The Basic Five Paragraph Essay:
Format and Outline Worksheet
Below is the pattern or format used to write a basic five-paragraph essay. Because it allows you to
present information and ideas clearly and logically, it is applicable to many styles of essay for many
types of academic disciplines. There is an Outline worksheet on the back of this page to help
you start planning the content, order and organization of your essay.
Paragraph 1: Introduction -- If possible, open with an attention-getting device to interest the reader
(perhaps a quote or question). Introduce the topic of your essay in general, and present some
context for this topic, getting more specific in the next few sentences. End with your thesis
statement – which is the road map for the paper; presenting your argument to the reader. The rest of
the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the
logic of your interpretation.
Paragraph 2: First supporting point -- It’s time to support your thesis with specifics. Begin the
paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces your first support point. Then explain in more
detail what you mean. Include quotes or examples that illustrate the supporting point. Finish the
paragraph with a concluding sentence
Paragraph 3: Second supporting point -- Begin the paragraph with a transition from the previous
paragraph into the topic for this one. Continue “backing up” or supporting your thesis with a
second supporting point. Say it in a topic sentence, explain it with more details, and give an example.
Paragraph 4: Third supporting point – Again, begin the paragraph with a transition from the
previous paragraph. Finish making the case for your thesis statement with a third supporting point.
Follow the “say it, explain it, give an example” format of the second and third paragraphs above.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion -- It’s time to wrap up your essay and tie it all together. Restate your thesis
statement. Summarize your supporting points. Refer back to your attention-getting device in the
introduction paragraph. REMEMBER: This is not the time to introduce new ideas or new quotes.
You can continue to insert however many paragraphs are needed to make your argument, following
this same format.
Lowell Writing Center: LC-406B, 978-656-3365 Bedford Writing Center: LIB 7A, 781-280-3727
