When coming up with an idea to discuss in a five paragraph essay, it is important to choose a topic that you know well. You need to discuss this topic in three main paragraphs, with each focusing on a different aspect of the topic. For example, if you are familiar with team sports, you may choose that topic for your paper, with main body paragraphs focusing on basketball, volleyball and baseball. You might want to avoid ideas that are too narrow, such as pitching fastballs in baseball, if you are not very familiar with the topic and would have a hard time discussing three specific points.
Although it is often to your benefit to consider topics you know well, don't be discouraged from exploring a new topic in your five paragraph essay. Choose something that you are curious about and would find exciting to discuss in a five paragraph essay. For example, if you have always wanted a pet dog, you might consider writing on dogs as pets, with main paragraphs focusing on dog health, feeding dogs and exercise requirements. If you are not interested in mathematics, you'll probably want to avoid an essay on algebra or calculus.
One of the things your teacher will look for when grading your essay is whether you are able to connect the ideas together using transitions. Include a topic sentence with each of your main body paragraphs, and a concluding sentence that leads into your next paragraph. For example, you might conclude the dog health paragraph with a sentence like, "Many of these common health issues can be prevented by feeding your dog properly," before transitioning into the dog food paragraph.
When writing a five paragraph essay, it is easy to focus too much on the three main body paragraphs and neglect the introduction and conclusion. These paragraphs provide your audience with the information they need to thoroughly understand your essay and the point you want to make. Begin each five paragraph essay with an introduction that highlights the three main points you will make in the essay. Then, end the essay with a brief recap of your ideas throughout the paper.