The document provides a framework for writing a five-paragraph expository essay. It explains that each paragraph should have a topic sentence, three examples or details, and a concluding sentence. The introduction paragraph presents three main ideas, and each body paragraph focuses on explaining one of those ideas in more detail using examples. The conclusion restates the introduction. Color-coding is used to help organize the framework. An example of a student essay using this structure is also provided.

1. The Five-Paragraph Essay A Framework for Expository Writing Based on the ideas of Paula Barnard

2. The Five-Paragraph Essay A Framework for Expository Writing Essay and Slides: Sheri Edwards

13. You already have your first paragraph done! Pretty easy, huh? To make it even easier look at this organizational plan using color-coding.

34. RAZ: Roaring Attitude Zapper “ This must be Thursday; I could never get a hang of Thursday,” my friend Raz beamed at me as he meets me at the bus. Douglas Adams actually said that, but Raz thinks its funny. He grins at me with that crooked, silly grin that makes the sun shine brighter. He pops his hat over his long, black hair which he purposely lets fly any old way, just so his mom says, “Can’t you at least brush it back?” Nope. He’s got his own way and his own say, but Rainsford Alexander Zilothe is my best friend. My friend, Raz, makes life fun . He is funny and easy share with . You’ll see him in the halls, smiling and greeting everyone with his loud, “What’s up?” as he winds through the crowd to his next class. He never misses any one. Loyalty is important to him . He always keeps his word. Raz and I chill together with several friends every day . He’s a roaring attitude zapper.

35. Remember those mornings when everyone fusses because everyone’s late? The day just starts out wrong? My friend Raz zaps that bad attitude right away. He is funny and easy share with. Every day he says, “What’s up?” and tells something funny . For example, once he locked his little brother outside in his underwear. Of course, he let him in right away, but Raz couldn’t resist the opportunity. He’s always teasing. Last week he rammed all my books into the next locker, but he brought my first period book to class so I wouldn’t miss anything. Even though he’s funny, he always knows what’s too far, and he always knows if his friends are not in the mood for silliness. If he sees sadness, he checks in with, “What’s really up, Dude?” I can share about my idiot sister wasting all the time shopping for a dress so Mom couldn’t have time for my new shoes. Funny and concerned; that’s Raz.

36. Even though Raz stretches the funny bones, loyalty is important to him. If he sees his friends need help, he’s there for them . For example, I left my bus pass at home and he loaned me the change so I didn’t need hoof-it all the way home. If someone talks trash to his friends, he’s there to back us up . Once a new kid yelled , “#$(@” and Raz popped up from behind his locker, and grinned back, “Say it again, Sam” as the teacher walked by monitoring the halls . Heh, heh. The kid spent after school in detention--that’s Raz. He finds a fun way to to step up. He and I once received tickets to watch the Mariners play, but I flopped out with the flu ; he stayed home and we wrecked totally all day on Internet Ghost Rider. Once again, he zapped the attitude, making the bad good. He’ll be there for you, I guarantee it.

37. Finally, Raz always keeps his word. Once Raz had the opportunity to watch the Seahawks in Seattle, but he had promised his friends, including me, to drive to the beach for a last blast before winter. The sun still beat down at a blazing eighty degrees; we really dreamed of a dive in the cool water. He kept that promise, and we enjoyed a great late September beach day. He even keeps his promise to the teachers ; if he says, “Can’t I do it for homework?” He will . Once he offered to pick me up from basketball practice . After 15 minutes of waiting , I tromped off to the bus stop. Just then Raz, the zapper, pulled up with our buddy Sam; he’d promised him we’d all trip to the mall, making it to me a little late . Late, but always on his word. That’s Raz.

38. Even if it is Thursday, count on Raz to jazz up the day. It’s fun to laugh and joke with him. “Zip up that frown,” he’ll jab at you and knock off your hat. But then, he’ll check out what’s wrong, and always , always, stick with his friends. We can all count on him to make his word true. C. S. Lewis once said, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You, too? Thought I was the only one." That’s something Raz might say on your bad day, just so you don’t feel all alone. Raz is a fantastic friend that way. Don’t you wish you had a friend like that?

41. Have fun with your writing & remember, you only need THREE IDEAS for a great expository essay!