Steps to write a 5 paragraph essay. Template and Examples

Welcome to our 5-paragraph essay template. Writing an essay is one of the most common tasks in high school and college/university. In most instances, an instructor may ask students to write an academic essay about a certain topic.

The topic might be given by the instructor or a personal selection of the students. Either way, students must follow the right guidelines to write a professional essay whether in APA style, or other formats like MLA and CHICAGO. APA style format is most common in school papers and require a cover page, the essay introduction, the body paragraphs, a conclusion, and the reference entry.

Main components of an essay

When it comes to writing an essay, it’s important to understand its different components that make up a well-structured piece of writing. These parts provide a framework for organizing your thoughts and conveying your ideas effectively. Let’s explore the various elements of an ordinary essay in a user-friendly manner, ensuring that the content is of high quality, readable, and relatable.

Cover Page

The cover page is the first thing your readers see. It typically includes essential information such as the title of your essay, your name, the course or subject, the name of your instructor, and the date. While it may not always be required, including a cover page can give your essay a professional touch.

Essay Topic

The essay topic sets the foundation for your entire piece. It represents the subject you’ll be discussing or the main idea you want to convey. This topic should be concise, engaging, and relevant to the purpose of your essay. A strong topic for your 5 paragraph essay should be one that captures the reader’s attention and provides a clear direction for your writing.

Introduction

The introduction is like the gateway to your essay—it grabs the reader’s interest and sets the tone for the rest of your writing. It should provide background information on the topic and present a clear thesis statement. The thesis statement is a concise summary of your main argument or point of view, which you’ll expand upon in the three body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs form the heart of your 5-paragraph essay. If you are writing a 5-paragraph essay, you are expected to create 3 body paragraphs. They develop and support your thesis statement by presenting evidence, examples, and logical reasoning. Typically, an essay consists of three body paragraphs, each focusing on a different supporting point or argument. Within each body paragraph, it’s crucial to provide a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph and then support it with relevant details, facts, or examples.

Conclusion

The conclusion is the closing section of your essay where you wrap up your ideas and leave a lasting impression on the reader. It should restate your thesis statement in a different way, summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs, and provide a sense of closure. A strong conclusion leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your main argument and may offer some final thoughts or implications.

References

References, also known as a bibliography or works cited, are an essential part of an essay, particularly when referencing external sources. This section lists all the sources you used in your essay, such as books, articles, websites, or other relevant materials. Including proper citations not only gives credit to the original authors but also adds credibility and allows readers to explore the sources further if they wish.

You can read our guide on things to do when writing an essay and mistakes to avoid in academic writing.

Writing the introduction (first paragraph) in your 5 paragraph essay

When writing an introductory paragraph, you can consider having a minimum of 5-7 sentences.

Crafting an effective introduction to your research paper is crucial as it sets the tone for your entire essay and captivates the reader’s attention. Let’s break down the process into five steps that will guide you in writing an engaging and persuasive introduction.

For the purpose of giving examples, we will be using the following essay topic, “The economic effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”

Step 1: Grab the reader’s attention by stating the issue in a concise and compelling manner. This sentence should encapsulate the topic of your research paper, piquing the reader’s curiosity right from the start. Consider using a thought-provoking statistic, an intriguing fact, or a debatable statement to hook the reader’s interest.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has triggered significant economic consequences, impacting both nations and reverberating across the global stage.

Example

Step 2: Define the issue you stated in the previous sentences. Provide a brief explanation or an illustrative example that helps the reader understand the significance and context of the topic. This part serves to clarify and set the stage for the discussion that follows.

Since its emergence in 2014, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has created a turbulent economic environment characterized by trade disruptions, currency fluctuations, and investment uncertainties. The conflict initially erupted when Russia annexed Crimea, leading to increased tensions and subsequent armed conflicts in eastern Ukraine. This territorial dispute, intertwined with political and historical factors, has generated far-reaching economic consequences for both Russia and Ukraine, as well as implications for international trade and financial stability.

Example

In this example, the second part clarifies the background and economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, setting the stage for a detailed discussion on the topic’s significance and consequences in the subsequent paragraphs of the essay.

Step 3: Acknowledge the opposing viewpoint or argument related to the issue you’ve presented. This demonstrates that you are aware of alternative perspectives and adds depth to your introduction. Briefly mention the main counterargument, giving the reader an understanding of the contrasting position.

Opponents of the view that the Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused substantial economic downturns argue that the effects are localized and limited primarily to the regions directly involved in the conflict. They claim that the broader economies of Russia and Ukraine have shown resilience, adapting to the geopolitical challenges and maintaining stability through various economic measures.

Step 4: Assert your own position on the argument, clearly stating why your point of view is superior to the opposing viewpoint. Present a concise and convincing argument that highlights the strengths of your position. These sentences should provide a glimpse into the reasoning that supports your thesis.

While some argue that the economic effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are merely temporary and localized, a closer examination reveals that the consequences reach far beyond the borders of these nations, demonstrating the long-lasting and widespread impact on global trade, energy markets, and regional stability.

Example

In this example, the sentence asserts the author’s position on the argument. It highlights that the economic effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict extend beyond temporary and localized impacts, countering the opposing viewpoint. The sentence hints at the reasoning that supports the thesis, indicating that the essay will delve into the long-lasting and widespread consequences of the conflict on global trade, energy markets, and regional stability.

Step 5: State your thesis, which encapsulates the main argument of your research paper. Your thesis statement should be a single sentence that outlines the three key points or arguments your essay will explore to support your position. This sentence acts as a roadmap, indicating the direction your essay will take and setting expectations for the reader.

