Essay Writing - How to Write an Essay
89Online writing courses - 5 paragraph essay format
I’m a retired teacher of literature and writing. I really miss teaching, so I decided to do a little online teaching with free online writing classes. Of course, it won’t be the same because I won’t have that wonderful interaction with students. Perhaps it will somewhat satisfy my need to share information, however. Today’s topic in my online writing courses is essay writing.
Essay writing is a required skill in high schools and colleges across the nation. I assume it’s a necessary skill in other countries, as well. I was always surprised on the rare occasion when I had a senior who didn’t know how to write an essay. How did such a student reach the twelfth grade without knowing how to write an essay?
If you’re having trouble with essay writing, I’m offering free essay help. This is a basic “short course” in essay writing. Remember – this is for basic essay writing. In future online writing courses, I’ll get into more advanced essay writing. For now, however, beginners will learn the basic essay format. A good place to start is with the 5 paragraph essay.
What’s a 5 paragraph essay?
First of all, I apologize for the “5” instead of “five.” For search engine purposes, I must refer to the essay writing as a 5 paragraph essay. Now that we have that out of the way…
A 5 paragraph essay is made up of five paragraphs – hence the name. The first paragraph is the introduction. Following the introduction are three body paragraphs. The last paragraph is the conclusion.
Essay format for a 5 paragraph essay
I. introduction
II. body paragraph
III. body paragraph
IV. body paragraph
V. conclusion
Essay format – the introduction
The introduction introduces your essay topic to the reader. It should start off broad and general. Picture your introduction as an inverted triangle, starting broad and gradually narrowing to a point. The point is your thesis statement. The focus should tighten into the last sentence, which is the thesis. The thesis statement controls your entire paper.
I’ll give you an example. Let’s say you’re writing an essay about the qualities that a good leader should possess. Since this is a 5 paragraph essay, you’ll choose three such qualities. A simple thesis statement might be something like “A good leader must have intelligence, good judgment, and courage.” This sums up the entire essay into one sentence.
Essay writing – body paragraphs
Your first body paragraph will be about a leader’s need for intelligence. The first sentence of this paragraph should be a topic sentence – something like “An effective leader must be intelligent.” Then you’ll write four or five sentences supporting that topic sentence. In other words, you’ll explain why it’s important for a good leader to be smart.
You’ll need to do the same thing with the next two body paragraphs. Later, after you get the basic essay format down pat, your topic sentence won’t necessarily need to be the first sentence. For now, however, it will help you to organize your essay and teach you how to write an essay.
Essay writing – the conclusion
When writing an essay, you’ll need a conclusion. This should be your last paragraph. Your conclusion should sum up what you’ve already said. Some teachers and instructors sometimes require that beginners, those just learning how to write an essay, reword the thesis statement and use it as the first sentence of the conclusion. This is followed by three or four more sentences.
If you use this essay format, your conclusion should be like an upright triangle. It should start with your thesis statement and gradually get broader in the way of information – just the opposite of your introduction.
In the conclusion, be careful not to introduce new information.
More essay help
Each teacher is a little different in her requirements. For example, traditionally, instructors frown upon the use of second person (you) when writing an essay. This rule has relaxed, however, and second person is often allowed in essays now. In order to be sure, ask your teacher before you commit pen to paper when writing an essay.
When you’re writing an essay, plan ahead. Make an outline of some sort. The outline doesn’t have to be in any formal essay format. Even a jot list will help you organize your thoughts.
When you’ve finished writing an essay, let it “rest” before you do final editing. Your mistakes are difficult to spot while your essays are still “fresh.” Your brain will often correct the mistakes so that you won’t notice them. After the essays get “cold,” your errors will be much easier to identify.
Give your essays titles. Do not put the title in quotation marks.
Don’t begin your conclusion with “in conclusion.” Don’t use “I think” or “I feel” when writing an essay. Your educator knows that you’re thinking and feeling! Don’t use clichés, either. Don't use "The end" at the bottom of your essays.
I haven’t addressed voice or style in this essay help article. Both are very important elements of essays, but those are lessons for the future. Your first attempts at essay writing should focus on organization and essay format. Once you master the basics, we can move on to word choice, transition, and varied sentence patterns.
Essay writing doesn’t have to be difficult. Just master the basic essay format first, beginning with a simple 5 paragraph essay. Once you learn to organize and control your content, you can move on to more essay help to make your essays interesting and more polished.
To learn more about how to improve writing skills, visit my free online writing classes below! I'll be adding more tips for improving writing skills, but for now, just click the links for more online writing courses.
