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3 Paragraph Essay: Structure and Writing Guide

Updated 20 Aug 2024

3 paragraph essay writing guide

Essay writing is a common challenge for students, often causing frustration and anxiety. Crafting a concise, impactful, and well-structured 3 paragraph essay can be particularly daunting. In this article, we address the common problems faced by students who struggle with this homework. We provide a clear structure, an example of a three paragraph essay, and valuable tips to help learners master this concise yet effective form of writing. Say goodbye to stress related to your education and hello to a straightforward path to success.

What is the essay structure? 

Before discovering how to write a 3 paragraph essay, we should understand what parts it includes. Like most academic papers, this writing piece adheres to the classic structure of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. However, unlike its 5 paragraph counterpart, each section consists of just one paragraph. This streamlined format makes a 3 paragraph essay an ideal choice for budding writers who are learning how to write my essay for me and those in the process of mastering English.

Also, this type of writing offers the added advantage of compelling writers to distill their supporting arguments into a single, impactful point. This exercise challenges authors to select the most persuasive argument capable of convincing readers. 

Once the preliminary work, such as brainstorming or outlining, is complete, students can seamlessly transition into the document composition process. While the steps remain consistent with other papers, this essay type distinguishes itself by offering a more concise body section, resulting in a more compact finished piece.

What does a 3 paragraph essay look like? For a better understanding, let’s see a suggested outline:

This well-structured 3 paragraph essay outline simplifies the writing process and ensures your ideas are presented in a logical and persuasive manner, leaving a lasting impact on your audience.

How to start a 3 paragraph essay? 

The introduction is a crucial element in any writing, acting as the gateway to the core message. Its primary role is to engage and inform the readers about the paper's essence. A well-structured introduction includes three key elements:

  • Hook; 
  • Explanation of the topic choice; 
  • Thesis statement.

A hook is the initial grabber, a literary device designed to captivate the reader's attention and make them eager to explore the essay. Seasoned professionals often advise students interested in how to write a three paragraph essay to initiate their introductions with one of the following hook types:

  • A captivating and thought-provoking question;
  • A rhetorical question that stirs curiosity;
  • A well-placed joke to infuse humor;
  • A compelling quote that resonates with the essay's theme;
  • A persuasive argument to set the tone;
  • An attention-grabbing fact that sparks interest;
  • A personal anecdote or real-life example to establish a connection with the reader.

Using these hooks enhances the appeal of your three paragraph essay, making it more engaging. When explaining your topic choice, provide a concise yet comprehensive elucidation, establishing a strong connection between the topic and its context. Your thesis statement embodies the core idea, guiding the reader through the paper and laying a robust foundation with clarity and conciseness. It should spotlight the central concept and supporting ideas while potentially incorporating an opposing viewpoint, remaining within 40 words.

Let’s see the following 3 paragraph essay example (introductory section).

Exercise is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle. It helps maintain physical fitness and contributes significantly to our mental well-being. Regular exercise offers a multitude of benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to reduced stress levels. In this essay, we will explore some of the key advantages of incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

The opening sentence grabs attention with a compelling fact, followed by a brief explanation of the topic's relevance, emphasizing the benefits of exercise for overall well-being. The final sentence outlines the essay's focus, preparing the reader for a discussion on exercise advantages.

How to write the body section? 

The issue at hand revolves around a constraint – the limited scope of this essay type. How many words is a 3 paragraph essay? This format is more restrictive compared to a 5 paragraph essay , which offers more room to expound upon a topic. Within three paragraphs, the space for providing background information and supporting evidence is inherently constrained. Consequently, it becomes essential for the thesis statement not to encompass an excessive range of topics. 

Let’s see our body paragraph example about the benefits of regular exercise to understand how it works.

Regular exercise significantly benefits both physical and mental health. Activities like jogging, swimming, and brisk walking improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the heart, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Exercise aids in weight management and muscle toning and enhances the immune system, reducing susceptibility to illnesses. Moreover, exercise has a positive impact on mental well-being. It triggers the release of endorphins, which alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, fostering a positive mental state. It also improves cognitive function, enhancing focus and memory. Many find exercise a rejuvenating mental break from daily stress, promoting relaxation and revitalization.

The thesis statement is focused on the benefits of exercise, and the writer successfully explores this central theme. The paragraph starts by addressing the physical health benefits of exercise (cardiovascular fitness, heart health, and immunity). It seamlessly transitions to the mental health benefits of exercise, highlighting the release of endorphins and the positive effects on cognitive function. This clear organization and focus on a single theme make the text effective and easy to follow.

If one aims to address multiple aspects, it’s imperative to understand how to write a short essay and be particularly discerning in word selection. Each sentence must be concise and contribute to the thesis context. Furthermore, specific essay types entail distinct requirements:

  • Descriptive: Rich vocabulary and stylistic devices express emotions.
  • Narrative: Storytelling format, diverse vocabulary, varying sentence lengths.
  • Expository: Focuses on defining concepts and formal language without embellishments.
  • Argumentative: Requires precise language for presenting contrasting viewpoints.

How to write a worthy conclusion? 

The concluding section of any written work, be it a book or an article, holds a unique significance. It restates the thesis statement and demonstrates the text’s significance and value. It provides an opportunity for the writer to leave the reader with a thought that encourages discussion or leaves them with ideas to contemplate. It's a common belief that many people judge the quality of content based on its introduction and conclusion. While the introduction outlines the topic, the conclusion underscores its worth. Therefore, a conclusion should be just as attention-grabbing.

So, how to start the third paragraph of an essay, and how can one ensure the strength of a conclusion? Seasoned writers from our professional essay service usually employ one of five effective methods to achieve this.

  • End with a question. 

Most films apply the concluding technique with questions like “And you?” This subtle technique engages the viewer in an internal dialogue, leaving them pondering the question long after the movie ends. Alternatively, a rhetorical question can convey the idea that not all situations have straightforward solutions.

  • Incorporate a quotation. 

Across the globe, people utilize quotes to enrich their social media stories and blog posts. Well-chosen quotations can accentuate the central theme of a writing piece. When students choose a particularly impactful quote for their conclusion, it can leave a lasting impression. When using this method, it’s important to ensure proper referencing and include the sources in the bibliography section.

  • Share a true-life tale. 

There's nothing more compelling than a real-life story that resonates with someone. These narratives carry even more weight when they involve familiar figures, such as prominent personalities or neighbors. 

  • Inject humor with jokes. 

Amusing anecdotes have the power to bring smiles to readers' faces. What could be more satisfying than eliciting a gentle laugh from your audience as they finish reading?

  • Craft a memorable statement. 

Have you ever wondered how a quote becomes famous? It often begins with someone uttering a clever phrase that resonates with others, leading to its widespread adoption in various speeches and presentations. Students also can coin powerful statements that others might reference in their work.

Let’s consider the following 3 paragraphs essay example where these techniques are implemented.

Example: In summary, the benefits of regular exercise are irrefutable. By engaging in physical activity, we fortify our physical health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and fostering overall well-being. As the saying goes, “A healthy body is a guest chamber for the soul.” Exercise not only improves our physical fitness but also elevates our mental state, thanks to the release of those wonderful endorphins. So, let us remember the wisdom of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who once said, “The first wealth is health.” Incorporating exercise into our daily routines is an investment in our bodies and minds, offering a holistic path to a happier and healthier life.

