Summer Reading | 9th Grade English | 10th Grade English | Creative Writing 

FIVE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY WRITING FORMAT

I. INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH:

Did I :

• mention the author and title of the work being discussed? _____
• give background of the piece of literature to an unfamiliar reader? _____
• provide a clear three (3) point thesis statement (with the points being in the order in which I will discuss them in the body of the paper? _____

II. BODY PARAGRAPHS:

Did I:

• order my body paragraphs in the same sequence which appears in my 3 point thesis statement? _____
• begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence which clearly tells the reader which point from my thesis statement I am going to discuss? _____
• use a transition from one body paragraph to the next, appearing either at the end of one body paragraph (leading to the next), or at the beginning of the next body paragraph (serving as the topic sentence as well)? _____
• use transitions other than “first,” “second,” “third;” “first,” “next,” “finally”? ___
• provide enough evidence (support) from the literature which backs up what my thesis statement and topic sentences are claiming? _____
• provide enough details (in the form of quotes or paraphrasing) from the text as examples of my evidence (support)? _____
• use transitions within each paragraph to lead the reader from one piece of support or detail to the next? _____
• use parenthetical citations ( Hawthorne 28) for example, the first time, and then simply the page number for all subsequent quotes? _____

III. CONCLUSION:

Did I:

• begin my conclusion in an interesting way with a smooth transition – other than “in conclusion” or “as you can see”? _____
• avoid introducing new material? _____
• avoid simply restating my thesis statement? _____
• summarize the main points? _____
• state what I have concluded from my examination of the topic? _____
• use first-person narration (if requested by my teacher)? _____

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