THE STANDARD ESSAY FORM

The following is a step-by-step explanation of the development of a

standard five paragraph essay. For more detailed information about each
step, consult the additional resources on this website or your text.
Step #1: The Introductory Paragraph
Begin your first paragraph with "an invitation" to the reader. Create
interest in your topic by writing one or two sentences that will

share an anecdote (punch line to a story) related to the subject

that everyone has experienced, or

startle or tease the reader into thinking about the subject with
an unexpected or suspenseful statement, or

ask a question related to the subject or challenge the reader.

Example: Would you purposely step in front of a speeding train?

Would you willingly drive on a freeway in the wrong direction? Then,
why do you smoke?
Then, continue your first paragraph with some background
information that would lead the reader logically and smoothly into
the purpose and point of view of your essay.
Example: Smoking kills more people each year than all transportation
accidents combined. Most medical evidence confirms that smoking is
dangerous.
Finally, conclude your first paragraph with a thesis statement. A
thesis statement contains:

the topic of the essay

your point of view about the topic (the controlling idea)

the subtopics or points you will be discussing later in the essay.

Example: Over time, smoking can cause serious health problems such
as heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
Step 2: The Body Paragraphs
There should be at least three "body" (developmental) paragraphs in
a standard essay. Each body paragraphs should develop one of the
points mentioned in the thesis. The purpose of each body paragraph
is to provide detailed and convincing information about one subtopic
before moving on to the next point.

Start with a topic sentence that introduces the subtopic. (The topic
sentence in the example below has been underlined.) Every
sentence in the paragraph should support this topic sentence. Here
are some types of supporting evidence that are typically used in body
paragraphs:

facts, statistics, and percentages

quotes from authorities (doctors, researchers, writers, and

other respected professionals).

anecdotes (stories of personal or known experiences that

relate to your point.

real or hypothetical examples of situations that have bearing

on the topic.

Example: Excessive smoking has been proven to increase a smoker's

risk of heart disease. Leading heart surgeon Dr. Bernard Scorti says,
"In nine out of 10 of my heart patients, I have found evidence of
damage caused by the nicotine from smoking (Scorti). A 1999 study
of 400 men and women who smoked more than one pack per day
lead researchers to conclude that the heart arteries in two out of
three patients over 50 were constricted. Given that statistic, one
could surmise that the sharp increase in heart disease in the last 20
years may be due to the social acceptance of smoking in this country
after World War II. My Aunt Karen is an example. She smoked all
her life and developed heart disease before she reached 60 years old.
The two remaining body paragraphs for this essay would deal with
how high blood pressure and then cancer are directly related to
smoking behavior.
Step #3: The Conclusion
The final paragraph of the five paragraph essay is the conclusion.
This paragraph should restate to the thesis idea, summarize the
major points made in support of the thesis and restate the writer's
conclusions. End with a memorable idea that both brings finality to
the discussion but convinces the reader that he/she has received
enough information in the essay to satisfy the discussion.
Example: Many factors must be weighed before one decides to
smoke. Heath risks such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and
cancer have been strongly linked to smoking. Research studies,
medical statistics, and statements from healthcare professionals all
provide convincing evidence that lives are being shortened by the
adverse effects of tobacco use. Every individual must weigh the
health risks of smoking before making a decision to smoke. Where
health is concerned, there are often no second chances.
Prepared by Dava Tobey, CFCC Writing Specialist