The conclusion smartly uses quotes to reinforce the message and connect with the reader. Both quotes are pertinent to exercise and its advantages. The first underscores the link between physical health and overall well-being, supporting the essay's argument. The second quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson relates wealth to health, highlighting the value of good health.

Final thoughts 

A 3 paragraph essay is a concise format that emphasizes clarity and effectiveness. It allows writers to focus on the essentials and compactly present their arguments. To make your text more impactful, consider the following advice:

  • Prioritize clarity: Define your thesis and use clear language.
  • Smooth transitions: Ensure seamless paragraph transitions.
  • Stay focused: Stick to the main argument, omitting unnecessary details.
  • Edit carefully: Review for errors and enhance readability.
  • Engage your reader: Begin with a captivating introduction and end with a thought-provoking conclusion. 

By following these tips, you can craft 3-paragraph essays that convey your thoughts effectively, convince your audience, and ensure accessibility for your readers. With practice, you'll master the art of concise and impactful essay writing.

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Written by Elizabeth Miller

Seasoned academic writer, nurturing students' writing skills. Expert in citation and plagiarism. Contributing to EduBirdie since 2019. Aspiring author and dedicated volunteer. You will never have to worry about plagiarism as I write essays 100% from scratch. Vast experience in English, History, Ethics, and more.

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How to Write a Body Paragraph for a College Essay  

January 29, 2024

No matter the discipline, college success requires mastering several academic basics, including the body paragraph. This article will provide tips on drafting and editing a strong body paragraph before examining several body paragraph examples. Before we look at how to start a body paragraph and how to write a body paragraph for a college essay (or other writing assignment), let’s define what exactly a body paragraph is.

What is a Body Paragraph?

Simply put, a body paragraph consists of everything in an academic essay that does not constitute the introduction and conclusion. It makes up everything in between. In a five-paragraph, thesis-style essay (which most high schoolers encounter before heading off to college), there are three body paragraphs. Longer essays with more complex arguments will include many more body paragraphs.

We might correlate body paragraphs with bodily appendages—say, a leg. Both operate in a somewhat isolated way to perform specific operations, yet are integral to creating a cohesive, functioning whole. A leg helps the body sit, walk, and run. Like legs, body paragraphs work to move an essay along, by leading the reader through several convincing ideas. Together, these ideas, sometimes called topics, or points, work to prove an overall argument, called the essay’s thesis.

If you compared an essay on Kant’s theory of beauty to an essay on migratory birds, you’d notice that the body paragraphs differ drastically. However, on closer inspection, you’d probably find that they included many of the same key components. Most body paragraphs will include specific, detailed evidence, an analysis of the evidence, a conclusion drawn by the author, and several tie-ins to the larger ideas at play. They’ll also include transitions and citations leading the reader to source material. We’ll go into more detail on these components soon. First, let’s see if you’ve organized your essay so that you’ll know how to start a body paragraph.

How to Start a Body Paragraph

It can be tempting to start writing your college essay as soon as you sit down at your desk. The sooner begun, the sooner done, right? I’d recommend resisting that itch. Instead, pull up a blank document on your screen and make an outline. There are numerous reasons to make an outline, and most involve helping you stay on track. This is especially true of longer college papers, like the 60+ page dissertation some seniors are required to write. Even with regular writing assignments with a page count between 4-10, an outline will help you visualize your argumentation strategy. Moreover, it will help you order your key points and their relevant evidence from most to least convincing. This in turn will determine the order of your body paragraphs.

The most convincing sequence of body paragraphs will depend entirely on your paper’s subject.  Let’s say you’re writing about Penelope’s success in outwitting male counterparts in The Odyssey . You may want to begin with Penelope’s weaving, the most obvious way in which Penelope dupes her suitors. You can end with Penelope’s ingenious way of outsmarting her own husband. Because this evidence is more ambiguous it will require a more nuanced analysis. Thus, it’ll work best as your final body paragraph, after readers have already been convinced of more digestible evidence. If in doubt, keep your body paragraph order chronological.

It can be worthwhile to consider your topic from multiple perspectives. You may decide to include a body paragraph that sets out to consider and refute an opposing point to your thesis. This type of body paragraph will often appear near the end of the essay. It works to erase any lingering doubts readers may have had, and requires strong rhetorical techniques.

How to Start a Body Paragraph, Continued

Once you’ve determined which key points will best support your argument and in what order, draft an introduction. This is a crucial step towards writing a body paragraph. First, it will set the tone for the rest of your paper. Second, it will require you to articulate your thesis statement in specific, concise wording. Highlight or bold your thesis statement, so you can refer back to it quickly. You should be looking at your thesis throughout the drafting of your body paragraphs.

Finally, make sure that your introduction indicates which key points you’ll be covering in your body paragraphs, and in what order. While this level of organization might seem like overkill, it will indicate to the reader that your entire paper is minutely thought-out. It will boost your reader’s confidence going in. They’ll feel reassured and open to your thought process if they can see that it follows a clear path.

Now that you have an essay outline and introduction, you’re ready to draft your body paragraphs.

How to Draft a Body Paragraph

At this point, you know your body paragraph topic, the key point you’re trying to make, and you’ve gathered your evidence. The next thing to do is write! The words highlighted in bold below comprise the main components that will make up your body paragraph. (You’ll notice in the body paragraph examples below that the order of these components is flexible.)

Start with a topic sentence . This will indicate the main point you plan to make that will work to support your overall thesis. Your topic sentence also alerts the reader to the change in topic from the last paragraph to the current one. In making this new topic known, you’ll want to create a transition from the last topic to this one.

Transitions appear in nearly every paragraph of a college essay, apart from the introduction. They create a link between disparate ideas. (For example, if your transition comes at the end of paragraph 4, you won’t need a second transition at the beginning of paragraph 5.) The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center has a page devoted to Developing Strategic Transitions . Likewise, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center offers help on paragraph transitions .

How to Draft a Body Paragraph for a College Essay ( Continued)

With the topic sentence written, you’ll need to prove your point through tangible evidence. This requires several sentences with various components. You’ll want to provide more context , going into greater detail to situate the reader within the topic. Next, you’ll provide evidence , often in the form of a quote, facts, or data, and supply a source citation . Citing your source is paramount. Sources indicate that your evidence is empirical and objective. It implies that your evidence is knowledge shared by others in the academic community. Sometimes you’ll want to provide multiple pieces of evidence, if the evidence is similar and can be grouped together.

After providing evidence, you must provide an interpretation and analysis of this evidence. In other words, use rhetorical techniques to paraphrase what your evidence seems to suggest. Break down the evidence further and explain and summarize it in new words. Don’t simply skip to your conclusion. Your evidence should never stand for itself. Why? Because your interpretation and analysis allow you to exhibit original, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

Depending on what evidence you’re using, you may repeat some of these components in the same body paragraph. This might look like: more context + further evidence + increased interpretation and analysis . All this will add up to proving and reaffirming your body paragraph’s main point . To do so, conclude your body paragraph by reformulating your thesis statement in light of the information you’ve given. I recommend comparing your original thesis statement to your paragraph’s concluding statement. Do they align? Does your body paragraph create a sound connection to the overall academic argument? If not, you’ll need to fix this issue when you edit your body paragraph.

How to Edit a Body Paragraph

As you go over each body paragraph of your college essay, keep this short checklist in mind.

