NOTE: You should use this rubric as a guide to help you write a well-developed essay. I have also included how many sentences you should strive for in each part of the essay.
STRUCTURE OF THE FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY
THE FORMULA
INTRODUCTION
Grabber (quote or intriguing question) 1 to 2 sentences
Introduce the name of the article of you read and the author of the article 1 sentence
Give an overview of the article you read 3 to 4 sentences
Three point thesis 1 sentence
Paragraph one
Topic Sentence w/ transitional word 1 sentence
First Example (1 sentence)
Direct quote from the story
First level details/explanation (3 to 4 Sentences)
Second Example (1 Sentence)
Direct quote from the story
Second level details/explanation (3 to 4 Sentences)
Concluding sentence w/connector and final thought (1 sentence)
Paragraph two
Topic Sentence w/ transitional word
First Example (1 sentence)
Direct quote from the story
First level details/explanation (3 to 4 Sentences)
Second Example (1 Sentence)
Direct quote from the story
Second level details/explanation (3 to 4 Sentences)
Concluding sentence w/connector and final thought (1 sentence)
Paragraph Three
Topic Sentence w/ transitional word
First Example (1 sentence)
Direct quote from the story
First level details/explanation (3 to 4 Sentences)
Second Example (1 Sentence)
Direct quote from the story
Second level details/explanation (3 to 4 Sentences)
Concluding sentence w/connector and final thought (1 sentence)
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
Transition word/Restate thesis (1 sentence)
Make a connection back to the introduction (Grabber or topic) (1 to 2 sentences)
Summarize main points in the essay (3 to 4 sentences)
Leave reader with advice or final thoughts (Super so What) (1 sentence)
CONVENTIONS (GRAMMAR/STYLE/MLA In-text Citations)
For MLA in text citations (Please review MLA information in modules regarding work cited page and MLA in text citations. Since you will be introducing the author and title of the article in the introduction, you simply have to include the page number after a direct quote. Below is how it should look:
Harris stated, “Tupac was a cool rapper,” (72). Remember that you should always introduce the quote with a tag, She said, or Harris stated and the period always comes after the parenthetical.
