraph Essay Guidelines

ORGANIZATION OF A FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY
• Introduction to the paper
• General to specific statements
• Inverted pyramid style
• A three-part Thesis Statement will be the last sentence
Paragraph
1
• 1 st topic idea
• Use at least 3 examples
• Link to thesis statement
• Link to next paragraph
Paragraph 2
(1 st Body Paragraph)
1 strong point with 3
examples
• 2 nd topic idea
• use at least 3 examples
• link to thesis statement
• link to next paragraph
Paragraph 3
(2 nd Body Paragraph)
1 stronger point with 3
examples
• 3 rd topic idea
• Use at least 3 examples
• Link to thesis statement
• Link to next paragraph
Paragraph 4
(3 rd Body Paragraph)
1 strongest point with 3
examples
• Conclusion
• Restate thesis in a new way
• Clinch your argument
Paragraph Information
The 1 st paragraph contains the following:
Paragraph
5
(Conclusion

1. A topic sentence (A very general sentence that gives a hint as to what will
follow in the paragraph)
2. The next sentence (or sentences) narrow down the topic and establish a
more definite direction that the paper is taking
3. The last sentence of the first paragraph is the thesis statement. The thesis
statement is a one-sentence explanation of the entire paper. This sentence
should have three parts (1 for each body paragraph) Example: Students
should be required to wear school uniforms because they _______________,
___________________, and _________________.
The 2 nd paragraph takes the first point of the thesis and examines it.
1. This paragraph should start with a topic sentence that states the first point of the
thesis
2. This paragraph should include details and examples which explain or prove the
topic sentence.
3. The paragraph should end with a transition to the next paragraph.
The 3 rd paragraph examines the 2 nd point of the thesis.
1. This paragraph should start with a topic sentence that states the 2 nd point of the
thesis
2. This paragraph should include details and examples which explain or prove the
topic sentence.
3. The paragraph should end with a transition to the next paragraph.
The 4 th paragraph examines the 3 rd point of the thesis.
1. This paragraph should start with a topic sentence that states the 3 rd (and
strongest) point of the thesis.
2. This paragraph should include details and examples which explain or prove the
topic sentence.
3. The paragraph should end with a transition to the next paragraph.
The 5 th paragraph is the conclusion.
Along with a restatement of the thesis, this paragraph should also highlight points
covered, and the support used to discuss it.

Helpful Writing Hints
1. The essay must contain UNITY. All of the sentences in a paragraph must be related.
2. The essay must contain COHERENCE. All of the sentences must be logically and
clearly related to one another and their total effect is the clear development of the
paragraph’s tone.
3. Use COMPLETE SENTENCES. Do not use fragments. Do not use run-ons. Avoid
trite/overused expressions (ex. cute, pretty, good, got, very stuff, a lot). Avoid slang
(gonna, like, gotta, shoulda, coulda, probly (probably), cuz, tuff, u) *Slang is becoming
more and more of an issue because of instant messenger.
4. Use CONSISTENT VERB TENSE. Stay with the same verb tense throughout the entire
paper. If writing about a short story, film, novel, play, etc., students should write in the
present tense.
5. WRITE OBJECTIVELY. Do not use first person or second person. Write in third person
(unless the prompt suggests otherwise).
Singular
Plural
First person I, my, me, mine we, our, ours us
(the person speaking)
Second person you, your, yours you, your,
yours
(the person spoken to)
Third person he, his, him, she, her, they , their
(some other person or thing spoken about) hers, it, its theirs, them
6. DO NOT USE CONTRACTIONS in formal writing (shouldn’t, wouldn’t, can’t)
7. DO NOT USE SIGNS or ABBREVIATIONS (&, “ (for inches), w/, b/c, Jan., OMS).
Abbreviations that are accompanied by a name, date, or time are acceptable (John
Jones, M.D., or Mrs. Jones, 984 B.C., 2:30p.m.)
PSSA PROMPT TYPES
General Tips: *Use five paragraph format. * Organize thoughts before writing (outline).
*Use specific details and examples. *Know the directions!
Narrative Prompt:
-you are telling a story
-you may use first person
-provide details of the event
to paint a picture in the
reader’s mind.
-use descriptive adjectives
to make your story come
alive
Informational Prompt:
-provide details (how to,
explain)
-consider the reader to be
inexperienced
-consider all aspects of the
topic
Persuasive Prompt:
-inform audience, consider
audience type
-acknowledge all sides
-use supporting points to
sway readers