  • Consistency in your argument: If your key points don’t add up to a cogent argument, you’ll need to identify where the inconsistency lies. Often it lies in interpretation and analysis. You may need to improve the way you articulate this component. Try to think like a lawyer: how can you use this evidence to your advantage? If that doesn’t work, you may need to find new evidence. As a last resort, amend your thesis statement.
  • Language-level persuasion. Use a broad vocabulary. Vary your sentence structure. Don’t repeat the same words too often, which can induce mental fatigue in the reader. I suggest keeping an online dictionary open on your browser. I find Merriam-Webster user-friendly, since it allows you to toggle between definitions and synonyms. It also includes up-to-date example sentences. Also, don’t forget the power of rhetorical devices .
  • Does your writing flow naturally from one idea to the next, or are there jarring breaks? The editing stage is a great place to polish transitions and reinforce the structure as a whole.

Our first body paragraph example comes from the College Transitions article “ How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay .” Here’s the prompt: Write an essay that argues your position on the value of striving for perfection.

Here’s the example thesis statement, taken from the introduction paragraph: “Striving for perfection can only lead us to shortchange ourselves. Instead, we should value learning, growth, and creativity and not worry whether we are first or fifth best.” Now let’s see how this writer builds an argument against perfection through one main point across two body paragraphs. (While this writer has split this idea into two paragraphs, one to address a problem and one to provide an alternative resolution, it could easily be combined into one paragraph.)

“Students often feel the need to be perfect in their classes, and this can cause students to struggle or stop making an effort in class. In elementary and middle school, for example, I was very nervous about public speaking. When I had to give a speech, my voice would shake, and I would turn very red. My teachers always told me “relax!” and I got Bs on Cs on my speeches. As a result, I put more pressure on myself to do well, spending extra time making my speeches perfect and rehearsing late at night at home. But this pressure only made me more nervous, and I started getting stomach aches before speaking in public.

“Once I got to high school, however, I started doing YouTube make-up tutorials with a friend. We made videos just for fun, and laughed when we made mistakes or said something silly. Only then, when I wasn’t striving to be perfect, did I get more comfortable with public speaking.”

Body Paragraph Example 1 Dissected

In this body paragraph example, the writer uses their personal experience as evidence against the value of striving for perfection. The writer sets up this example with a topic sentence that acts as a transition from the introduction. They also situate the reader in the classroom. The evidence takes the form of emotion and physical reactions to the pressure of public speaking (nervousness, shaking voice, blushing). Evidence also takes the form of poor results (mediocre grades). Rather than interpret the evidence from an analytical perspective, the writer produces more evidence to underline their point. (This method works fine for a narrative-style essay.) It’s clear that working harder to be perfect further increased the student’s nausea.

The writer proves their point in the second paragraph, through a counter-example. The main point is that improvement comes more naturally when the pressure is lifted; when amusement is possible and mistakes aren’t something to fear. This point ties back in with the thesis, that “we should value learning, growth, and creativity” over perfection.

This second body paragraph example comes from the College Transitions article “ How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay .” Here’s an abridged version of the prompt: Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist who was arrested in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Read the passage carefully. Write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices Obama makes to convey his message.

Here’s the example thesis statement, taken from the introduction paragraph: “Through the use of diction that portrays Parks as quiet and demure, long lists that emphasize the extent of her impacts, and Biblical references, Obama suggests that all of us are capable of achieving greater good, just as Parks did.” Now read the body paragraph example, below.

“To further illustrate Parks’ impact, Obama incorporates Biblical references that emphasize the importance of “that single moment on the bus” (lines 57-58). In lines 33-35, Obama explains that Parks and the other protestors are “driven by a solemn determination to affirm their God-given dignity” and he also compares their victory to the fall the “ancient walls of Jericho” (line 43). By including these Biblical references, Obama suggests that Parks’ action on the bus did more than correct personal or political wrongs; it also corrected moral and spiritual wrongs. Although Parks had no political power or fortune, she was able to restore a moral balance in our world.”

Body Paragraph Example 2 Dissected

The first sentence in this body paragraph example indicates that the topic is transitioning into biblical references as a means of motivating ordinary citizens. The evidence comes as quotes taken from Obama’s speech. One is a reference to God, and the other an allusion to a story from the bible. The subsequent interpretation and analysis demonstrate that Obama’s biblical references imply a deeper, moral and spiritual significance. The concluding sentence draws together the morality inherent in equal rights with Rosa Parks’ power to spark change. Through the words “no political power or fortune,” and “moral balance,” the writer ties the point proven in this body paragraph back to the thesis statement. Obama promises that “All of us” (no matter how small our influence) “are capable of achieving greater good”—a greater moral good.

What’s Next?

Before you body paragraphs come the start and, after your body paragraphs, the conclusion, of course! If you’ve found this article helpful, be sure to read up on how to start a college essay and how to end a college essay .

You may also find the following blogs to be of interest:

  • 6 Best Common App Essay Examples
  • How to Write the Overcoming Challenges Essay
  • UC Essay Examples 
  • How to Write the Community Essay
  • How to Write the Why this Major? Essay
  • College Essay

Kaylen Baker

With a BA in Literary Studies from Middlebury College, an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University, and a Master’s in Translation from Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Kaylen has been working with students on their writing for over five years. Previously, Kaylen taught a fiction course for high school students as part of Columbia Artists/Teachers, and served as an English Language Assistant for the French National Department of Education. Kaylen is an experienced writer/translator whose work has been featured in Los Angeles Review, Hybrid, San Francisco Bay Guardian, France Today, and Honolulu Weekly, among others.

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How to Write a 3 Paragraph Essay: Outline and Examples

You are currently viewing How to Write a 3 Paragraph Essay: Outline and Examples

If you’re looking for a short 3-Paragraph Essay because you’re having trouble fitting all of your important information into three paragraphs, you might have found the right page. The next article explains How to Write a 3 Paragraph Essay , gives many examples, and explains how it is put together and what its goal is. The tried-and-true 3-paragraph essay may be the simplest way to organize an essay. Beginner writers may find the three-paragraph essay useful because it has the same framework as a longer essay without being as long. Advanced writers can learn how to write concisely by going to Researchwritings.com and reading about new writing methods.

3 Paragraph Essay

The 3-paragraph essay is just a study or interpretation of a piece of literature. It has an introduction, a body, and an end. It normally looks at its topic from a limited or personal point of view. Usually, these types of essays are used in schools.

In a three-paragraph essay, the opening explains what the essay is about and makes a case for why the reader should read it. In the body of the essay, the author talks about the topic and talks about its pros and cons. In a 3-paragraph essay, we had to start with a topic line and then back it up with one or two words. Also, we had to write a line evaluating this data in light of your case or topic sentence, and the last paragraph of our 3-paragraph essay had to go into more detail about its importance.

Essay Length

Usually, an essay with three paragraphs is a short piece of writing. Most of the time, these writings have between 500 and 750 words. These essays are written in a way that makes them fit the framework of an essay. They are between 300 and 600 words long. They have a beginning, a main part, and an end. The only way to tell these pieces apart is by their main body, which gives a thorough defense of the subject.

How to Write a 3-Paragraph Essay

If you want to compose a perfect three-paragraph essay, then the following principles must be followed: The steps are:

Plan ahead: think about how you will present your points. It is the process of choosing what to put in your essay. It makes points that are clear and make sense. So, a well-planned structure makes it easier for the reader to understand the points.

