Writing Application: Multi-Paragraph Essays
Learn
Now it's time to apply everything you've learned about multi-paragraph writing! In this lesson, you'll practice building complete essays with strong introductions, organized body paragraphs, and satisfying conclusions.
The Five-Paragraph Essay Structure
- Paragraph 1 - Introduction: Hook + Main idea (thesis)
- Paragraph 2 - Body 1: First reason or point + details
- Paragraph 3 - Body 2: Second reason or point + details
- Paragraph 4 - Body 3: Third reason or point + details
- Paragraph 5 - Conclusion: Restate main idea + final thought
Writing Checklist
- Does my introduction have a hook that grabs attention?
- Does my introduction state my main idea clearly?
- Does each body paragraph start with a topic sentence?
- Do I use transition words to connect my ideas?
- Does my conclusion wrap up my essay?
Examples
Example Essay: Why Dogs Make Great Pets
Introduction: Have you ever come home to a wagging tail and a happy face? Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world, and for good reason. Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, fun to play with, and help people feel less lonely.
Body 1: First, dogs are incredibly loyal animals. A dog will always be there for its owner, no matter what. Dogs remember their owners and get excited to see them. Some dogs have even traveled hundreds of miles to find their families!
Body 2: In addition, dogs are fun to play with. You can play fetch, go for walks, or teach them tricks. Dogs love to run and play games. Playing with a dog is great exercise for both the dog and the owner.
Body 3: Most importantly, dogs help people feel less lonely. A dog is always happy to see you. They like to cuddle and sit near their owners. Many people say their dog is their best friend.
Conclusion: In conclusion, dogs make wonderful pets because of their loyalty, playfulness, and companionship. If you're thinking about getting a pet, a dog might be perfect for you!
Practice
Answer these questions about writing multi-paragraph essays.
1. What should the first paragraph of an essay include?
A) Only facts and details
B) A hook and the main idea
C) A summary of the whole essay
D) Just the conclusion
Answer
B) - The introduction should have a hook to grab attention and state the main idea (thesis).
2. Which is the best hook for an essay about saving water?
A) Water is wet.
B) This essay is about water.
C) Did you know that only 1% of Earth's water is drinkable?
D) I will tell you about water.
Answer
C) - This hook uses a surprising fact to grab the reader's attention.
3. What should each body paragraph begin with?
A) A question
B) The conclusion
C) A topic sentence
D) A transition only
Answer
C) - Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that tells what the paragraph is about.
4. Read this topic sentence: "First, reading helps you learn new words." What should the rest of the paragraph include?
A) Information about math
B) Details and examples about learning new words from reading
C) The introduction to the essay
D) A different topic
Answer
B) - The rest of the paragraph should support the topic sentence with details and examples about learning new words.
5. Which transition word shows you're adding another reason?
A) However
B) In conclusion
C) In addition
D) But
Answer
C) - "In addition" signals that you're adding another point or reason.
6. What is the purpose of the conclusion paragraph?
A) To introduce new ideas
B) To add more details
C) To wrap up the essay and restate the main idea
D) To ask questions
Answer
C) - The conclusion wraps up the essay by restating the main idea and leaving the reader with a final thought.
7. Which sentence would best END an essay about why recess is important?
A) Recess is when kids play outside.
B) So remember, recess helps students learn better, stay healthy, and make friends!
C) First, recess is fun.
D) What is recess?
Answer
B) - This restates the main points and ends with enthusiasm, making it a strong conclusion sentence.
8. A student wrote: "Soccer is fun. Basketball is also fun. Swimming is fun too." How can this be improved?
A) Add more sports
B) Use transition words and combine ideas
C) Make each sentence longer
D) Remove all the sentences
Answer
B) - Using transitions like "First," "Also," and "Finally" would improve the flow and connect the ideas.
9. How many body paragraphs does a typical five-paragraph essay have?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Five
Answer
C) - A five-paragraph essay has one introduction, THREE body paragraphs, and one conclusion.
10. Which order is correct for a five-paragraph essay?
A) Body, Introduction, Conclusion
B) Conclusion, Body, Introduction
C) Introduction, Body, Body, Body, Conclusion
D) Body, Body, Body, Body, Body
Answer
C) - The correct order is: Introduction, three Body paragraphs, and Conclusion.
Next Steps
- Practice writing your own five-paragraph essay on a topic you enjoy
- Use the writing checklist to review your work
- Make sure each paragraph has a clear purpose
- Continue to the Editing Workshop