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Habee, That was a great review. I haven't heard any of that since college and most of it was quite familiar but I know I have room for improvement. Thanks for a good hub.
It never hurts to review the basics of essay writing, Holle. Thanks for providing them in such an interesting way.
This is terrific, habee. What a great idea bringing your expertise as a teacher online for everyone to learn! Very clear and easy to follow, too. Thank you.
Sign me up! What a clever girl you are. Not only do you have a dedicate student in me, but I have emailed this to my son to find as soon as he gets back from holiday.
In lieu of an apple, Teacher, I send you a kiss :-))
this is very informative.... in the Philippines we also English Literature, and had always been my favorite subject, and my English Teacher is always a favorite too... Habee you're my favorite hihihi
As always, an excellent and information hub. When I started college I was surprised to find how many students (in 3rd semester of college English) didn't know what a works cited page was, even after the professor told them it's basically a bibliography. How did they get through high school and 2 semesters of college English???
This is a great idea to bring your expertise to others in this format. I'm looking forward to the rest of your educational series.
I, too, look forward to more lessons from you.
Thanks a lot for reminding me of this format. I loved to write essays and still do whenever an opportunity presents itself, but I tend to forget about the format and just write in accordance with my gut feeling. Oh, gosh, when I write an essay for hubs, I better remember we have a teacher online :-). I think you are a great teacher, habee. We have online writer’s colleges in SA, offering courses in all genres. Perhaps you may consider the establishment of your own online college or join an existing one?
As a writer, I always appreciate a respect for the basics. Good hub.
It must have been wonderful for you to be a teacher! To help mold the thoughts and ideas of students as they explored the written word!
Thank you for the "continuing education" here on HubPages! Much appreciated!
Awesome hub! I really enjoyed reading this, as my background is in English & Speech, and I love writing. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Great advice. Practical but simple
This is GREAT... I somehow managed to get into the 11 grade without knowing several keys to writing. I had no clue what a verb, adverb, pronouns, adjectives and all of the other numerous words that are useful to writing were. I was blessed to have a wonderful English teacher who took the time to instruct me in all the years that I had missed. I sat in the hall for 2 weeks doing 'ditto' homework that she managed to find specifically for me.
I still feel that I have much to learn about writing, I look forward to reading and being instructed on what it is you have to say. I feel that some of my writing is hit an miss.
If you should find it in your heart to read some of my Hubs and give me feedback on them it would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Good information, habee. I always learn new things from you. Include this hub. You are perfect teacher for me. Thanks for share about this. Vote this up.
Great reminders for all the students out there!
Good stuff for recall of my teaching days, too. Controlled and free essay writing take a lot of effort to teach, but is enjoyable, especially when you start correcting students' outputs.
Great advice.. discipline in writing is something everyone should learn! ( even if, like me, they then proceed to ignore the rules ... LOL )
Very good, simply put advice. Keep up the good work
Great. Thank you.
A couple of months ago, I wrote a hub on writing an expository essay, and I was curious about how similar our hubs would be. We both have the same approach.
Thank you for this very helpful hub, especially to me.
Excellent reminder.
I love your triangle analogy. Just picture that and everything else will fall into place. Great advice from a great teacher--rated awesome!
Yep, Nifty - the basics are a firm foundation!
thanks for stopping by, Pam!
I loved writing essays when I was in school! I bet that you were a great a teacher and that your students loved you!
You are welcome, drbj!
silver, I guess I'll always be a teacher at heart!
De Greek, I'd take a kiss from you over an apple any day! lol
Hi, Maria. I used to have a good friend named Maria Cecilia!
Cvanthul, I'm hoping this will help high school students!
Thanks, Sheila. You get an "A"!
Hi, Marie! I don't usually write essays on HP, but I hope I never forget the basic format!
Thanks, Rob. The basic essay format is good to know!
Run, I LOVED teaching! I really miss it.
Hi, Anne! Good to see you!
glad you liked it, Eth!
Susie, I'm not sure how that happens, but it does!
Prasetio, thanks for the kind words, my friend!
buckie, I'm hoping high school students will find it!
Habee now you have another Maria Cecilia, thanks for this hub it made me realized that I am doing the right thing...
Lita, I always enjoyed reading my students' papers!
Chris, I ignore them, too, when I'm writing for myself!
Leni, thanks for reading!
You're welcome, Donkey!
Great minds, Mystery! lol
HH, it's always good to see you!
Thanks, Boxxies!
Anglnwu, I really appreciate your comment!
Awww...thanks, MArian! My students did love me - because I made learning fun.