  • Making a draft (write down all the ideas you have and start to explain them) Mind mapping is another name for this process. When an author writes, he or she puts his or her ideas into complete sentences and paragraphs.
  • The first paragraph of the paper. The information in the body paragraph must be clear and connected to the topic. The body paragraph needs to talk about the topic’s points of view and how you feel about them.
  • The end comes after the main part of the paragraph. The end of the essay should be short and give an overview of the whole thing. It could also have your thoughts about the subject.
  • To revise (revise) , you have to read the line you just wrote carefully and look for mistakes you made while writing the essay.
  • Editing: Write down all of the mistakes you made while writing the essay and fix them to make it better.

How to Structure a three Paragraph Essay

Introduction.

In the introduction, you must talk about the subject’s past and how people think about it now. Each opening paragraph must start with a theme sentence, also called a thesis statement. A thesis statement is one sentence that says what the paper is about and what the main point is. The second line builds on the first to explain more about the main point being made. The importance of your point needs to be brought out. In the third and final line, you should give a brief summary of the information you plan to present in the body and how you plan to present it. For example, if you were writing a 3-paragraph essay on global warming, the beginning might look like this:

Introduction Example Human activities have been damaging our ecosystem for centuries, and the result is global warming due to rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. It is impossible to turn a blind eye to global warming, and urgent action is required to combat the problem.

In the main part of the essay, the writer must describe the topic and talk about its pros and cons, as well as any consequences or effects. The number of sentences in the body of your essay should match the number of points you want to make. You should spend at least three lines on each of your points to show that you understand it well. The main body of a three-paragraph essay would look something like this:

Body Paragraphs Example Carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants in the earth’s atmosphere have increased due to human activities, including power plant emissions, transportation, and deforestation. Global warming, caused by greenhouse gases that trap solar radiation in the atmosphere, has the potential to alter the entire planet’s topography, uprooting communities, inundating entire nations, and wiping out countless species. Global warming has many direct effects, one of which is more extreme weather. The negative consequences of global warming on Earth’s ecosystems are numerous and will only increase. Cutting down additional trees should be prohibited, and afforestation should be promoted as the best way to protect the planet from further destruction. Get started by planting trees close to your home or place of work, then attend events and share the message about the value of tree planting with others.

In the third and last line of your essay, you should say what you think about what you’ve written. Start by putting the topic sentence in your own words. Summarize the main points, then ask the reader to think about them. In the end, the author must say what he thinks about the subject. As an example:

Conclusion Example As long as humans continue to release greenhouse gases, global warming will increase and cause further ecological devastation. Stopping global warming is crucial, and we all share responsibility for doing so. Get started by planting trees close to your home or place of work, then attend events and share the message about the value of tree planting with others. The damage can’t be undone, but it can be stopped from spreading.

Also Read: How to Write a 600 Word Essay

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Benefits of Visiting ResearchWritings

We know that in a three-paragraph essay, you have to explain your supporting points in just one paragraph. For young writers or students of the English language, visiting our website may be a good idea because it is easy and they can do it without any trouble or stress. Aside from that, its structure gives the reader the basic argument three times: first in the introduction, then in the main body, and finally in the conclusion. This helps new learners understand and learn because each point in the essay relates back to the first paragraph. By writing these kinds of essays, students can finally learn how to make and defend their own arguments, use evidence well, and improve their general writing skills.

3 Paragraph Essay Topics

Three-paragraph essays do not require any special topics, like research papers. We can write these kinds of essays on very basic and usual topics, including:

  • Natural resources 
  • The civil war.
  • The child’s exploitation.
  • The culture.
  • Use of artificial technology
  • The wonder of science.
  • Solar power
  • Natural disasters. 
  • Solar system.
  • Wildlife conservation.
  • Your leader.
  • Human rights.

Apart from this, there are many other topics, including climate change, music, the importance of reading, and many others, that we can use as our topic for writing a 3-paragraph essay.

3 Paragraph Essay Examples

A few examples of the best three-paragraph essays are:

Example #1 >> Artificial Intelligence: Its Pros and Cons

AI is becoming one of the areas that is growing the fastest in the world. It helps make our lives easier and gives us different chances that we can use for the good of all people, but we also know that everything made by people in this universe has both pros and cons. In the following article, the pros and cons of artificial intelligence are talked about.

Here are some of the good things about AI: It’s a big part of how people in our society live their lives. Aside from that, it lets you do more than one thing at once and makes it possible to do less work with the same tools. It also means getting things done without spending a lot of money, and we can use it all the time without stopping. Aside from the good things it does for welfare and society, it has a lot of bad effects that are not only bad for computers but also cause a lot of trouble for people. AI technologies aren’t making people any better, and they’re making them more lazy every day. Aside from this, being able to make a machine that can make people smarter is a big challenge, takes a lot to work on, and is also causing people to lose their jobs. It was all made by people, so it depends on the skills and abilities of different people. This is one of the biggest problems with this technology because it is not creative. It can only do what we want it to do or answer the questions we are tired of asking. Other than that, it is useless. Humans are losing their jobs because artificial technology methods are taking over.

Artificial intelligence is a change in technology that has more bad effects than good ones and could endanger the world. The rise of artificial intelligence makes sure that people are setting up traps that will lead to their own deaths. AI is giving us a lot of great chances, but if we don’t take care of it, it will be hard for us to stay alive, and it could even kill us.

Example #2: Exhibition

An exhibition is the display or presentation of works of art or items of interest to the public. It also focuses on the identification and interpretation of collective things. The exhibition was first introduced to the public in the 19 th century, but before the 19 th century, there had been different temporary exhibitions, especially the display of new arts in the major cities introduced to the public in the 19th century, but before the 19th century, there had been different temporary exhibitions, especially display of new arts in the major cities. The Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturing, and Commerce held the first modern public exhibition on April 21, 1760, in London. It was the first in a series of fine arts exhibitions held by the institution, later known as the Society of Arts. One of the most famous exhibitions was the Academie des Beaux-Arts of the Paris Salon, which was started in 1667 and opened to the public in 1737. The following essay is going to give a brief description of exhibitions.

Exhibition planning is an engaging process. They are usually the experiences of people; they provide communication of ideas, information, feelings, and values. Exhibitions usually occur within cultural, educational, or many other places, which include museums, art galleries, parks, libraries, or different exhibition centers. It is an integrative and multidisciplinary process that often combines architecture, interior design, graphic design, multimedia, lighting, audio, technology, and other disciplines to create a complex narrative around a topic In its most general sense, it is an organized presentation and display of selected items. There is no set method for planning an exhibition, although there are general guidelines that professionals follow. These guidelines include an estimate of how many organizational accommodations are possible. It is because exhibition proponents are strongly encouraged by the partners, and they must involve several co-organizers. It also includes publicizing the exhibition and informing people about it through advertisements or distributing notices.

Exhibitions usually provide platforms for your product. It is usually the advertisement of your product to the general public and the acknowledgment of the benefits of the product. It provides the opportunity for potential buyers to meet a wide range of sellers in a single location.

Example #3: Fashion

In the last few decades, fashion has become a worldwide phenomenon. Fashion has always been an important part of human life. Fashion styles have changed over the years. Because younger people care more about how they look on the outside, the fashion industry is driven by people who want to look and act like the outside world has changed.

When styles change, people wear new clothes and act in new ways. One way that the modern world is always changing is in the fashion business. The first step to looking chic is to know what’s in style. The modern sense of fashion gives people another way to show who they are. Styles can change from one season to the next or in reaction to a certain need. In the United States, fashion is the lifeblood of the glamorous world, and you could even say that the glamorous world inspires and guides fashion itself. Trends change every day because they are based on styles in the business world, which in turn depend on a glamorous world. Fashion has an effect on both physical society and how people talk to each other online. The ever-changing world of fashion gives us a nice break from our daily lives by giving us ideas for how to look good, be confident, and be in step with the times.

