For the introduction in a five-paragraph essay, write the thesis statement of the essay first. The thesis is the sentence giving the point of the essay and the reasons. A five-paragraph essay should have at least two points and one argument point, or have three supporting points, depending on the essay. For example, if you are writing a persuasive essay, provide a statement saying what the argument is and two reasons for the argument; add one point showing the other side. If writing an information essay, write three points to support the main idea. Write the rest of the introductory paragraph after completing the body paragraphs to get a stronger hook.
The body paragraphs have specific organization keys to consider before writing. For the informational essay, the website Essay Info suggests organizing the essay with the strongest supporting point first and the weakest point last. This puts the information in a logical format for easier understanding. The argumentative or persuasive argument has a similar order, but instead of the weakest point in the third body paragraph, the third paragraph is the other point of view.
Start the body paragraphs with a tie to the previous paragraph. The tie between the previous paragraph and the new paragraph is either the introduction sentence or the transition from the previous body paragraph. Write the main point of the new paragraph within the first sentence or two. Support the point with text from literature, statistical facts or data from sources, depending on the topic of the essay. End the paragraph with a transition into the next point. The transition, a phrase used to tie the two points together, only needs one sentence.
Summarize the point of the essay in a brief sentence and restate the reasons. The conclusion gives a brief summary and the final conclusion based on the information given previously.
English writing requires getting to the point and telling information in straight line. The website ESLBEE.com points out that English readers prefer reading in a linear pattern with the point clearly laid out at the beginning, supported and then restated. Culturally, English writing is blunt and to the point as much as possible.