



Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Prepare for your exams
Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points to download
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Community
Ask the community for help and clear up your study doubts
Discover the best universities in your country according to Docsity users
Free resources
Download our free guides on studying techniques, anxiety management strategies, and thesis advice from Docsity tutors
An overview of the five-paragraph essay format, its basic elements, and how to create an outline using alphanumeric outlining. It includes examples and applications of the format in writing about Frederick Douglass' role in the abolition of slavery.
Typology: Study notes
1 / 5
This page cannot be seen from the preview
Don't miss anything!
A classic composition format is the five-paragraph essay. It is not the only format for writing an essay, of course; however, it is a useful tool for you to use and adapt, especially as you begin to develop your compositions skills.
Writing an outline allows you to organize your main thoughts into single segments and establish the order in which information will be written. Usually, most academic essays are written in 5 paragraphs. The essay outline template provided will contain main points that will be addressed within your work. As a writer, you should use those points to construct a logical and coherent flow of ideas that will build off of one another to strengthen your overall argument. The outline is a tool that you will use to assist you in the construction of an essay draft.
Below is a sample showing the basic elements of a five-paragraph essay. After looking at these basic elements, we will discuss how to apply these elements to an outline.
The introductory paragraph should include the following elements:
1. A hook to get reader’s attention is how an essay begins and usually comprises the first. Try to begin with a specific image or detail, a statistic, a story, a shocking fact, a quote, a refutation of a common belief, etc. 2. Next, providing background information is necessary so that your readers can understand the context of your thesis. 3. A thesis statement is necessary. This indicates your paper’s topic and makes your paper’s purpose clear. *Note: some professors may require a plan of development (also known as a road map), which outlines the order of points in an essay. The plan of development can be in the same sentence as the thesis or in a different sentence. Keep in mind, however, that some professors may not want to see any plan of development. Be sure to specify all thesis requirements with your professor before submitting
A body paragraph should include the following elements:
1. A topic sentence which explains the main, supporting point of the paragraph is the first sentence of each body paragraph. The topic sentence gives an overview of the paragraph and relates back to the thesis. 2. S ub points/supporting details represent the main point of the paragraph. The purpose of sub points is to support the topic sentence of the paragraph. 3. These sub points themselves are supported by examples. Examples provide evidence for your topic sentence, and ultimately your thesis; they consist of facts, details, statistics, personal observation, experience, and expert opinions.
The conclusion should include the following elements:
1. The conclusion begins with the restatement of the **thesis statement.
After looking at these basic elements of a 5 paragraph essay, the implementation of these elements will be applied to an outline.
Alphanumeric outlining is the most commonly used outline format. This formatting uses characters and numbers to organize and structure paragraphs, main points, sub points, and smaller supporting details. Alphanumeric outlining uses numbers and characters in the following order: Roman numerals, capitalized letters, Arabic numerals, and lowercase letters.
Outlining can be done in complete sentences, or it can be done just using key words and phrases.
Adapted from a sample provided by Austin Community College
A. Hook (Frederick Douglass quotation): “Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground.” B. Background
A. History as slave and acquisition of education
A. Narrative ’s success and effect
A. Key trait for success B. Goal of political activism C. Efforts for Republican party
A. Restate thesis B. Closing remark (reference quote from hook): Douglass worked hard, plowing the ground for the seeds of freedom.