How%20to%20Write%20a%20Five%20Paragraph%20Essay

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How to Write a Five Paragraph Essay
9th Grade Language Arts
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The Basic High School Essay

• Introduction
• Body Paragraph One
• Body Paragraph Two
• Body Paragraph Three
• Conclusion

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Introduction

• Begin with a generalized topic related to your
  main topic.
• Paragraph should have at least three sentences
  addressing this general topic.
• If the main topic is the unprecedented appeal of
  the Harry Potter books, you could begin with
  several general remarks about the fantasy genre.

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Introduction (Cont.)

• Start with an interesting statement that will
  grab the readers attention.
• Avoid a boring line like -- In this essay I will
  explain why the Harry Potter series is so
  popular.
• A more interesting sentence would be Have you
  ever wanted to visit a place where people can
  fly, animals can talk, and dragons are a common
  sight? That world existsin books.

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Thesis Statement

• Introduces the specific focus of the essay.
• Should contain the names of the text and the
  author, as well as each point that will be proven
  in the paper.
• It is the last sentence of the introductory
  paragraph.
• The Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling use
  magic, likeable characters and the universal
  struggle between good and evil to successfully
  appeal to adolescents disinterested in reading.

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The three body paragraphs will focus on the three
topics introduced in the thesis.
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Body Paragraphs

• Opens with a topic sentence which states the
  point you are making in the paragraph, as well as
  the evidence you will present in support of your
  argument.
• Paragraph should have at least two main
  supporting sentences and two to four minor
  support sentences (specific evidence) in addition
  to the topic and concluding sentences.
• The magic used in the Harry Potter books creates
  a whimsical atmosphere that sets the stage for
  fantastic adventures for Harry and his friends.
  One such adventure is

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Body Paragraphs (Cont.)

• Each of these sentences must connect back to the
  point of the topic sentence, as well as enhance
  it.

• Do not let the supporting sentences veer off into
  new directions. Make sure each sentence either
  explains or supports the topic.

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Conclusion

• Recaps the entire essay.
• Restates the thesis.
• Briefly recounts the arguments made in the body
  paragraphs.
• May introduce related conclusion reached by the
  arguments made in the paper.
• If authors targeting the adolescent market would
  spend a little more time on character
  development, they could duplicate J. K. Rowlings
  success.

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Tips to Remember

• Each sentence should have a purpose. Try not to
  ramble.
• Make sure that the great topic that wows you
  during a brainstorming session is actually in
  line with the assignment.
• Dont be afraid to consult a thesaurustoo much
  repetition of a word can strike a sour note in
  your paper.

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Credit/Sources

• http//www.bookrags.com/articles/4.html
• www.dukecityfix.com/magick.php/media/18/20050
• http//www.freefever.com/freeclipart/clipart/drago
  n.gif
• www.clas.ufl.edu/users/rthompso/harry.jpg