The introductory paragraph should identify the topic and explain why it is important and worthy of discussion.  It must be adequately informative, yet easy to follow.  It should state the problem in simple terms, taking into account the broader view of the discipline as a whole.  The thesis should be clear.

The student should not overestimate the reader's familiarity with the topic.  The introductory paragraph will be read by those who are somewhat acquainted with the general area, but not all readers will be specialists in the particular topic.  The student should write in an intelligent, logical, concise manner, but the introductory paragraph should be presented in such a way that one who knows little of the particular topic will gain a solid understanding of the essay's purpose and subject matter.

The introductory paragraph must be interesting, as well.  If the reader becomes bored while reading the first paragraph, he or she is unlikely to regain interest in the following paragraphs.  In fact, the reader may stop reading altogether!  To prevent such disaster, tradition permits prose in the introductory paragraph that is less dry than the formal, scientific, or literary norm.

Body Paragraph A

The first body paragraph should support and expand upon the thesis, main idea, and/or argument presented in the introductory paragraph.  The writer should then make a smooth transition into the second body paragraph.

Body Paragraph B

The second body paragraph should further develope the idea presented in the first two paragraphs, and may introduce a second viewpoint and/or supplementary evidence to support the argument.  The writer should make another smooth transition into the third body paragraph.

Body Paragraph C

The third body paragraph should relate to the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph, and present the final idea or evidence.

Concluding Paragraph

The concluding paragraph may be the most important.  The writer must not merely repeat the introductory paragraph, but explain in expert-like detail what has been learned, explained, decided, proven, etc.  The writer must reveal the ways in which the paper's thesis might have significance in society.

A conclusion should strive to answer questions that readers logically raiseo"Why are you telling me this?  Why do you think I need to understand your main point?"  The conclusion may place the paper in a larger context, serve as a call for action, set forth a warning or hypothesis, intentionally complicate the issues already introduced, raise a question or questions, introduce a relevant quote, or tell an appropriate anecdote.

Again, the writer should not depend on the conclusion to summarize the body paragraphs.  Summary can be an important function of a conclusion, but this part must be brief; readers know what they've just read.  The writer should point out the importance or implications of the research on an area of societal concern.  The writer could also mention the lack of conclusion in the field.  This demonstrates understanding of the subject's complexity.  The writer may choose to propose what may be the natural next step to take in light of what the argument is attempting to convince.  The conclusion should not end with a quotation or statement that could very well be the subject of another paper.  The former deflects attention away from one as writer and thinker; the latter deflects attention from what one is conveying in the paper.

The Five Paragraph Essay