Draw the graphic organizer. Create boxes in the shape of a diamond. Draw a large box at the top of a piece of paper. Label it "introduction." Beneath that box, draw three rectangles. Label each rectangle "Main idea 1," Main idea 2" and "Main idea 3." Below the "main idea" rectangles, draw three boxes. Title each of these boxes "Supporting details for main idea 1" and so on. Finish the organizer with a box at the bottom. Label it "Conclusion." Connect the boxes with line segments, which shows how each box -- or section of your paper -- is related.
Create an introductory paragraph that includes a "grabber" sentence that invites readers into your essay. Fit the introductory paragraph in the top box in your organizer. Include a thesis statement at the end of the paragraph which states the three or four main points or ideas you want to cover in your essay. For example, if you are writing about what it is like to live in Kansas, your introductory paragraph may start with a historical fact about Kansas and a bit of background about the state and then introduce your three points of interest.
Enter one of your three main ideas in each box. In the Kansas example, for instance, the ideas may include geography, location and culture.
Elaborate on each idea in the "supporting details" boxes. For example, under the "geography" box, you might write "flat," "some hills" and "lakes and rivers." Or fill in an entire sentence and paragraph for your final essay. For example, you may write that "The overall flat landscape in Kansas, dotted with some rolling hills and lakes and rivers, makes the state recreation-friendly."
Continue to elaborate on the ideas in the boxes. Because you are writing a five-paragraph essay on the graphic organizer, create as much detail as possible. If you are rushed for time, you can fill in a few points, leave the essay graphic organizer alone for a few minutes or the rest of the day and come back to it with less stress and fresh ideas.
Write the conclusion. Summarize the contents of the graphic organizer in a conclusive tone. Recapitulate your ideas, arguments or themes.
Check your work. Follow your graphic organizer from the top to the bottom, ensuring that your argument is cohesive, flows in an orderly manner from one point to the next and makes sense.