A 5-paragraph essay consists of an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph. This writing technique may be used for many types of essays and is especially efficient for argumentative and persuasive essays. The introductory paragraph should contain the thesis statement that grabs the reader’s attention and represents the primary idea developed in the essay. The introductory paragraph should be finalized by a transitional sentence that softly leads the reader towards a body paragraph.

The first body paragraph should start with a transitional sentence that connects it with the introductory paragraph. It is important to organize the first body paragraph around the strongest argument, fact or point identified during the preparatory stage. The writer should clearly identify the subject of the entire paragraph in the first or second sentence, demonstrating the direct relation of an idea with the previously stated thesis. The paragraph should be finalized with a connecting sentence that prepares the writer to the transition to the second body paragraph.

The second body paragraph should expose the second strongest argument, fact or point. The paragraph should start with a sentence that connects the paragraph with the transitional sentence of the first body paragraph. The writer should clearly identify the subject of the entire paragraph in the first or second sentence, demonstrating the direct relation of an idea with the previously stated thesis. The paragraph should be finalized with a connecting sentence that prepares the writer to the transition to the third body paragraph.

The third body paragraph should identify the weakest argument, fact or point. The paragraph should start with a sentence that connects the paragraph with the transitional sentence of the second body paragraph. The writer should clearly identify the subject of the entire paragraph in the first or second sentence, demonstrating the direct relation of an idea with the previously stated thesis. The paragraph should be finalized with a concluding sentence that prepares the writer to the transition to the concluding paragraph.

The summary, or concluding paragraph, should restate the thesis and three supporting arguments stated in the body paragraphs. The writer should demonstrate a clear, persuasive and professional style as this is the last chance to convince the reader of the relevancy of the stated information. The concluding paragraph should also demonstrate the style resemblance to the introductory paragraph and inform the reader about the finalization of the discussion.