Paragraphs
Grade 9 Essay Writing
Deconstructing a 5x5 essay to learn how to write
one
1
1.
Introductory Paragraph: lts purpose is to introduce to the reader the main idea
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Should be a minimum of 3 (5 is stronger) sentences
First sentence should be an attention getter and general in nature to the main idea
Following sentences should lead naturally and with interest to the main idea of the essay
Main idea and supporting ideas (of which there must be three) stated clearly in the final sentence(s)
2.
Second Paragraph (First supporting paragraph) Its purpose is to add evidence to the main idea of the essay
I. Main supporting Detail: ( first sentence)_______________________________________________________
Minor supporting details
2
3.
(a. __________________________________________________________
(b. __________________________________________________________
(c. __________________________________________________________
Use of quotations from the text ___________________________________
Third Paragraph (Second supporting paragraph) Its purpose is to add evidence to the main idea of the essay
I. Main supporting Detail: ( first sentence)_______________________________________________________
(a. __________________________________________________________
(b. __________________________________________________________
(c. __________________________________________________________
3
Use of quotations from the text ___________________________________
4.
Fourth Paragraph (Third supporting paragraph) Its purpose is to add evidence to the main idea of the essay
I. Main supporting Detail: ( first sentence)_______________________________________________________
4
(a. __________________________________________________________
(b. __________________________________________________________
(c. __________________________________________________________
Use of quotations from the text ___________________________________
5
5
Five Paragraph Conclusion
Minimum of 3 sentences (5 is stronger)
Restate the 3 main supporting details (restate means different words and maybe an emphasise on one of the
supporting ideas
Opinion statement (Main Idea) restated (usually the final sentence)
Essay Topics
A Midsummer Night’s
Choose one of the topics listed below, or create your
own topic (see me before creating your outline).
1. Discuss the theme of power in the play and relate this theme to at least three relationships that
are portrayed.
2. The play depicts love as having “no law but its
own”- it is blind, unpredictable, and unreasonable.
Discuss but be sure to present an argument/opinion
on the topic.
3. This play is unusual in that there is no one central character who can be considered the hero or
protagonist. Who do you think comes closest to being the protagonist?
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Essay Project
Activity: Compose a multi-paragraph compostion on one of the
topics listed below.
Method:
1. Choose your topic and write a thesis statement (a point of
view on a topic).
Use the organization frame provided to list the following information
2. List your three supporting topics that you are going to use to
support your thesis (argument)
3. Find three supporting details for each of your supporting topics
4. collect quotes from the play that will support your details
5. Write your rough draft—double spaced!!
6. Edit in an “Editing Circle”
7. Fill our “Essay Checklist”
8. Proof and complete final Draft