The Four Types of Paragraphs Excert from:http://home.insightbb.com/~dbuccola/persuasiveparagr.htm

1) Narrative: tells the details of one main event2) Descriptive: paints a picture, only using words,

about what a person, place, or thing is like3) Expository: presentation of information,

opinions, or ideas / it exposes something about a topic

4) Persuasive: when expressing an opinion, you attempt to persuade someone that you are right. A persuasive paragraph is developed with reasons based on facts.

The 5 paragraph essay

GHAUG

ENG 9

The Traditional Five – Paragraph Essay

The Three Main Parts: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion

OVERALL STRUCTURE OF THE FIVE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY

Introduction: Tell them what you’re going to tell them.

Body: Tell them.

Conclusion: Tell them what you’ve told them.

I. Introduction:The First Paragraph of the Essay

The first paragraph of the five – paragraph is called the introduction.

An introduction consists of 3 parts: The hook –lead sentence A general statement to the thesis (usually 2-3

sentences) Thesis statement (usually the last sentence of the

paragraph)

These three to five sentences make up the three main parts of the introduction.

Sample Introduction

According to many scientists, when you travel to many parts of the world you will find stories of giant, flying reptiles. (This is the hook) These strange creatures are called dragons. The word “dragon” is from the Greek word for serpent. In some places, dragons may have two heads, but they all have wings like a bat and the scales of a reptile. (these last 2 sentences are the general statements to the thesis). What makes dragons special are that they can be friendly creatures, protectors of property and big fans of fire. (Thesis statement)

What is a hook?

A hook is the first sentence of an essay. There are many types of hooks, but they all

serve the same ultimate purpose. Purpose: to grab (or hook) the reader’s

attention Your goal: Is to have readers read your essay

Hook: examples

A good writer may use shock value to grab the reader’s attention= by using a startling statistic…

Over 80% of teenage traffic accidents are alcohol related

Hook: examples

Or the writer can use a current event:

On Jan. 23, 2008, two Richmond students were involved in a serious motor vehicle accident, directly attributed to excessive alcohol…

Hook: examples

A writer might also employ the use of parody, or a twist a famous quotation..

To drink or not to drink. That is the question!

Hook: examples

Some writers like to begin as essay with a question

Is it possible to reduce the vast number of alcohol related accidents among teenagers?

Hook: examples

Or, perhaps a quotation from a famous and respected individual…

Dr. I.M. Hammer, of Teen Drinking Anonymous(TDA) states that “since the invention of alcohol, teenagers have had difficulties controlling their alcohol consumption.”

One final note

The important thing to remember is:

DON’T BE BORING!!!!

Task: Write a lead sentence (hook) for the following topics: 1) Use a quotation hook = Picking blueberries is hard work. 2) Use a question hook = Not everyone can dance. 3) Use an interesting fact hook = A lion is a feared creature. 4) Use a statistic hook = Only a select few graduate with Honours at

SFU and UBC. 5) Choice hook = Aliens 6) Choice hook = Athletic changes at JNB 7) Choice hook= Fast food at JNB 8) Choice hook = Homework at JNB 9) Choice hook = Teen dating 10)Choice hook = Eliminating provincial exams

C. Thesis Statement-Essay Map.

1. The Thesis Statement is the main idea of the entire essay.

2. It outlines the main ideas of your paper3. The thesis statement is always the last sentence

of the introductory paragraph4. The thesis relates to all the body paragraphs

( provides reader with a map)

Example: She is an amazing woman who performs the double role of a mother and a father, holds a full-time job, and still manages to tend to all our needs.

Structuring your thesis statementYour thesis statement should be ONE

SENTENCE with TWO parts:

1) a general idea

2) specific points ( to support general idea)

Thesis: example

Dogs are loyal, useful and excellent companions.

Your three body paragraphs are going to be: 1) why or how dogs are loyal (body paragraph 1) 2) why dogs are useful (body paragraph 2) 3) why dogs are excellent companions ( body

paragraph 3)

Task: Copy thesis and break it up into the different body paragraphs A liberal education involves a combination of

knowledge, skills and standards.

A liberal education involves a combination of knowledge, skills, and standards.

Body Para 1 = Why is knowledge important to education

Body Para 2 = why are skills important to education

Body Para 3 = why are standards important to education

The Body and the Conclusion of an Essay

Ghaug

Eng 9

What is the body?

A. Develops, expands, and/or supports the thesis statement

B. Includes a topic sentence for each paragraph

C. Includes supporting details which reinforce the topic sentence of each paragraph.

II. The Body Paragraph: Three Main Components

A. Topic Sentence1. The topic sentence is the

sentence that expresses the main idea of the body paragraph, which is one of the three main supporting ideas presented in the Essay Map.

a. Example: First, my mother has always been both a Mom and a Dad to us since we were little.

Remember the thesis: She is an amazing woman who performs the double role of a mother and a father, holds a full-time job, and still manages to tend to all our needs.

C. Concluding Paragraph

A. Restates the thesis or sums up the argument.

B. Tells the reader what you think is important to remember. (Often, this is a personal response).

C. Never introduce new information in the conclusion.