An essay is a literary composition. A five paragraph essay consists of an Introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. The introductory paragraph has a thesis statement and the body paragraphs elaborate the ideas of the thesis statement. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the ideas of the body paragraphs.

1. By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Lecturer in English
International Aviation Academy
SriLankan Airlines

2. 
 Introductory paragraph
 Body – first paragraph
 Body – second paragraph
 Body – third paragraph
 Conclusion (Concluding paragraph)
Structure of a five
paragraph essay

3. 
 Includes a thesis statement – a mini outline for the
essay
 Why should there be a thesis statement?
 To grab the reader’s attention
 Tell the reader what the essay is about
 Includes a transitional “hook” which moves the
reader to the first paragraph of the body of the essay
Introductory paragraph

4. 
 The strongest argument should be included here
 This should be the most significant example,
cleverest illustration, a starting point
 First sentence should contain the “reverse hook” –
this ties with the transitional hook at the end of the
introductory paragraph
 Subject of this paragraph should relate to the thesis
statement in the introductory paragraph
Body – first paragraph

5. 
 Includes the second strongest argument, most
significant example, follow up of the first paragraph
 Topic sentence of this paragraph should relate to the
thesis statement
 Fist sentence of the paragraph contains the reverse
“hook” which ties in with the transitional “hook” at
the end of the first paragraph
 Last sentence of the paragraph should include a
transitional “hook” to join the third paragraph
Body – second paragraph

6. 
 This paragraph includes the weakest example,
weakest illustration and a follow up of the second
paragraph
 Fist sentence of this paragraph should contain the
reverse hook which joins with the transitional
“hook” at the end of the second paragraph
 Topic of this paragraph should also relate to the
thesis statement in the introductory paragraph
 Transitional “hook” in this paragraph signals the
reader that it is the final major point of the essay
Body-third paragraph

7. 
 Fifth and final paragraph in the essay
 Summary of the essay
 Restate the thesis and supporting ideas in the body
paragraphs to convince the reader
 This is the last opportunity to explain the reader the
gist of the essay
Concluding paragraph

8. 
 A restatement of the thesis statement (but should not
be a duplicate of the thesis statement)
 Summary of the three main points from the body of
the essay
 An indication that the discussion has come to an end
Concluding paragraph
should include….

9. 
Thank you!