So, in conclusion, the young people of today are so affected by the glitzy fashion industry that it shows in every part of their appearance, including their clothes, hair, accessories, language, and attitude. The way we dress is an interesting part of our lives. It makes us feel good about ourselves and like we belong in the world. Fashion is a big part of what makes culture what it is today. Because of this, each of us learns something new. People’s attitudes, personalities, ways of dressing and acting, and even their hobbies and pleasures can all be seen as examples of fashion. 

Example #4: Pros And Cons Of Social Media

Social media has become very popular in recent years because it is easy to use and easy to get to. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. are making it easier for people to connect with each other. Yes, thanks to social media, you can quickly connect with anyone, anywhere in the world, with just a tap of your finger. The kids of today are among the people who use social media the most.

There are a lot of good things about using social media. Most importantly, it is an excellent way to learn. Anyone can get to any and all information with just a few taps. Students can learn about a wide range of topics by using social media. This medium also lets people talk to each other in real time. You can watch a talk in the U.S. from where you are sitting in India. Also, as more people stop reading print media, they are getting their news from social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. It gives you the most up-to-date news about the world around you. As a person learns more about world issues, they become more aware of them. It also helps you get closer to the people who are most important to you. With social media, it doesn’t matter how far away someone is. If you have friends or family in another country, it’s easy and quick to get in touch with them. Above all, it gives young singers who are just starting out a free, big stage to perform on. You can also find out about good job opportunities through social networking. Promoting a trademark is another good thing for businesses. Because of this, social media has become a central place for promoting, and it’s a great place to take photos with clients. Even though social media has clear benefits, it is often seen as a big threat to public safety. When people use social media without limits, bad things can happen. It is dangerous because technology breaks down barriers to dialogue that used to be impossible to get past. When kids share too much online, they make it easy for crooks and hackers to find them and hurt them. Because of this, cyberbullying happens, which can be very bad for anyone’s self-esteem. So, it’s important to keep an eye on the social media status updates that kids mostly make. Next, we’ll talk about things that teens like to do, like social networking. When a student spends more time on social media instead of reading, it hurts their grades. When people spend too much time on social media, they tend to push other people away. Its use spreads false information, which in turn poisons the thoughts of people who would otherwise be peaceful.

In a word, using social networking has both pros and cons. But in the end, it depends on the person. A lot of focus should be put on helping the youth of today find a good balance between doing well in school, being active, and using social media. Like any other drug, spending too much time on social media can lead to bad things. So, it’s up to us to find the right mix and work toward a happy life.

Example #5: Women’s Education

Education for women can be seen as a way to teach them things that will make them feel more valuable and worthy. This knowledge can be taught in a number of different ways. Women’s contributions to society can be seen in their jobs as wives, mothers, sisters, coworkers, nurses, and in many other ways. They are better organized and care more about what other people need. Mothers with more education have more chances to contribute to the progress and wealth of their country, and they can do this with the help of men. This essay will give a brief summary of how important women’s education is to the growth of a country.

A good education can help a community in many ways, such as by making people more employable, increasing their wages, and improving their social standing. It can also open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Women’s schooling is important for the progress of society as a whole. When it comes to money and making decisions about their health and careers, women with more schooling are more likely to be in charge of their own lives. Educating women will not only help them become financially independent, but it will also give them the skills they need to take care of their own homes. A mother with a good education knows what she needs to do and has the tools to raise good people. She gives birth to children who are driven and have goals. Getting women educated is very important if we want to stop the violence that still happens to them in many parts of the world. If a woman has a good education, she is much less likely to be sexually assaulted or abused in other ways. Women getting an education has helped get rid of problems like dowry and jobless. Education for women has a big effect on population growth because it gives women the power to make choices about their own health that affect their ability to have children. The rate of literacy in a country can be raised by making sure that as many children as possible have moms who have finished school. Muslims think that going to school is a moral duty. A verse in the Holy Quran and a hadith say that women, like men, should learn more and try to learn more. A mother who has gone to college will always be treated with respect, and other women will look up to her as an example.

The progress of society rests on women being able to go to school. As a way to fix the fact that we aren’t making any progress, it should get our attention on a personal, social, and national level. Governments, civil society groups, and individuals can work together to improve gender equality and remove barriers to higher education for women. If we invest in women’s education, we can make sure that everyone has a more prosperous and fair future.

Example # 6: Poverty

Poverty means that a family can’t provide for itself in terms of food, schooling, a place to live, and clothes. Poverty is shown by not having enough food, not having a place to live, not having good child care, living in a hostile area, and not having enough money for public institutions. The poverty barrier, also called the poverty line, is the very least amount of money a person needs to make in a country to be able to live. In this post, we’ll look at poverty and its effects around the world from a high level.

We say that a person, a family, or a whole community is poor when they don’t have enough money to meet their most basic wants. This means that it is hard to get even the most basic things, like food, clothes, a place to live, and medicine. Poverty keeps happening from one generation to the next. Some of the problems that can happen as a result are sickness, hunger, lying, and not having clean places to live. Poverty has many causes, such as rising prices of living, low wages, unemployment, and not getting enough money from social security. People living below the poverty line are also hurt by climate change, inequality or social injustice, not having enough schooling, not getting enough help from the government, and many other things. A rise in the poverty rate is linked to the number of people with mental sickness, chronic diseases, higher death rates, and a shorter life expectancy. Children make up most of the age group that is the poorest. Poverty needs to be stopped because it hurts human capital and slows down economic growth. There are effective ways to do this. Giving everyone the same rights is the first step to stopping unfairness. Getting people skills and jobs is another way to help them get out of poverty. Those who can’t support themselves and can’t read or write, so that we can give them money.

To sum up, then, what we mean when we say someone is poor is that they don’t have enough money to buy the things they need. A national problem like poverty can’t be fixed by just one person. Effective steps should be taken right away to solve the problem. For people, communities, countries, and economies to grow in a way that is long-lasting and all-encompassing, poverty must be eliminated. This is a requirement for growth in any of these areas.

Also Read: Romeo and Juliet Essay

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Example #7: Newspaper Reading

A newspaper is a weekly or daily written report on what’s going on in the world. It usually has a white or gray background and black writing. A good habit is to read the newspaper every day. It’s a great way to find out what’s going on in the world. We learn about current events from reliable source. Newspapers help us learn more about a lot of different things, from politics and culture to the economy and sports. We’ll talk quickly about why it’s important to read the news.

The newspaper is an important way for the people and the government to talk to each other. No matter how small, it all adds up to the whole. It helps us learn more and be better people. Reading the newspaper can help you find a better job. The newspaper tells us about business and job opportunities from different companies, so we can choose the best one. We can also advertise our goods and services in the newspaper with little work. By reading a newspaper, a person will improve their language and grammar the most. You can learn new words and improve your language by reading the newspaper. If someone reads newspapers often, they are likely to have a large and interesting language as well. They have more things in common with other people and can talk about most things more easily. Since you can read a newspaper alone, it keeps us from being bored and lonely. People don’t read newspapers as much as they used to because they can get all the news they need on their phones and computers. This is why newspaper reading is on the slide. Printing newspapers not only lose a lot of paper but is also an inefficient way to spread the news.

