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Check out this page to review the five paragraph essay form used in all classes at The Summit. The Introduction: This paragraph sets the stage for your entire essay/theme. It can be visually seen as an upside down pyramid. This pyramid represents the structure that begins with the universal idea and ends with the specific thesis statement. Most introductory paragraphs should have at least nine(9) sentences. Follow this outline: Universal Statement: (one or two sentences) This sentence states a broad generalization about the topic. An example: Driving is a privilege that all sixteen year-olds anticipate as a teenage rite- of passage. Raising the driving age to eighteen would deny Ohio teens that much awaited responsibility. Central Idea: ( one sentence) This sentence is actually the main idea of the paper. An example: The law governing the driving age should remain the same. Arguments: The theme must be based on three arguable points that support and/or develop the central idea. Each of these points must be narrowed/commented on. An example: By the time they reach age sixteen, teenagers have already shown they can accept serious responsibilities. Many have already proven themselves in school, at home, and in the workplace. (argument one followed by comment) . This same procedure should be followed for each of the three arguments. Thesis: (one sentence) This can best be defined as the central idea combined with the three arguments. Thus: T = CI + 3A. Thus, because teens are prepared, responsible, and engaged in various extra-curricular activities the driving age should remain at sixteen. The Body Paragraphs: First Paragraph: This paragraph contains three supporting ideas explaining your topic sentence. These ideas should be in order of importance. Save the best until last. The topic sentence is the first argument presented in your introduction. The concluding sentence should be reflective, meaning it should be a commentary on what has been discussed. It should not be a summary. It should not be an opener for the second paragraph. Second Paragraph: A transitional sentence is needed that connects the second body paragraph to the first body paragraph. This transitional sentence includes the second argument in the introduction. The second body paragraph also requires three supporting ideas and a concluding sentence. The format is the same as the first body paragraph. Third Paragraph: The third body paragraph follows the same format as the second body paragraph. Since this paragraph contains the the third part of the thesis, it is the most important of the essay. The Conclusion: This paragraph can be seen as the reverse of the introduction. This can be seen visually as the shape of a pyramid. The conclusion should be far more than a summary. It should add something new. Part One: The first sentence is a restatement of the thesis. Part Two: This should be several sentences that make a generalized judgment about your thesis. It can be a personal assessment/opinion about your essay. Part Three: The concluding sentence should pack a punch. Do not summarize. The concluding sentence should show a personal insight that you have about your topic.
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