Structured Essay Writing

The five-paragraph essay is a simple writing formula that helps organize ideas and share them. It’s often taught in schools to help students create strong arguments and logical writing. This type of essay has three main parts: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction grabs the reader’s attention, gives some background on the topic, and ends with the main idea, called the thesis statement. Each body paragraph focuses on one main point or piece of evidence that supports the thesis. Finally, the conclusion wraps everything up and reminds the reader of the main argument. This structure is useful because it helps students write clearly and persuasively.

Introductory Paragraph

The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay, and it sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention and explain what your essay is about. This paragraph usually starts with a "hook". This is a sentence that makes the reader interested, like a surprising fact, a question, or a detailed description. After the hook, you give some background information to help the reader understand the topic. The last sentence is the thesis statement, which is a clear sentence explaining your main argument or the purpose of the essay. A strong introduction gets the reader interested and shows them what to expect.

Even though it’s the first part of your essay, it’s often helpful to write the introduction last!

Body Paragraphs

Also see TEXAS Paragraphs.

Body paragraphs form the core of the essay, where the main ideas are developed and supported with evidence. Each body paragraph focuses on a single point or argument that directly relates to the thesis statement. The paragraph begins with a topic sentence, which introduces the point being made and connects it to the overall argument. This is followed by an explanation and then evidence, such as facts, examples, or quotes, to support the point. The analysis comes next, where the writer shows how the evidence strengthens the argument or links to the thesis. Finally, the paragraph ends with a summary that wraps up the idea and transitions smoothly to the next point. Each body paragraph should be clear, concise, and developed to maintain a strong argument throughout the essay.

One way you can write these paragraphs starting with bulletpoints as you research. You can then expanding them to full sentences that make up your explanation and evidence. Finally you add in your own analysis, conclusions and topic for each paragraph.

Concluding Paragraph

The concluding paragraph brings the essay to a satisfying end. It should reinforce the main argument and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. It begins by restating the thesis in different words, reminding the reader of the essay's main point. Then, it summarizes the key points made in the body paragraphs, reinforcing how they support the thesis. The conclusion should not introduce new information. In digital technology the conclusion needs to also include the next steps. How has the research you have done influenced your design and outcome. Cause that is the whole point!

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