Page 3 Essay Structure

The most common and basic format for any type of essay is the five-paragraph essay.  Just as an animal has a small head, a larger body, and a small tail, the five-paragraph essay has a small beginning, a large middle, and a small end.  

• Paragraph 1:  Introduction
• Paragraph 2:  First body paragraph
• Paragraph 3:  Second body paragraph
• Paragraph 4:  Third body paragraph
• Paragraph 5:  Conclusion

The first paragraph (the introductory paragraph)...

• Grabs the reader’s attention with a hook
• Introduces the essay topic
• Starts general
• Equips the reader with background information
• States the specific idea the essay will prove or discuss (thesis)
• Provides a plan for the essay

The second, third, and fourth paragraphs (discussion or body paragraphs) each... 

• Focuses on or develops one main idea
• Contains supporting evidence for the main idea

The fifth paragraph is the conclusion...

• Restates the main idea of the essay (thesis)
  
• Provides a summary of the supporting evidence developed in the three body paragraphs. (Do not add any new information).
• Provides a new perspective or a thought-provoking idea to end strongly (Go out with a bang...not a whimper!).