How to Write the Five Paragraph Essay Advanced Placement U.S. History Mrs. Burton, NBCT.

How to Write the Five Paragraph Essay

Advanced PlacementU.S. History

Mrs. Burton, NBCT

What is the correct form for a DBQ Essay?

Topic Sentence with introductory paragraph

Three supporting ideas or pieces of evidence

Conclusion No paragraph with less than 5 sentences

Getting Started

First the teacher gives you a topic

You begin by preparing an outline or diagram of your ideas.

Write an essay about your favorite thing

Let’s Talk About the Topic Sentence

Always start with a topic sentence.

This is the main point of your essay, your thesis statement.

It will have 2 parts. The first will state the

topic. The second will state

the point of the essay.

My favorite thing

is American History.

Let’s Talk About the Introduction

The introduction is a signpost at the beginning of the trail

It tells the reader where you are going to take them and what they will see along the way.

Let’s Talk About the Body

The body of the essay moves the reader along toward the destination or goal you have set.

It usually has several paragraphs, each related to one of the points you want to make.

Let’s Talk AboutThe Body of the Essay

In your map or outline write three reasons justifying the topic sentence.

These are your sub-points.

They will head your paragraphs.

I love being challenged.

I love Mrs. Burton. I love learning about

my ancestors.

My Favorite Thing

My favorite thing is American History.

I love being challenged. I love Mrs. Burton. I love learning about my

ancestors. These are just three of

the many reasons why I love American History.

Writing the Body Paragraphs

Use each subtopic as the topic sentence for the supporting points you wish to make.

Generally you will use 3 or less specific details or examples supporting each subtopic.

I love being challenged. I get bored if I am not

challenged. I enjoy learning new

things. I believe education is

power.

More on The Body

Each supporting statement should elaborate on the sub point.

These should make your ideas clear and convincing.

Just remember you are not only proving the topic sentence of each paragraph with your specific examples, but the topic sentence of the whole paper as well!

Always write in the active (action) voice. It is much more powerful.

Writing the Conclusion

The last paragraph is the easiest.

Begin with a paraphrasing of your main point. Do not just repeat what you said.

Sum up your arguments and provide a culminating statement.

Let’s Talk About the Conclusion

The conclusion is the end of the journey.

Every essay needs a strong conclusion.

Now you have completed your map for your essay.

You have a thesis, subtopics 1,2,and 3 and a concluding statement.

These are just three of the many reasons why I love American History.

Writing the Conclusion

Emphasize the importance of your topic and significance of your view.

This paragraph needs to bring closure to your essay and provide a final perspective on your topic.

Remember this is the idea with which you will leave your reader.

My Favorite Thing

In conclusion, there are many reasons American History is my favorite thing. Challenges are great motivators, especially when you enjoy the teacher. It is through American History that one is able to learn about their heritage. These are just three of the many reasons why American History will always be one of my favorite things.

Some Final Thoughts

Check the order of your paragraphs.

Your strongest argument should be first, your second strongest last.

Your weakest argument should be in the middle. (I love Mrs. Burton)

Be sure it makes logical sense Reread and add transition

words to connect your thoughts smoothly.

On Using the Words of OthersOn Using the Words of Others

There are three There are three ways to use the ways to use the words of otherswords of others

Summary – Summary – condensation of condensation of the main ideas of the main ideas of someone else.someone else.

Quote – direct Quote – direct word for word word for word quote which must quote which must be placed in be placed in quotation marks. quotation marks.

Paraphrase – Paraphrase – retelling of an idea retelling of an idea in different words.in different words.

What about DBQs?

Be sure to read the task carefully before you begin your plan.

Identify the historical period on which the task is based.

Brainstorm relevant issues, historical terms, names or events which are significant to that period of history.

Read the primary documents. In the margin make notes to focus your ideas. Highlight important points.

I love my DBQ

Only after you understand the task you have been given can you compose your thesis statement.

Write your thesis statement. Identify the three or four sub-topics (logical

arguments) which support your thesis Recheck the directions to make sure you

have accurately identified the required goal.

Careful with that DBQ

If the directions say DISCUSS it means “to make observations about using facts, reasoning, and argument.”

Show means “to set forth clearly a position or idea by stating it and giving data to support it.”

Explain means “to give reasons for or causes of; to show the logical development or relationships of.”

Describe means “to illustrate something in words or tell about it.”

What is the Next Step?

Now that you know where you are headed, create your plan, outline, web.

Be sure to reference the documents as you make the map. This will save you from haphazardly inserting them later or leaving them out altogether.

Also support your points with relevant outside information from your brainstormed list.

Accurate student supplied information will earn points, even without support from the documents.

The use of the primary documents not supported with outside information will NOT garner points and should be avoided.

You may need more than three paragraphs to complete the assignment. Be sure each one has a topic sentence and supporting details.

Then What?

Finally write the conclusion Summarize the subject by

restating the question in a different way

A conclusion is not necessary, but it will score extra points if done properly.

Check your citations (Burton, 2004) or “According to Burton (2004)”

Finally orAre We Done Yet?

Students who received top scores:

Made analytical and thematic use of most documents

Brought in significant outside information

Made only minor errors that did not detract from the knowledgeability of the essay.

Students who received lower scores:

Restated the documents with little interpretation

Provided little outside information

Offered no analysis Had major errors Simply paraphrased or

restated the question.