The document discusses the five-paragraph essay structure that is commonly taught. It consists of an introduction with a thesis statement and evidence preview, three body paragraphs each with a claim, evidence, and conclusion, and a conclusion paragraph that restates the thesis and evidence. While this structure provides an easy template for writing, it is limiting. The document argues that students should think more broadly about essay structure in terms of an introduction setting context and claim, a body with evidence, and a conclusion synthesizing the evidence. The key elements of restating the claim, reviewing evidence, and applying it to a broader context are still needed.

1. The Five-Paragraph Essay: Template for College Writing Dr. Harold William Halbert

8. Five-Paragraphs are just a template: SYNTHESIS = CONCLUSION BODY PARAGRAPH #3 BODY PARAGRAPH #2 BODY OF EVIDENCE = BODY PARAGRAPH #1 CONTEXT & ARGUMENT = INTRODUCTION