Five Paragraph Essays and Function

The Function of a Paragraph

Essays and other written texts are divided into paragraphs to help readers follow a plot or the flow of an argument. Usually, it is best if paragraphs are not overly long; as a rule, more than three-quarters of a page is possibly too much. Conversely, overly short paragraphs (e.g., a sentence or two) are probably not informative enough. It makes sense to begin a new paragraph when presenting a new point or idea that contrasts with a previous one or to discuss a separate but related point or idea.

In addition to presenting clear and individual thoughts, each paragraph should have a specific reason for being there. There are a few questions you should ask yourself: What do I want to say in this particular paragraph? How should I express it? Am I trying to expand on a previous idea? Is my aim to qualify an earlier statement? Is this point one I am restating or using to support another one? Do I want to compare, contrast, or describe something?

The following are a few suggestions on how to plan the purpose of a paragraph

• To state something is about making some claim or assertion.
• To restate something is to reword a previously made claim or assertion to modify, emphasize or clarify it.
• To support something is about offering evidence to back up or substantiate a claim or assertion.
• To concur is to agree with someone else’s claims or assertions.
• To qualify something is about restricting what a previously made claim or assertion means.
• To concede is to acknowledge the existence of a viewpoint, perspective or fact that questions the claims or assertions of another person.
• To negate something is to offer evidence or reasoning to show a claim or assertion is untrue.
• To expand is to elaborate or clarify a previously made claim or assertion.
• To analyze is to break down a claim or assertion into its component parts with the aim of evaluating or clarifying it.
• To define is to explain what words that were previously used or will be used mean.
• To describe means to list or name the features of a concept or thing so that readers can understand it better or imagine it more clearly.
• To exemplify is to provide an illustration of what a previously made statement means or to provide a solid example to give credibility to a point.
• To compare and contrast is to examine objects side-by-side in order to evaluate them, clarify their specific features, or to note their likenesses and differences.
• To narrate is to relate a story that describes one or more events.
• To synthesize is to combine information from different paragraphs into one coherent entity, which often involves presenting the subject matter from a different perspective.
• To evaluate is to judge something that was previously demonstrated or discussed.
• To transition is to provide links that move the reader smoothly from one part of a text or argument to the next.
• To summarize is to restate the main idea(s), arguments, or previously discussed points of a text.

Tips on Writing Five Paragraph Essays

Although professional authors and writers rarely use the five paragraph essay format, it is still often given as an assignment to students. The reason for this is that it helps them develop and organize their thoughts and ideas when writing. It is also a useful vehicle for writing clear and complete responses to essay-type exam questions. Unsurprisingly, this type of essay has five distinct paragraphs:

• An introductory paragraph
• Three body paragraphs (forming the main part of the essay)
• A concluding paragraph.

Here, we look at each of these paragraphs in turn and their purpose, as well as transitions – the cohesive element that brings all parts together.

Introductory Paragraph

Begin your introduction by writing a general overview about your topic or subject. From this, you should then progress to a more specific and clear statement concerning your main argument or point, otherwise known as a thesis statement. Essays often start with an “attention grabber,” which is usually a surprising statistic, a challenge, or an interesting story to get the attention of readers. In one or two sentences at most, your thesis should state your main argument or point and, in brief terms, outline what the paragraphs in the main body will cover.

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If, for instance, your essay is to discuss why airbags are important in a car, your introductory paragraph may begin with providing some statistical information about road accidents and rates of survival. You may also want to include an “attention grabber” in the form of a story about a person you know whose life was saved because of their car’s airbag. Then, your thesis could sum-up in brief terms your reasons for saying that airbags are essential. From here, each of these reasons could be explored further in the main body paragraphs.

Three (3) Main Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on one point, reason, example or idea that lends support to the thesis. Additionally, each paragraph should begin with a coherent topic sentence, which is like a miniature thesis statement that sets out the primary point or idea for that paragraph. This is then followed by whatever length of explanation or discussion is needed to elaborate on that point. Where appropriate, use specific details and clear examples to ensure your ideas are conveyed in a clear, concise and convincing way.

The Concluding Paragraph

Begin your concluding paragraph by restating your main idea(s) or point(s). However, make sure your thesis statement is paraphrased rather than merely repeated. Now add a few sentences that highlight how important your topic is and how significant your viewpoint. Give some thought to what ideas, thoughts or feelings you want your readers to take away. A conclusion is almost the opposite of an introduction in its structure, i.e., it begins by being quite specific and goes on to become more general as it draws to a close.

Transitional Words and Phrases

Transitional words and/or phrases are used to connect paragraphs, most notably main body paragraphs. It is not a good idea to leap abruptly from one point to the next. Instead, you should place transitions at the start or end of paragraphs to demonstrate how two ideas are related.

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Transitions are needed between paragraphs. These can be included in topics sentences, in the last sentences of paragraphs, or in both. Think of words that compare things or contrast them to signal inter-paragraph relationships.

• Where one paragraph describes a pro point and the next a con e.g. “on the one/other hand …”
• Where a follow-on paragraph describes something more important e.g. “more significantly …”
• To demonstrate a previous or historical event e.g. “even long before …”
• An alternative consideration e.g. time vs money.

Put some thought into topics for your paragraphs and brainstorm to come up with good ways to relate or link them.

A transition of some type will also be needed to connect the last body paragraph to your concluding paragraph. One possibility is to summarize the third (or last) body paragraph by reminding readers of the points in the preceding paragraphs. Every point or topic does not need to be fully restated, which happens in your conclusion, but you could refer to one example, character or detail to combine ideas and to signal the end is near.