Write an introduction. Your introduction should be attention-getting, but it does not have to be long. If time is a factor, you only need to write a few sentences. The first couple of sentences should introduce the topic. Then you should include a topic sentence which states the main idea for the whole essay. This main idea statement gives an opinion or attitude about the topic. It has a subject, the topic and a predicate, which is a special opinion about the topic. For example, a topic sentence about cats could be "Cats are naturally curious creatures." The topic is "cats," and the opinion is "are naturally curious creatures." The best place to put your topic sentence is at the end of the introduction.
Write the next main section of your five paragraph essay, which is the development or proof. If the essay really has five paragraphs, you will have three paragraphs here. However, you can have only two (one is not enough) or many more than three. It is still the same pattern of essay. Each of your development paragraphs should have the same form. It should have a topic sentence giving the main point of the paragraph This main point should be one type of illustration or proof about the thesis statement. It should have examples or proof of its own topic sentence. And it should have a conclusion. In addition, transitions should connect each paragraph to the one before. These can be as simple as, "In addition" or they can be complete sentences.
Write a conclusion for your five-paragraph essay. The conclusion can somehow summarize or review the essay. It is better to do this a bit creatively, with a "twist," rather than just repeat your original statement. If you are short of time, it can even be as short as one sentence. However, don't neglect this step. The conclusion needs to sound final while at the same time revisiting the thesis from paragraph one. This brings the reader full circle and helps him to understand that you proved what you set out to prove.
Review your five paragraph essay to make sure your have these three parts. If your essay has an introduction with thesis, supporting paragraphs with topic sentences and a conclusion that recalls what you set out to do, your paper will seem more logical. It will be easier to understand and will get a much better grade. Write clearly according to this pattern, and you will write a much better five-paragraph essay.