How to Write Essays in Just Five Paragraphs

True enough essays that have relatively shorter length but loaded with adequate and appropriate information have more quality because they tend to limit the possibility of delving away from the main idea.

Students can write essays with the basic five paragraph structure. In these five paragraphs, all the elements that compose an essay are included. When one writes a paragraph, it is easier to begin with five parts for the meantime before adding more paragraphs, which will ultimately depend on the length and scope of the topic.

Essays must have an introductory paragraph that has a solid statement. A student has his or her own style in beginning a paragraph. Incorporating a catchy phrase can persuade people to read more. An opening statement can be in a form of a quotation, a maxim, description, or personal statement. The introductory paragraph also includes the thesis statement which is commonly the last sentence. A thesis statement is a short sentence that explicitly tells the main idea of the essay. For example, if the paper is about an alternative solution in using gasoline, the student can openly suggest in the paper through the thesis statement: People should consider using alternative gasoline such as biodiesel or electricity for automobiles to reduce oil consumption.

The second paragraph begins the body of the essays. The body of the essay is where the main discussion starts to take place. To begin the second paragraph, the first sentence – the topic sentence – should support the thesis statement. The topic sentence states the paragraph’s main point or purpose. For example: It is timely that people find an alternative for gasoline due to increasing oil prices in the world market. Students can elaborate this in the middle of the paragraph by giving actual evidences. The last sentence must bring the paragraph to a close which will also serve as a transition to the next paragraph.

The third and fourth paragraphs of the essays are also part of the body, having three topic sentences all in all. The format of the succeeding paragraphs is the same as the previous one. Make sure the topic sentences are still in line with the thesis statement.

Finally, the fifth paragraph stands for the conclusion. All essays have and should have a conclusion because it summarizes all the points elaborated in the body, but not actually duplicating the exact words. Just like the introduction, it should be brief and must leave a solid impact that will leave an impression to the readers.

Always remember that essays can exceed five paragraphs, depending on the professor’s instructions. The above mentioned tips are for writing guidance and do not necessarily represent the stand of educational institutions.