1. Reviewing the Five-Paragraph
Essay:
Thesis-Driven Writing

2. Recall from freshman composition:
• The introduction paragraph ending in the
thesis is the “promise.”
• The body paragraphs are the “delivery.”
• The conclusion paragraph is the time to say
nicely “I was correct!”

3. Why Five Paragraphs?
• Recall that the five-paragraph essay is a great
format for a simple essay.
• The thesis sentence at the end of the
introduction paragraph will have the three
points needed for the three body paragraphs
in the essay.

4. The Five-Paragraph Essay Equation
1 Introduction Paragraph
+
3 Body Paragraphs
+
1 Conclusion Paragraph
= Five Paragraphs

5. Each paragraph type has three
functions:

6. Introduction Paragraph
• Introduction: The Promise
1. Engage attention
2. Introduce topic
3. End with thesis sentence that includes three
main points

7. Body Paragraphs
• Body Paragraphs: The Delivery
1. Begin with topic sentence that supports a
thesis point
2. Support the topic sentence with examples,
facts, and reasoning
3. Close point with an overview and prepare for
next paragraph

8. Conclusion Paragraph
• Conclusion: “I was correct!”
1. Restate thesis points in reverse order.
2. Summarize why the reader should care.
3. Return to the attention-engager topic from
the introduction

9. Thank you! 
• We will hold special Collaborate sessions to go
over this essay format. Watch the announcements
for days and times.
• Please let me know if you have additional
questions (ptymon@vhcc.com).

10. Credits Roll:
• All images, including the one below,
used to create this work were
licensed under Creative Commons
licenses.