How to Write a 5 Paragraph Essay

So You Will be an ESSAY WRITING SUPERSTAR

First…you need a topicFirst…you need a topicTopic:

“Why do cats make good pets?

Then…you need some Then…you need some reasons/ideasreasons/ideas

You think…Why do cats make good house pets?

After pondering/thinking for awhile…you decide that they:

Are nice to be around (good companion)

Fairly civilized and easy to get along with

Easy to look after.

Now…you need to write an Now…you need to write an introduction!introduction!

You can start with: A question A story A quote An interesting fact A startling idea***You NEED to GRAB the

reader’s attention (so they will WANT to keep reading!

IntroductionIntroduction"A dog is man's best friend." That common

saying may be truthful, but dogs are not the only animal friend whose friendship people enjoy. There is another very common house pet. For many people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make excellent housepets because they are make a good friend, they are easy to get along with and they are easy to look after.

(Remember…all good introductions need a thesis statement at the end!)

Now you need three body Now you need three body paragraphs – 1paragraphs – 1stst Paragraph Paragraph

In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of cats. Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? If they're not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and feathers, or just about anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing when their owners are participating in the game. Even though some people do not believe it, cats can be trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can be trained to behave or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch!

22ndnd Body Paragraph Body Paragraph

Now…from the thesis statement…what will the 2nd paragraph be about???

Easy to get along with.

22ndnd Body Paragraph Body ParagraphIn the second place, cats are civilized members of

the household. Unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don't even meow very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don't often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time on. Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown the box and will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and owners must make provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite cat area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be declawed.

33rdrd Body Paragraph Body ParagraphSo, what should this one be about?

Easy to look after

33rdrd Paragraph ParagraphLastly, one of the best things about cats is

that their easy to look after. Cats do not have to be walked. They get plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and they do their business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box is a quick, painless procedure. Cats also take care of their own grooming. Bathing a cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary circumstances cats clean themselves. Cats are more particular about personal cleanliness than people are. In addition, cats can be left home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some pets, most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone. They are content to go about their usual activities until their owners return.

Now, we have 4 Paragraphs…but Now, we have 4 Paragraphs…but we’re missing onewe’re missing one

The Conclusion!

First you need to re-state (or retell) the thesis, BUT it needs to be done in a NEW and INTERESTING way.

For this essay you could say:Cats are low maintenance, a good buddy

and fun to be around.

How is that different?How is that different?Our first thesis (at the end of the

introduction) was:Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make excellent house pets because they are make a good friend, they are easy to get along with and they are easy to look after.

We want to drive the point home in the conclusion so we write:

Why wouldn’t you want a cat? They are low maintenance, a good buddy and fun to be around

Our conclusion would look Our conclusion would look like this:like this:

Why wouldn’t you want a cat? They are low maintenance, a good buddy and fun to be around. People who have small places to live or less time for pet care should appreciate these characteristics of cats. However, many people who have plenty of space and time still opt to have a cat because they love the cat personality. In many ways, cats are the ideal house pet.

Doesn’t this essay make Doesn’t this essay make you want to run out…you want to run out…

And buy a cat?