• While it would seem that the strict form and short length of a five-paragraph essay would make it easy to compose, many developing writers struggle to fit their thoughts and ideas into this restrictive structure. To compose an effective five-paragraph essay, writers must follow the basic rules associated with this type of essay.
  
  

Follow the Form Faithfully

• The five-paragraph form is very specific. Do not deviate from the form; instead, shape your information to fit within it, planning an introduction and conclusion with three body paragraphs sandwiched between them.
  
  

Catch Reader's Attention

• Make your reader want to read the rest of your essay by catching his attention with your lead. Compose a compelling sentence to begin your introductory paragraph with a bang and captivate your audience from the start.
  
  

State your Stance in the Introduction

• Do not dance around the topic in your introduction. Clearly what you plan to discuss. Avoid being overly wordy as you are not providing your points in this paragraph, merely laying them out.
  
  

Support your Argument in the Body

• Compel readers to agree with you by proving irrefutable arguments to substantiate your claims. Cite evidence instead of merely stating your opinions.
  
  

One Argument Per Body Paragraph

• By dedicating an entire paragraph to each argument, you allow yourself the luxury of exploring each argument in depth and fully developing it. Do not try to cram more than one argument into a body paragraph; doing so weakens your argument.
  
  

Sequence Arguments Logically

• Organize your arguments from weakest to strongest to ensure that your audience sees your more compelling argument last. This is the argument that is more likely to stick with them upon the conclusion of your essay.
  
  

Restate Key Arguments

• Concisely remind your reader of your general paper topic in the essay conclusion. Restate the topic using different wording than in the introduction to avoid redundancy.
  
  

Close with a Strong Statement

• Exit on a high note by closing your essay with a statement that unequivocally states your argument once more. In concise terms, remind them of your key arguments to drive your point home.