NOTE: Not
all teachers like this approach to writing because they feel it
stifles creativity and is too structured. I have found that
strong writers do not like this approach and are capable of
creating their own organizational pattern that works well for
them. However, I have also found that struggling writers enjoy
this approach because of its structure, and I have seen great
improvement in their writing. It seems to be very beneficial to
students with learning disabilities and those who are learning
English as a second language.
TRADITIONAL
FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY
This approach is meant for essays only. It is not
meant for personal narratives, stories, or any other type of
writing that does not lend itself to a strict structure.
In this approach, there are five paragraphs. The first
is the lead, the middle three make up the body, and the fifth is
the conclusion. The purpose of this approach is develop the body
of an essay with specific details. Below is an explanation of
each paragraph.
Lead Paragraph
This is the attention-getter, or hook. Any type of
lead that is appropriate for the essay may be used. The lead must
be at least three sentences long. It also needs to directly
relate to the body of the essay.
Body Paragraph 1
This paragraph is the first of the body paragraphs.
There should be some type of transition to connect the lead
paragraph to it. It should also contain a topic sentence the
states the main idea of the paragraph. There should be a least
four more sentences containing specific details that support the
main idea of the paragraph. The paragraph should end with a good
closing sentence.
Body Paragraph 2
This paragraph is the second of the body paragraphs.
There should be some type of transition to connect the second
body paragraph to it. It should also contain a topic sentence the
states the main idea of the paragraph. There should be a least
four more sentences containing specific details that support the
main idea of the paragraph. The paragraph should end with a good
closing sentence.
Body Paragraph 3
This paragraph is the third of the body paragraphs.
There should be some type of transition to connect the second
body paragraph to it. It should also contain a topic sentence the
states the main idea of the paragraph. There should be a least
four more sentences containing specific details that support the
main idea of the paragraph. The paragraph should end with a good
closing sentence.
Conclusion Paragraph
This paragraph ties everything together. Any type of
conclusion that is appropriate for the essay may be used. A
transition is needed at the beginning of the paragraph to bridge
the third body paragraph to it. It must be at least three
sentences long and directly relate to the body of the essay.
