Page 30 - Perfect English Grammar: The Indispensable Guide to Excellent Writing and Speaking

Hemingway’s writing is so simple that where most other writers would have
used many more commas, he uses only a few. Also, note how he also uses

repetition: the conclusion is almost a word-for-word echo of the first two
sentences, which make up the paragraph’s introduction. He uses the word fiesta

so many times it’s almost a chant. It’s powerful! And the paragraph follows
normal high school essay-writing structure very well.

2.5 The Five-Paragraph Essay

At the core of a lot of school writing is the five-paragraph essay. It’s a basic

writing structure that can be used in much larger sizes, too, to construct long

articles and even books. You’ll notice it’s a more elaborate form of the structure
of the basic paragraph. Here, though, we’re providing rich detail, supporting the

ideas in the introduction, and firmly wrapping it all up in a conclusion.
This is what a typical outline might look like. Use this as a framework to

build your essay to its conclusion.

PARAGRAPH 1: INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH

■ Provide a general opening statement. Sometimes this is provocative,
controversial, or surprising.

■ Elaborate on your opening statement. You might provide background
information; explain how it affects other people, things, or situations;

or indicate why you’ve chosen it as your essay’s subject.
■ Give a specific statement of purpose or your topic, which can be your

thesis, hypothesis, or main opinion.
■ Offer a brief overview of what you will say in your body paragraphs.

PARAGRAPH 2: BODY PARAGRAPH 1
■ Use the paragraph structure explained in section 2.3.

■ Focus on the single most important argument, reason, or fact that
supports your specific statement of purpose.

■ Be sure to use data, examples, and anecdotes to reinforce your