The newspaper is a good way to get news at home. Because they gather information and data from all over the world, they are very important to our everyday lives. It has news and opinion about the business world, politics, pop culture, sports, and economics. This practice will help you improve not only as a student but also as a speaker and writer. Because of this, everyone needs to make it a habit to read the newspaper every day.

Example #8: Child Explanation

Exploiting children is bad for them. When a kid or young person is exploited, they are “groomed” with things like gifts, drugs, money, status, and love. In return for doing something illegal, this is sometimes called “child criminal.” When a child abuser threatens to hurt them physically or uses other ways to scare them, the child may feel useless. They might give out a lot of money or valuable things like drugs and other things. In the next essay, the effects of exploiting children and possible answers to the problem are talked about.

There are many ways to take advantage of children. In a practice called “trafficking,” children are sometimes taken from their homes and used for sexual reasons. They can be moved to other parts of the country and hurt physically and sexually. All acts of violence or neglect against children that cause major physical or mental harm or put the child’s life in danger are included here. Bullying and cyberbullying, which usually happen at school, are two of the most common ways to take advantage of children. This also covers a lot of different kinds of abuse, like sexual attacks, domestic violence, and more. About one-fourth of American girls and one-thirteenth of American boys have been abused as children. When a kid is exploited, they are groomed, pressured, or forced to do something they don’t want to do for an adult’s benefit. One way we can help keep our kids safe is to learn about the signs of physical and sexual abuse for ourselves and for other people. Watch over your kids, teach them how to be safe, and give them good advice. These steps could make it much less likely that a child will be abused or neglected.

Abuse and neglect of children have effects on a lot more people than just the close family. To protect children from this danger, preventive steps and legal remedies need to be put in place.

Editing of a 3 Paragraphed Essay

For the editing of an essay, we had to take the following steps:

Checking the Structure

First of all, you have to check the overall structure of the essay to see if it has the proper structure. Checking structure means checking the introduction, main body, and conclusion of your essay.

Logical Sequence

Make sure that each and every paragraph that you have written has a clear main point that relates to the argument, and check that the paragraphs you have written are arranged in a logical sequence.

Explanation of the Points

Make sure that you have explained the points you used in your essay and try to use more appropriate sentences.

Revise Sentences

Check the words you use in your essay and try to make them simple and accurate.

Punctuation

Before submitting, you must check the grammatical errors and punctuation mistakes if any, because correct grammar use adds beauty to your writing skills.

Tips for Writing a Good Essay

Follow the following steps on How to write a 3 paragraph essay :

  • For a good paragraph essay, we should begin our essay by describing the thesis statement to remind the reader of the purpose of our writing.
  • Introduce the supporting data with the facts to back it up in the introduction.
  • For a good essay, always try to write it in a logical flow and use transitional words to separate the paragraphs..
  • A good 3-paragraph essay just requires us to condense our points into one body paragraph, and they just require a single supporting point before reaching the conclusion.
  • Remember to add an in-text citation for every quote or piece of information.
  • Apart from this, the other qualities needed for writing a good essay are focus, development, unity, coherence, and correctness.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The following article has tried to solve all the problems related to 3 paragraph essay. Above are mentioned all the details in easy words that can help you to compose a well-written short assignment for your class. Also, if you want a well-written essay to be composed by a professional, you can get in touch with our writers through the link Researchwritings.com .

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❓ Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

For a good 3-paragraph essay, the writer should go for two references per paragraph. It is not compulsory to give references in the introduction and the conclusion, while in all the paragraphs (the main body), the writer should go for two references to make his essay worth reading.

If you double-space a three-paragraph essay, it usually takes two to three pages. We know that it depends on the size of the fonts, the width of the borders, and the space between the lines on a double-spaced page. So, it's usually around 750 words, or 250 words per page.

The average writer needs about 37 and a half minutes to type a three-paragraph essay where each paragraph is on its own page and about 1 hour and 30 minutes to write it by hand. But this time can go up to 3 hours or more if the content needs study, links, citations, or graphs, like in blog posts or high school essays.

Yes, a 500-word essay can be three paragraphs. Generally, a 500-word essay is around 2 pages long, double-spaced. That is why we can say that a 500-word essay can be a 3-paragraph essay.

A paragraph does not depend on lines. It depends on the number of sentences. A typical paragraph should be at least three sentences long.

Yes, a three-paragraph essay can be one page, but a good general rule is 2 to 3 paragraphs per page.

The structure of an essay means that it needs at least three parts. So, three parts aren't much and are just a normal amount for an essay to have.

Yes, an article with three paragraphs is short. A normal essay is made up of four or five paragraphs.

Yes. We can write a good essay with three paragraphs in two hours. Two hours may seem like a long time to write an essay, but this time can go up or down based on the number of citations, sources, and how complicated the topic is. 

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Three-Paragraph Essay: Clarity in Brevity

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Table of contents

  • 1 Understanding the Three-Paragraph Essay
  • 2 Break Down the Three-Paragraph Essay Structure 
  • 3.1 Tips for Selecting a Suitable Topic for a Concise Essay 
  • 3.2 Outlining 
  • 3.3 Crafting a Clear and Concise Thesis Statement that Guides Your Essay
  • 4.1 Crafting a Strong Hook to Engage the Reader
  • 4.2 Crafting a Compelling and Relevant Title for Your Essay
  • 4.3 Writing a Clear Thesis Statement
  • 4.4 Write a Body Paragraph 
  • 4.5 Conclusion Paragraph 
  • 5 Writing Three Paragraph Essays Is Easy with PapersOwl 

Some students may think writing a three-paragraph essay will not be difficult. However, this misconception will be dispelled as soon as you get down to business. You must plan your essay, study the requirements for academic assignments, follow the structure, and remember to attract the reader’s interest. In this article, we will share nuances and tips regarding the milestones of a three-paragraph essay format.

  • You will uncover the essentials of what constitutes a 3-paragraph essay and understand its primary purpose.
  • We’ll delve into the basic components that form the structure of a 3-paragraph essay.
  • Then, explore the initial steps necessary for beginning a 3-paragraph essay, setting a solid foundation for your writing.
  • Finally, we conclude with effective strategies to captivate and maintain your reader’s attention right from the start of your essay.

First, let’s define what a three-paragraph essay is and why it is often used in the university curriculum.

Understanding the Three-Paragraph Essay

The three- and five-paragraph essay is considered the most versatile format for academic papers. Both types of essays imply the presence of three basic structural components: introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion paragraphs. The difference from a five paragraph essay lies in the number of body paragraphs. In a three-paragraph essay, you must condense your main ideas into only one paragraph of the body part. In contrast, the five-paragraph counterpart uses two sections more. 

So, what is the purpose of such a short paper? This task tests the student’s ability to fit a persuasive argument within a limited word length. Unlike writing a longer essay, in 3 paragraph essay format, you have to eliminate unnecessary phrases, remove supporting arguments, and reduce your thoughts to the very essence to fit in only three paragraphs. Such an informative essay is often used for summaries, opinions, and argumentative essays.

Break Down the Three-Paragraph Essay Structure 

The three-paragraph essay has a traditional style of structure consisting of three main parts: the introduction, the body paragraph, and the conclusion. Let’s review the principal elements of each structural component. 

A three-paragraph essay begins with an introduction. This paragraph provides background information to the reader, placing them in the context of the topic. Also, the introduction paragraph should interest the audience in further reading. Use a thesis statement to represent the main idea of the essay. 

The body paragraph consists of only one paragraph. In the second paragraph, you need to reveal the main point regarding the topic, condensing the essence into one paragraph. It should begin with a topic sentence . Make sure each idea is logically connected, representing harmonious integrity.

