NAME: ________________________________________________
Quack! How to Write a 5 Paragraph Essay in 25 Minutes
DIRECTIONS: Please complete the following handout as you watch the video in class.
1. A _______________ is a statement that you write your essay about.
2. Assigned topics are usually broad so your arguments should be narrow and
____________________. Take a strong position on a topic. This will make it easier to
think of points to support your case.
3. Your argument should include supporting details that can be Historical, Literary, and
____________________.
4. _______________________________ your thoughts into a cohesive order before you
start writing so that your essay makes sense to the person reading it.
5. Brainstorm some supporting ideas and then organize those ideas into an outline in the
best most logical order:
Introduction (_________________________ statement)
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
Conclusion
6. How do we write the introduction paragraph?
1. __________________ your topic in your own words.
2. State your position on the topic
3. Sum up your three points
Use of Language:
7. Avoid the following words: to be, am, are, is, was, were, says, shows, and to do. Use
descriptive __________________ words instead.
Example of what not to do:
“It can be said that both ninjas and cowboys had a major effect on their country’s
development.”
Examples of better action words: surpass, undertook, shape, and sought
8. Avoid the __________________________________ voice. (The subject should
complete the action)
Examples:
“The countries were shaped differently in both cases.” (PASSIVE)
“Both the ninjas and cowboys shaped their countries differently.” (ACTIVE)
9. Avoid redundancy:
You’re the one writing the paper, so saying things like I think or I feel is
______________________. If you have to add quite, very, or really to a sentence then
your word or verb choice is not packing enough punch!
Examples:
The ninjas had pretty unique… (WRONG)
Ninjas developed unique weapons to help… (CORRECT)
10. The ______________________ might emphasize your position, expand it, offer a
solution or express a prediction for the future.