Formal, Persuasive, Academic Writing + The Paragraph Formula

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Five Paragraph Essay

  • Paragraph 1: Introduction + Thesis Statement.
  • Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph and Point #1 (use Paragraph Formula)
  • Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph and Point #2 (use Paragraph Formula)
  • Paragraph 4: Body Paragraph and Point #3 (use Paragraph Formula)
  • Paragraph 5: Conclusion

The Paragraph Formula

Topic Sentence
+
Evidence (Direct Quotation from Source)
+
Explanation of Evidence
+
Conclusion

The paragraph formula represents a Body Paragraph in an essay.

Topic Sentence: Basically a mini thesis statement.  Your entire point/argument for that section in one sentence.  Try to avoid making it a fun fact, and make it more of an argument.  This happened BECAUSE of this _____.   A good strategy is to write out an “I” Statement as a draft.  For example: “I agree with the quotation ‘Blood of the covenant is thicker than water of the womb,’ and think that friendships are stronger than family because so many kings killed their brothers and nephews to stay kings!”  Now, change that sentence so it does not have I.  “Bonds of friendship are stronger than family because of the power to chose people who treat others kindly, even if family does not.”  The Topic Sentence is normally the hardest part to write!  Make sure you do it FIRST before any other writing!

Evidence: Choose a direct quotation from the reading/study/textbook/article/video/etc. that helps support your idea or position.

Explanation of Evidence: Rather than going all over the place connecting to your ideas and points, ONLY talk about your quotation as evidence in support of your Topic Sentence.  The sentence immediately following your quotation should be: “This is important because…”  For example:

“In the game of thrones, you win or you die.  There is no middle ground” (Martin, 1996, 488).  This is important because… it signifies a transition in the plot where power shifts from the Starks into Lannister hands.

The explanation of evidence should be your longest section.

Conclusion: Generally 1 sentence.  Meant to tie off the idea/argument and be ready to transition to the next.