Most conclusion paragraphs directly relate to the idea presented in the introductory paragraph and reflect the opinion disclosed in the central part. So, it’s vital to restate the thesis from the introduction paragraph to maintain the logical flow of the thoughts. 

Pre-Writing and Planning

If you want to write an essay with deep meaning and the correct format successfully and easily, you need to carry out several preparatory steps. It’s crucial to make a preliminary plan you will rely on as you write a three-paragraph essay. The following guidelines will help you structure your thoughts and simplify the essay writing process.

Tips for Selecting a Suitable Topic for a Concise Essay 

The success of your essay largely depends on choosing the right topic. If you have the opportunity to choose a field yourself, then select a topic that interests you and lies within the area of your professionalism. Take time to brainstorm and pick a topic that does not require extensive discussion in the body parts . The main point of your essay should be relevant in a modern context and allow you to prove yourself as an expert.

Outlining 

It is easier to write an essay when you have a clear plan of action and a rough draft. The essay layout is an integral criterion for the work because the volume is very limited, and you still need to include all the necessary information. Before you start writing your paper, study a 3 paragraphs essay example and make a detailed three-paragraph essay outline for each part of the organizational structure. Using this strategy, you will save a lot of time and make sure not a single critical piece is missing. A three-paragraph essay outline will structure your thoughts into a well-organized action plan. 

Crafting a Clear and Concise Thesis Statement that Guides Your Essay

The thesis statement serves as a guide for those who will read your essay and you. Having the central message of your paper clearly stated is something you need to keep in mind throughout the entire writing process. This way, you won’t be able to stray too far from the topic. A good thesis statement should be short and convey the main message of your essay, connecting with the topic sentence of the second paragraph.

Writing the Three-Paragraph Essay

Now that you have completed all the preparatory steps, you can find out how to write a 3 paragraph essay. Experts of our writing service have compelled several key points that you should remember to write an essay worthy of the highest score. 

Crafting a Strong Hook to Engage the Reader

The reader’s attention must be earned. To get your audience interested in your essay, use a hook in your introduction paragraphs. It could be a surprising idea, a shocking statistic, an interesting quote, or any other technique that can grab attention. However, any information you mention must subsequently be disclosed in the essay. Otherwise, you will only disappoint the reader.

Crafting a Compelling and Relevant Title for Your Essay

No one will want to read an essay with a boring title. Conversely, a good title can attract a broader audience to read your 3 paragraph essay. Choose the most interesting idea from your paper and use it to create a title. You can study an example of a three paragraph essay to get a deeper understanding of a relevant topic.

Writing a Clear Thesis Statement

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the thesis statement. As we mentioned earlier, this sentence should convey the main idea of your essay in a couple of words. The thesis statement needs to be brief and informative. Do not give any extra background information; your further text is based on it.

Write a Body Paragraph 

Your body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence describing the main message of the passage. Furthermore, present your central argument and provide strong evidence and supporting points. This will ensure that your academic essay is informative and logical. Remember that your thoughts must be structured and connected with transition words. Moreover, the body paragraph should also contain a comprehensive process analysis of the topic, ending with a strong transition sentence. 

Conclusion Paragraph 

Your entire essay should form a harmonious element. That’s why it’s necessary to restate the thesis, paraphrasing the main ideas presented in the introduction paragraph to develop a thesis statement in the final paragraph. Its primary purpose is to summarize the key points described in the body paragraph. To provide a logical conclusion to your essay, give a final thought or call to action for the reader in the final paragraph.

Writing Three Paragraph Essays Is Easy with PapersOwl 

Writing a 3-paragraph essay is not difficult if you have an idea of the basic requirements and features of this format. We have shared with you the key factors you should remember when writing a three-part essay. By strictly following the structure, completing all the preparatory steps, and relying on the outline, you will be able to easily organize your introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion and get a high grade.

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9.2 Writing Body Paragraphs

Learning objectives.

  • Select primary support related to your thesis.
  • Support your topic sentences.

If your thesis gives the reader a roadmap to your essay, then body paragraphs should closely follow that map. The reader should be able to predict what follows your introductory paragraph by simply reading the thesis statement.

The body paragraphs present the evidence you have gathered to confirm your thesis. Before you begin to support your thesis in the body, you must find information from a variety of sources that support and give credit to what you are trying to prove.

Select Primary Support for Your Thesis

Without primary support, your argument is not likely to be convincing. Primary support can be described as the major points you choose to expand on your thesis. It is the most important information you select to argue for your point of view. Each point you choose will be incorporated into the topic sentence for each body paragraph you write. Your primary supporting points are further supported by supporting details within the paragraphs.

Remember that a worthy argument is backed by examples. In order to construct a valid argument, good writers conduct lots of background research and take careful notes. They also talk to people knowledgeable about a topic in order to understand its implications before writing about it.

Identify the Characteristics of Good Primary Support

In order to fulfill the requirements of good primary support, the information you choose must meet the following standards:

  • Be specific. The main points you make about your thesis and the examples you use to expand on those points need to be specific. Use specific examples to provide the evidence and to build upon your general ideas. These types of examples give your reader something narrow to focus on, and if used properly, they leave little doubt about your claim. General examples, while they convey the necessary information, are not nearly as compelling or useful in writing because they are too obvious and typical.
  • Be relevant to the thesis. Primary support is considered strong when it relates directly to the thesis. Primary support should show, explain, or prove your main argument without delving into irrelevant details. When faced with lots of information that could be used to prove your thesis, you may think you need to include it all in your body paragraphs. But effective writers resist the temptation to lose focus. Choose your examples wisely by making sure they directly connect to your thesis.
  • Be detailed. Remember that your thesis, while specific, should not be very detailed. The body paragraphs are where you develop the discussion that a thorough essay requires. Using detailed support shows readers that you have considered all the facts and chosen only the most precise details to enhance your point of view.

Prewrite to Identify Primary Supporting Points for a Thesis Statement

Recall that when you prewrite you essentially make a list of examples or reasons why you support your stance. Stemming from each point, you further provide details to support those reasons. After prewriting, you are then able to look back at the information and choose the most compelling pieces you will use in your body paragraphs.

Choose one of the following working thesis statements. On a separate sheet of paper, write for at least five minutes using one of the prewriting techniques you learned in Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” .

  • Unleashed dogs on city streets are a dangerous nuisance.
  • Students cheat for many different reasons.
  • Drug use among teens and young adults is a problem.
  • The most important change that should occur at my college or university is ____________________________________________.

Select the Most Effective Primary Supporting Points for a Thesis Statement

After you have prewritten about your working thesis statement, you may have generated a lot of information, which may be edited out later. Remember that your primary support must be relevant to your thesis. Remind yourself of your main argument, and delete any ideas that do not directly relate to it. Omitting unrelated ideas ensures that you will use only the most convincing information in your body paragraphs. Choose at least three of only the most compelling points. These will serve as the topic sentences for your body paragraphs.

Refer to the previous exercise and select three of your most compelling reasons to support the thesis statement. Remember that the points you choose must be specific and relevant to the thesis. The statements you choose will be your primary support points, and you will later incorporate them into the topic sentences for the body paragraphs.

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.

