The Five-Paragraph Essay Format

• 1). Create an outline or prewriting of your essay before you begin the first draft. A Roman numeral outline is a good way to organize ideas for a five-paragraph essay. There are a variety of graphic organizers available online that can assist a writer with prewriting for an essay (see Resources below). Your prewriting should contain supportive elements for your introduction, three body paragraphs and conclusion.
  
  
• 2). Write a rough draft of your essay using the ideas and support from your prewriting. Begin with the introductory paragraph. An introductory paragraph is meant to introduce your topic and hook your audience. You must present a thesis statement in your introductory paragraph. A thesis statement is a sentence that clearly states your argument -- for example; "After-school programs lower the possibility of students becoming involved in crime or drugs."
  
  
• 3). Write your three body paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a single topic that supports your thesis statement. For maximum effect, it is a good idea to use the three elements of the language of argumentation -- ethos, logos and pathos --each in its own paragraph to support your argument. A paragraph is like a mini essay -- it should include an introduction, at least one supporting detail and a conclusion all centered around a single topic point.
  
  
• 4). Write your concluding paragraph. The conclusion summarizes the essay you have written by briefly restating your supporting points for your argument and showing how they support your thesis statement. The concluding paragraph often sounds very much like the introduction, as it restates the content of your essay.
  
  
• 5). Revise and proofread your essay before submitting a final draft. If possible, set aside your essay and return to it some time later when it will be easier to spot grammar and language errors. Have someone you trust read your essay to assist you with proofreading and revision -- two pairs of eyes are better than one.
  
  

Using the Language of Argumentation: Ethos, Pathos, Logos

• 1). Use ethos to make a supporting point in your first body paragraph. Ethos is an appeal to an authority on the subject. Examples are: "The American Association of Educators study shows that after-school programs reduce adolescent crime and drug use by 45 percent" or "Lebron James has stated that basketball practice as a teen kept him away from the temptations of gang activity." One authority provides scientific data, while the other is a famous authority in his profession.
  
  
• 2). Use pathos in your second body paragraph. Pathos is an appeal to the reader's emotions. Examples are: "Losing his opportunity to play in marching band due to a lack of funding led to Johnny hanging out after school and getting involved in vandalism and gang activity" or "How would you feel if your teenage daughter started going home with boys after school to empty houses because her softball coach was let go over a lack of funding?" Both examples call for an emotional response from your reader.
  
  
• 3). Use ethos in your third body paragraph. Ethos is an appeal to reason, a belief beyond doubt. Make a point to your readers that is based on common sense and obvious facts. Examples: "It can be dangerous to drive on snow and ice" or "The world is a more dangerous place for children than it was thirty years ago."