If you’re looking for a 5 paragraph essay template, then you’re in the right place. Keep on reading for everything you need to write a five-paragraph academic essay quickly and easily.
Why Do I Need a 5 Paragraph Essay Outline?
I’m sure you’ve had this experience before. You get a writing assignment from a teacher so you sit down at your computer to do it. But, all you see is a blank page in front of you and you have no idea what to write! This happens to everyone so don’t worry about it.
The good news is that there’s a better way. I like to use a 5 paragraph essay template to make an outline. My outline contains the main ideas, along with the thesis statement, topic sentences, and what I plan to put into the conclusion. Once I have this filled out, it’s much easier to sit down and write because I have a guide to follow.
To write students should use a five paragraph essay template. It’s key to ensuring a well-organized essay that is easy to read and understand. This will lead to higher scores on any sort of writing test!
Five Paragraph Essay Template
Check out the template that I personally use for academic essays. It’s also what I recommend to my advanced writing students in South Korean universities. Teaching students how to use a template like this one goes a long way towards fostering autonomy in a writing class.
Paragraph 4 is optional because you may only want to include two main ideas instead of three if it’s a shorter essay. Conversely, you could include an extra paragraph if you want to have four main points instead of three.
Paragraph 1: Introduction
- Introduce the topic
- Thesis statement (I believe that the death penalty should be abolished for three reasons: A, B, C (main ideas A, B, C).
Paragraph 2: Main Idea A
- Topic sentence for main idea A
- Supporting evidence (2-3 facts, reasons or examples)
- Concluding sentence for main idea A
Paragraph 3: Main Idea B
- Topic sentence for main idea B
- Supporting evidence (2-3 facts or examples)
- Concluding sentence for main idea B
Paragraph 4 (optional): Main Idea C
- Topic sentence for main idea C
- Supporting evidence (2-3 facts, reasons or examples)
- Concluding sentence for main idea C
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
- Restate the thesis (These days, most people in Canada believe that the death penalty should be abolished because of main points A, B, and C.
- Acknowledge the other sides main argument but say why it’s not important or valid
- Overall concluding statement/personal opinion on the matter.
Want the printable version of this five paragraph essay template? You can find it right here:
5 Paragraph Essay FAQs
There are a number of common questions that people have about writing a five paragraph academic essay. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones.
What is a Topic Sentence?
A topic sentence is similar to a thesis statement except that it’s for a paragraph instead of the entire essay. It’s usually the first sentence of the paragraph. The purpose of a topic sentence is to introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
Is “Restating the Thesis” the Same as the Thesis Statement?
You need to restate the thesis in the conclusion of a five paragraph essay but it shouldn’t be exactly the same as the thesis statement. It can be similar but use some synonyms and state things slightly differently.
How can I come up with Main Ideas?
To support your opinion in an academic essay, you’ll need some ideas to support it. The best way to come up with them is to brainstorm for a few minutes about all the possible ideas. Then, choose the best three that have the most evidence, facts, or reasons you could write about.
How can I write a Thesis Statement?
To write a thesis statement, be sure to say which side of the question you are supporting and then include the three main ideas you will talk about in your essay. It should only be one sentence. Here are some examples:
- Peanut butter sandwiches are the best kind of sandwich because they are cheap, easy to make, and don’t need refrigeration.
- School uniforms shouldn’t be required because they can be expensive for some families, they hamper individual style and children find them uncomfortable.
- Libraries should be given more funding by the city because they provide educational opportunities, public washrooms and internet for homeless people, and they encourage people of all ages to read more.
Join the Conversation about this 5 Paragraph Essay Template
Do you have any tips or tricks for writing a 5 paragraph essay? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think about it. We’d love to hear from you.
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