Nice share!
I'm really interested in writing articles,this is very helpful.
Well detailed, instructive and educative.
Cheers
Very informative! Thank you for sharing this article.
Gosh, this takes me back. If only I had teachers as clear and thorough as you. In Freshman English at KU, I got an A on my first essay and an F on the second, so I was all over the board. I was usually good enough to defend my writing style, although I recall arguing with an instructor on whether "it's" was simply "it is" or was a singular possessive (or whatever that was called), like "his" or "hers." I won't say which side of the issue I was on except to say I was wrong...
Thanks so much for the lesson, and I apologize for going back over the old memories. Take care.
Mike
I appreciate that, Passin!
Kazeem, glad you liked it!
Mrirvine, thanks for stopping by!
Quite alright, Mike. What are friends for?? lol
This will greatly improve my skills in writing. Thanks again!
This is excellent! It should be a must read for all kids K-12! I used to grade papers and test at the college level and you would not believe what the students write - Some of the worst spelling and grammar around - Very sad testimony to teachers and parent involvement in kids education. Way to go, Habee!
Nicole, glad you found the info useful!
I love your visual imagery of the triangular introduction and conclusion. In my mind I see three equal circles strung between them for the paragraphs. I will remember this.
Thank you very much Habee. You are a great teacher and thanks to the internet you will go on and on helping people.
from general to the specific - thats what I was taught. It is good advice. The need to structure the essay for the sake of the reader is a good skill to learn.
If you are being assessed for college the reader is doing the assessing so it's a good idea to make it easy for that person! Good structure makes assessment that much easier and much more enjoyable.
Good advice here
It reminds me how to write an article.
Mwatkins, it's alarming, isn't it??
Thank you for sharing this. I have a son who just entered high school and he has an English class which focuses on literature/writing. May I share this with him? Thanks for clarifying some points on how to write an essay. Great hub!:-)
Thanks again for sharing. It is great to have a refresher on learning the basics of writing essays. Honestly, it takes me quite a while before I can gather ideas for my writings. This lesson will help me better organize my thoughts.
Nice hub. hank you for sharing your knowledge.I liked your method for writing essay.
Thanks, Old book!
Thanks a bunch, Jon!
Top, it would work for an article or hub, although I don't always use this approach.
Caroline, I hope your son finds this useful!
Chin, I'm glad you found the hub useful!
Thanks for stopping by, Art!
habee, thank you so much for this hub. I think before I start a new hub I will have to go over your hubs Essay Writting- How to Write an Essay. I am trying to become a better writer. Everyone can learn a lot from your hubs
Will rate up and bookmark.
Such a great hub, you have here...
1. Research: Begin the essay writing process by researching your topic, making yourself an expert. Utilize the internet, the academic databases, and the library. Take notes and immerse yourself in the words of great thinkers.
2. Analysis: Now that you have a good knowledge base, start analyzing the arguments of the essays you're reading. Clearly define the claims, write out the reasons, the evidence. Look for weaknesses of logic, and also strengths. Learning how to write an essay begins by learning how to analyze essays written by others.
3. Brainstorming: Your essay will require insight of your own, genuine essay-writing brilliance. Ask yourself a dozen questions and answer them. Meditate with a pen in your hand. Take walks and think and think until you come up with original insights to write about.
4. Thesis: Pick your best idea and pin it down in a clear assertion that you can write your entire essay around. Your thesis is your main point, summed up in a concise sentence that lets the reader know where you're going, and why. It's practically impossible to write a good essay without a clear thesis.
5. Outline: Sketch out your essay before straightway writing it out. Use one-line sentences to describe paragraphs, and bullet points to describe what each paragraph will contain. Play with the essay's order. Map out the structure of your argument, and make sure each paragraph is unified.
6. Introduction: Now sit down and write the essay. The introduction should grab the reader's attention, set up the issue, and lead in to your thesis. Your intro is merely a buildup of the issue, a stage of bringing your reader into the essay's argument.
(Note: The title and first paragraph are probably the most important elements in your essay. This is an essay-writing point that doesn't always sink in within the context of the classroom. In the first paragraph you either hook the reader's interest or lose it. Of course your teacher, who's getting paid to teach you how to write an essay, will read the essay you've written regardless, but in the real world, readers make up their minds about whether or not to read your essay by glancing at the title alone.)
7. Paragraphs: Each individual paragraph should be focused on a single idea that supports your thesis. Begin paragraphs with topic sentences, support assertions with evidence, and expound your ideas in the clearest, most sensible way you can. Speak to your reader as if he or she were sitting in front of you. In other words, instead of writing the essay, try talking the essay.
