OUR GUIDE TO WRITING A 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY

Table of contents

• 5 Paragraph Essay Topic Selection
• Writing a 5 Paragraph Essay: The Different Types
• The Length of Your 5 Paragraph Essay
• How to Write a 5 Paragraph Essay: Your Structure
• Writing Tips For Your 5 Paragraph Paper
• We Are Here if You Need More Help

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The 5 paragraph essay is sometimes referred to as a hamburger essay or tiered essay. It is one of the most common essay formats. Students often use this in a variety of courses for a variety of essay types. These essays tend to be between 250 and 500 words. That’s short enough to write during class, or during a standardized test like the SAT.

Unfortunately, there are some pitfalls as well. Some students assume these essays are an easy ‘A’. That is most certainly untrue. It is important to take these essays seriously, and to do all the required research and preparation.

We have written this guide to help you. We will go over a topic selection, taking notes, creating an outline, writing, and editing your essay. We’ll cover structure and formatting, length, and a few other important tips.

Don’t worry if you still have questions at the end. We are available to help you 24/7.

A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit

- Richard Bach

5 Paragraph Essay Topic Selection

5 paragraph essay topics may or may not be a factor. With an in-class assignment, you will probably have the topic provided for you. The same goes for a standardized test. Everyone will have the same topic, or choose from a very short list. 

If you do choose your own topic, remember that you need to make your point with three main ideas. You’ll also have very little time to write. This isn’t an assignment that will stretch over several class periods. Chances are, you’ll have about an hour maybe two hours. If you can dive right into your paper, you will be much better off.

Use this formula.

Choose that is relevant and that you know. Decide on your point of view. Get your research done. Here are some examples that are perfect for a 5 paragraph essay example.

• Batman is a better example of brains and hard work than Superman.

• Lunch should be free for students in all schools.

• America isn’t ready for mandatory paid maternity leave.

• The US/Canadian border is woefully lacking in security.

• The school football program needs to improve its defense.

• Students should be allowed to leave campus during lunch breaks.

Writing a 5 Paragraph Essay: The Different Types

A 5 paragraph essay can be used for any academic subject. You can even write any type of essay using five paragraphs. Remember that this is an essay format. It isn’t a specific type or subject. Here are some examples:

• Persuasive Essay: Choose a controversial topic, pick a side, and convince readers to agree with your position.

• Descriptive Essay: Provide your audience with a detailed description of an interesting topic. Use lots of sensory words.

• Cause And Effect Essay: Analyze an event and explore what caused it. You can also take an event, and discuss the things that happened as a result.

• Analytical Essay: Choose a topic of interest, analyze it, and provide your insights.

• Expository Essay: Research a topic, share your thoughts based on your research.

There are many other essay types. We cover those in the other parts of this guide.

The Length of Your 5 Paragraph Essay

As mentioned above, these tend to range between 250 and 500 words. The precise number of pages depends on the 5 paragraph essay format you are assigned. These are also known as citation formats. You will choose your font, margin size, spacing, and other factors based on your citation format. These include APA, MLA, Turabian, and Chicago. This will impact the number of pages of your final product.

How to Write a 5 Paragraph Essay: Your Structure

This is the easiest essay structure to remember. It’s one of the most common for a reason. Students writing a 5 paragraph essay don’t have to spend much time thinking about formatting. They can focus on research and writing. Just remember that there will be an introduction (paragraph 1), three body paragraphs (2,3, and 4), and a conclusion (paragraph 5). Next, we’ll go through each one of these.

5 Paragraph Essay Outline

You might consider writing an outline before you start your rough draft. Check out a five paragraph essay outline example or two to get an idea of how yours should be structured. Even if it isn’t a required part of your assignment, this can help you organize your thoughts.

Introduction

Your intro paragraph is quite important. You’ll have to hook your reader first. That’s why it’s great to lead off with an interesting tidbit. Next, you’ll introduce the topic. If there’s a question or controversy, it goes here. Finally, share your thesis. This is the claim you are stating, and will prove in the rest of your essay.

Three Body Paragraphs

In a 5 paragraph essay, you have three paragraphs to express your points. So, each paragraph must be well-written. It should contain a clear and convincing point. Each body paragraph should build on the other, and transition to the next. When you do your research, be sure to focus on the three points that really make your point, and that work well together.

Conclusion

This is where you bring these together. Don’t restate your points. Instead, demonstrate how they work well together. Remind your reader of your thesis. Then give the final proof that you have met your ‘burden of proof’.

Writing Tips For Your 5 Paragraph Paper

Check out these tips that are sure to help you perfect your  next assignment:

• Use respectable, academic resources.

• Keep things brief, and make your points clearly.

• Double check for any spelling and grammar issues.

• Choose a topic that fits well in a shorter essay.

• Be prepared to get down to writing quickly if you are given an in-class assignment.

• Start with a topic that you know well.

We Are Here if You Need More Help

We’ve certainly given you a lot of information here. Don’t worry if you haven’t memorized it all. You can bookmark this page to reference later. Please read our other guides as well. Remember that we are essay writing professionals, and are your resource for the information and assistance you need. Contact us at any time for more help or a 5 paragraph essay sample.