This essay examines the multifaceted economic effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting the disruptions in trade and investment, the energy dynamics and implications, and the broader geopolitical consequences, ultimately illustrating the substantial and lasting impact on regional and global economies.

Example

In this example, the fifth step presents the thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument of the research paper. It outlines the three key points or arguments that the essay will explore to support the position: disruptions in trade and investment, energy dynamics and implications, and broader geopolitical consequences. The thesis statement acts as a roadmap, indicating the direction the essay will take and setting expectations for the reader regarding the areas that will be discussed in detail throughout the essay.

Remember, the introduction serves as a roadmap and an invitation to your research paper. It should capture the reader’s attention, provide essential context, acknowledge opposing viewpoints, assert your position, and present a clear thesis statement. By following this structured approach, you can create an engaging and persuasive introduction that lays a solid foundation for the rest of your research paper. However, you can still get help writing a 5-paragraph essay from our top essay helpers.

Writing the three body paragraphs in your 5 paragraph essay

Body Paragraph 1: Disruptions in Trade and Investment

Step 1: State your first point, which is a presentation of a supporting idea:

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has resulted in significant disruptions in trade and investment between the two nations.

Example

Step 2: Give evidence to support your stated point:

For instance, according to the World Bank, bilateral trade between Russia and Ukraine has declined by X% since the onset of the conflict.

Example

Step 3: Explain the evidence in the above sentence:

This decline in trade is primarily due to trade restrictions, border closures, and import-export barriers imposed by both countries as a response to the conflict. The reduction in bilateral trade has negatively impacted industries reliant on cross-border commerce, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

Example

Step 4: Conclude the paragraph with a sentence repeating the main argument/point in different words and giving the final concluding idea:

The trade disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict have had far-reaching consequences, stifling economic growth, hampering business opportunities, and amplifying economic uncertainties in both nations.

Example

Body Paragraph 2: Energy Dynamics and Implications

Step 1: State your second point, which is a presentation of a supporting idea:

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has significant implications for the energy sector and global energy dynamics.

Example

Step 2: Give evidence to support your stated point:

According to the International Energy Agency, Ukraine is a major transit country for Russian natural gas exports to Europe, accounting for X% of Europe’s gas supplies.

Example

Step 3: Explain the evidence in the above sentence:

The conflict has raised concerns over energy security and supply reliability, as disruptions in the gas transit routes through Ukraine have the potential to affect energy prices and stability in Europe. The reliance on Ukraine as a transit country has prompted efforts to diversify energy sources and establish alternative pipelines, adding complexity to the energy landscape.

Example

Step 4: Conclude the paragraph with a sentence repeating the main argument/point in different words and giving the final concluding idea:

The energy dynamics and implications resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict have underscored the need for diversified energy sources, increased regional cooperation, and strategic energy planning to mitigate potential energy shocks and safeguard energy security.

Example

Body Paragraph 3: Broader Geopolitical Consequences

Step 1: State your third point, which is a presentation of a supporting idea:

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has broader geopolitical consequences that extend beyond the immediate economic impact.

Example

Step 2: Give evidence to support your stated point:

For example, the conflict has strained relations between Russia and Western countries, leading to economic sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and the European Union.

Example

Step 3: Explain the evidence in the above sentence:

These economic sanctions, targeting key sectors of the Russian economy such as finance, energy, and defense, have further contributed to economic disruptions and uncertainties. The geopolitical tensions resulting from the conflict have also influenced investment decisions, foreign policy orientations, and regional alliances.

Example

Step 4: Conclude the paragraph with a sentence repeating the main argument/point in different words and giving the final concluding idea:

The broader geopolitical consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have reshaped regional dynamics, geopolitical alignments, and global cooperation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of political events and economic outcomes.

Example

By following these steps, each body paragraph will present a unique supporting idea, provide evidence, explain the evidence’s meaning and result, and conclude by restating the main argument in different words and offering a final concluding idea. This structure allows for a clear and coherent development of the essay’s main points while maintaining a logical flow of ideas.

Writing the conclusion to our 5 paragraph essay

Part 1: Restate the thesis statement (using different words and synonyms):

In conclusion, this essay has delved into the multifaceted economic consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting the disruptions in trade and investment, the complexities of energy dynamics and their implications, and the broader geopolitical consequences. Through this analysis, it becomes evident that the conflict has had a substantial and enduring impact on both regional and global economies.”

Example

Part 2: Discuss solutions or call to action:

To improve the situation and mitigate the economic fallout of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it is essential for diplomatic efforts to prioritize peaceful negotiations and seek lasting resolutions to the underlying issues driving the conflict. Strengthening regional cooperation, fostering dialogue, and engaging in diplomacy can help rebuild trust, restore economic stability, and create opportunities for sustainable development.

Example

Part 3: End with an interesting prediction or result:

As regional and global stakeholders continue to navigate the economic repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the trajectory of recovery and future outcomes remains uncertain. However, by learning from the lessons of history and working collaboratively towards peaceful resolutions, there is hope for the revitalization of trade, investment, and stability in the affected regions, ultimately fostering an environment conducive to sustained economic growth and prosperity.

Example

In this conclusion, we have effectively restated the thesis statement while summarizing the main points of the essay. Additionally, we have provided a call to action, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts and regional cooperation, and concluded with an interesting prediction highlighting the potential for recovery and stability in the long term.

Just as our essay writers do professional and original essays, you can also create your paper from scratch using this template for good grades. Please note that the above essay is just but a sample, so do not use it as your own. Copying any part of the above essay amounts to plagiarism as this content is already on search engines. Instead, as our writers to help write an essay for you, whether a 5-paragraph essay or even a 3-paragraph essay, and get an original paper in your email before your deadline.

On specifics, read our blog on steps to write a strong introduction paragraph.