8. Conclusion: Gracefully exit your essay by making a quick wrap-up sentence, and then end on some memorable thought, perhaps a quotation, or an interesting twist of logic, or some call to action. Is there something you want the reader to walk away and do? Let him or her know exactly what.
9. MLA Style: Format your essay according to the correct guidelines for citation. All borrowed ideas and quotations should be correctly cited in the body of your text, followed up with a Works Cited (references) page listing the details of your sources.
10. Language: You're not done writing your essay until you've polished your language by correcting the grammar, making sentences flow, incoporating rhythm, emphasis, adjusting the formality, giving it a level-headed tone, and making other intuitive edits. Proofread until it reads just how you want it to sound. Writing an essay can be tedious, but you don't want to bungle the hours of conceptual work you've put into writing your essay by leaving a few slippy misppallings and pourly wordedd phrazies..
Great hub. It's been a long time since I've written an essay. Thanks for refreshing my mind.
Good to see you, Granny!
Great tips, Doc!
You're welcome, Nancy!
Thank you hubee for you tips about how to write an essay. I am using this hub as my reference. I will be reading you hubs especially free writing courses
you are an excellent teacher! loved that lesson in essay!
I really enjoy your writing articles - simple to read and well written! Even though I should already know everything you mention, it never hurts to refresh!
Neverletitgo, so glad you liked it!
Yolly, thanks! LOVE your name!
Ironracer, it's easy to forget what you learned in school! lol
I don't really use the basic formats all that much anymore, but the simplicity with which this article was written, concise and to the point, is refreshing.
Thanks, Rick!
Thank you for sharing such a very informative hub! I think we can all use some "better writing tips." I will definitely review these things with my son. Although I'm sure that now he is in 9th grade, he is aware of these, but just needs some tuning and more practice won't hurt, either. Thanks again, habee! Keep at it. God bless!
Very useful. Thank you.
Caroline, thanks for reading, and God bless you, too!
Darcy, glad you stopped by!
Essays had always been the fun part of my school days. Thnks for a great hub.
Great helpful advice for my grandchildren. THANK YOU
You have suggested great ideas of essay writing. It will help me a lot.
Thanks
Just write ... describing as best as you can ... and you will have a good essay ... maybe, a masterpiece.
Dnemesis, I always enjoyed essay writing, too! Are we nerds? lol
Sue, that's great! Hope it provides essay help.
Good info I need to practice my essays being French it can be difficult specialy at the moment. I am doing a certed at UCLAN and I am finding my second year dificult
however I am enjoying it, so your hub pages will come handy thanks for your tips.
Thanks, Dpatullo! Glad you liked it!
True, Shahid, but you also have to have some organization! lol
Thanks, Jacques! I wish you success!
Habee, i like your articles. At least College school students will benefit from your article
Great Hub article. I have to say that the material presented in clear and concise and should be of great assistance to those wanting to write a good essay. I also want to wish you great success with your online courses. It is wonderful to see someone who is just as successful out of the classroom.
Your hubs title is "How to write an Essey" I think answer is simple - Keep pen in your hand and then start to write!! Ha..Ha..Ha..(well your hub is very informative thanks for it)
Wish this Hub had been around back when I was going to school.....:)
Great Hub habee!!!
I like your teaching style. Reading this has given me comfort in the sense of we all are learning at some point along a line of points. Those who take time to dash back rendering encouragement, prompting learning, challenging application deserve praise. Thank You! I look forward to reading your other free learning tools.
every doing good work make if positivity. goo oon. great
This is such a great resource! I've just linked to it on a hub I recently published on college writing skills.
Great post ..Thanks
Thank you so much for your generosity in providing these free classes. This one brought me back to high school and watching to my English teacher Ms. Buckles write these five steps on the blackboard. Smile!
NICE AND FANTASTIC VERY HELPFUL
KEEP IT UP THANKS A LOT FOR GIVING TIME TO EXPLAIN
Thanks for help me, God bless you.
very helpful thnx
This my first time that i read this page,really it helps me thank you .
Hi Habee. I was reading another hub this morning which linked me to this one. It is awesome and I voted you up. Thanks a bunch.
so nice!!!!this info can help me a lot to win the essay writing competition!!!GODBLESS
Thanks from ksa
hey do u know what website i could to to right a essaay
nifty@50 Level 1 Commenter 21 months ago
Great advice on writing an essay or a hub for that matter! Sometimes it pays to remember the basics to stay on track!