The document outlines the structure of a typical five paragraph essay. Paragraph 1 is the introduction which contains a hook to engage the reader and a thesis statement that previews the main points. Paragraphs 2-4 are body paragraphs that each contain a topic sentence, supporting details and evidence maintaining unity. Paragraph 5 is the conclusion which restates the thesis and main ideas or leaves the reader with a final thought without introducing new information. It also provides outlines for cause and effect essays which examine why things happened and the resulting effects.
2. Paragraph 1: Introduction
? Readers¡¯ hook: Enough information necessary
for your reader to understand your topic
? Thesis statement: Indicates your essay¡¯s topic,
makes your essay¡¯s purpose clear, and provides
an overview of the three main supporting points
that will unify the essay. The thesis statement is
typically the last sentence, followed by the
transitional hook.
3. Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph
? Begins with a topic sentence that identifies one main idea
that will be discussed as support or proof for the thesis
statement
? Supporting sentences use specific details, demonstrated
through closely related examples or evidence, to expand
and explain the main idea. Generally, a well-developed
paragraph has at least five to eight sentences.
? Paragraph unity means that all ideas in a paragraph are
closely related to its topic sentence and further develop
that topic sentence. That is, all sentences in a single
paragraph must be unified around a central point or idea.
4. Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph
? This paragraph, and any subsequent body paragraph,
should begin with a topic sentence that signals the reader
that a new idea or point is being introduced.
? As you organize your essay, keep in mind its coherence.
Coherence refers to connections among paragraphs and
ideas¡ªthe logical sequence of your thoughts.
? Use transition words or phrases at the outset of your body
paragraphs and to move from one idea to another within
your paragraphs.
? Have you transitioned logically from the main idea in the
previous paragraph to this one? Are you making clear
connections among the paragraphs and ideas? Be sure to
think about coherence .
5. Paragraph 4: Body Paragraph
? This paragraph begins with the final topic
sentence
? that relates back to the remaining point
mentioned in the thesis statement. Each
paragraph should contain a new main idea.
? Again, flesh out this main idea with specific
examples, details, and relevant support.
? Be sure to maintain paragraph unity. That is, each
sentence must relate to your topic sentence.
6. Paragraph 5: Conclusion
? The conclusion revisits your overall purpose for
writing and often invites your reader to consider the
implications of why your ideas are significant.
? The conclusion may
? restate the thesis or
? summarize the essay¡¯s major points and
? leaves the reader with a final thought to ponder.
? If you choose to restate the thesis or summarize the
essay¡¯s main ideas, do not repeat the same wording
from the introduction or body paragraphs.
? Remember not to introduce new, unrelated ideas in
the conclusion.
7. cause and effect essay
? deals with ¡®why things¡¯ ¨C why something
happened and what was the result
? Overcrowded cities
? What effects has the computer had on our
lives?
? Cell phone use can improve family relations.
8. ? Cause
? in the event that
? granted (that)
? as / so long as
? on (the) condition
(that)
? for the purpose of
? with this intention
? with this in mind
? in the hope that
? to the end that
? for fear that
? in order to
? seeing / being that
? in view of
? If... then
? unless
when
whenever
while
because of
as
since
while
lest
in case
provided that
given that
only / even if
so that
so as to
owing to
inasmuch as
due to
? Effect
? as a result
? under those
circumstances
? in that case
? for this reason
? in effect
? for
? thus
? because the
? then
? hence
? consequently
? therefore
? thereupon
? forthwith
? accordingly
? henceforth