When you support your thesis, you are revealing evidence. Evidence includes anything that can help support your stance. The following are the kinds of evidence you will encounter as you conduct your research:

  • Facts. Facts are the best kind of evidence to use because they often cannot be disputed. They can support your stance by providing background information on or a solid foundation for your point of view. However, some facts may still need explanation. For example, the sentence “The most populated state in the United States is California” is a pure fact, but it may require some explanation to make it relevant to your specific argument.
  • Judgments. Judgments are conclusions drawn from the given facts. Judgments are more credible than opinions because they are founded upon careful reasoning and examination of a topic.
  • Testimony. Testimony consists of direct quotations from either an eyewitness or an expert witness. An eyewitness is someone who has direct experience with a subject; he adds authenticity to an argument based on facts. An expert witness is a person who has extensive experience with a topic. This person studies the facts and provides commentary based on either facts or judgments, or both. An expert witness adds authority and credibility to an argument.
  • Personal observation. Personal observation is similar to testimony, but personal observation consists of your testimony. It reflects what you know to be true because you have experiences and have formed either opinions or judgments about them. For instance, if you are one of five children and your thesis states that being part of a large family is beneficial to a child’s social development, you could use your own experience to support your thesis.

Writing at Work

In any job where you devise a plan, you will need to support the steps that you lay out. This is an area in which you would incorporate primary support into your writing. Choosing only the most specific and relevant information to expand upon the steps will ensure that your plan appears well-thought-out and precise.

You can consult a vast pool of resources to gather support for your stance. Citing relevant information from reliable sources ensures that your reader will take you seriously and consider your assertions. Use any of the following sources for your essay: newspapers or news organization websites, magazines, encyclopedias, and scholarly journals, which are periodicals that address topics in a specialized field.

Choose Supporting Topic Sentences

Each body paragraph contains a topic sentence that states one aspect of your thesis and then expands upon it. Like the thesis statement, each topic sentence should be specific and supported by concrete details, facts, or explanations.

Each body paragraph should comprise the following elements.

topic sentence + supporting details (examples, reasons, or arguments)

As you read in Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” , topic sentences indicate the location and main points of the basic arguments of your essay. These sentences are vital to writing your body paragraphs because they always refer back to and support your thesis statement. Topic sentences are linked to the ideas you have introduced in your thesis, thus reminding readers what your essay is about. A paragraph without a clearly identified topic sentence may be unclear and scattered, just like an essay without a thesis statement.

Unless your teacher instructs otherwise, you should include at least three body paragraphs in your essay. A five-paragraph essay, including the introduction and conclusion, is commonly the standard for exams and essay assignments.

Consider the following the thesis statement:

Author J.D. Salinger relied primarily on his personal life and belief system as the foundation for the themes in the majority of his works.

The following topic sentence is a primary support point for the thesis. The topic sentence states exactly what the controlling idea of the paragraph is. Later, you will see the writer immediately provide support for the sentence.

Salinger, a World War II veteran, suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder, a disorder that influenced themes in many of his works.

In Note 9.19 “Exercise 2” , you chose three of your most convincing points to support the thesis statement you selected from the list. Take each point and incorporate it into a topic sentence for each body paragraph.

Supporting point 1: ____________________________________________

Topic sentence: ____________________________________________

Supporting point 2: ____________________________________________

Supporting point 3: ____________________________________________

Draft Supporting Detail Sentences for Each Primary Support Sentence

After deciding which primary support points you will use as your topic sentences, you must add details to clarify and demonstrate each of those points. These supporting details provide examples, facts, or evidence that support the topic sentence.

The writer drafts possible supporting detail sentences for each primary support sentence based on the thesis statement:

Thesis statement: Unleashed dogs on city streets are a dangerous nuisance.

Supporting point 1: Dogs can scare cyclists and pedestrians.

Supporting details:

  • Cyclists are forced to zigzag on the road.
  • School children panic and turn wildly on their bikes.
  • People who are walking at night freeze in fear.

Supporting point 2:

Loose dogs are traffic hazards.

  • Dogs in the street make people swerve their cars.
  • To avoid dogs, drivers run into other cars or pedestrians.
  • Children coaxing dogs across busy streets create danger.

Supporting point 3: Unleashed dogs damage gardens.

  • They step on flowers and vegetables.
  • They destroy hedges by urinating on them.
  • They mess up lawns by digging holes.

The following paragraph contains supporting detail sentences for the primary support sentence (the topic sentence), which is underlined.

Salinger, a World War II veteran, suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder, a disorder that influenced the themes in many of his works. He did not hide his mental anguish over the horrors of war and once told his daughter, “You never really get the smell of burning flesh out of your nose, no matter how long you live.” His short story “A Perfect Day for a Bananafish” details a day in the life of a WWII veteran who was recently released from an army hospital for psychiatric problems. The man acts questionably with a little girl he meets on the beach before he returns to his hotel room and commits suicide. Another short story, “For Esmé – with Love and Squalor,” is narrated by a traumatized soldier who sparks an unusual relationship with a young girl he meets before he departs to partake in D-Day. Finally, in Salinger’s only novel, The Catcher in the Rye , he continues with the theme of posttraumatic stress, though not directly related to war. From a rest home for the mentally ill, sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield narrates the story of his nervous breakdown following the death of his younger brother.

Using the three topic sentences you composed for the thesis statement in Note 9.18 “Exercise 1” , draft at least three supporting details for each point.

Thesis statement: ____________________________________________

Primary supporting point 1: ____________________________________________

Supporting details: ____________________________________________

Primary supporting point 2: ____________________________________________

Primary supporting point 3: ____________________________________________

You have the option of writing your topic sentences in one of three ways. You can state it at the beginning of the body paragraph, or at the end of the paragraph, or you do not have to write it at all. This is called an implied topic sentence. An implied topic sentence lets readers form the main idea for themselves. For beginning writers, it is best to not use implied topic sentences because it makes it harder to focus your writing. Your instructor may also want to clearly identify the sentences that support your thesis. For more information on the placement of thesis statements and implied topic statements, see Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” .

Print out the first draft of your essay and use a highlighter to mark your topic sentences in the body paragraphs. Make sure they are clearly stated and accurately present your paragraphs, as well as accurately reflect your thesis. If your topic sentence contains information that does not exist in the rest of the paragraph, rewrite it to more accurately match the rest of the paragraph.

Key Takeaways

  • Your body paragraphs should closely follow the path set forth by your thesis statement.
  • Strong body paragraphs contain evidence that supports your thesis.
  • Primary support comprises the most important points you use to support your thesis.
  • Strong primary support is specific, detailed, and relevant to the thesis.
  • Prewriting helps you determine your most compelling primary support.
  • Evidence includes facts, judgments, testimony, and personal observation.
  • Reliable sources may include newspapers, magazines, academic journals, books, encyclopedias, and firsthand testimony.
  • A topic sentence presents one point of your thesis statement while the information in the rest of the paragraph supports that point.
  • A body paragraph comprises a topic sentence plus supporting details.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to write a three-paragraph essay

Published March 31, 2021. Updated June 2, 2022.

Three-paragraph essay definition

A three-paragraph essay is an essay that consists of an introduction, a body paragraph, and a conclusion.

Overview of three-paragraph essay

The three-paragraph essay is very similar to the five-paragraph essay, which has three body paragraphs, but only gives you one body paragraph to support your ideas. The introduction should announce your topic, engage your reader, and present your argument or point of view. In persuasive writing, your thesis should be debatable, provable, specific, and clear. The body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is about and then provides supporting material. The conclusion should reconnect the dots for your reader without simply restating your thesis in its original words.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

The three-paragraph structure

The basic format of the three-paragraph essay consists of an introduction, a body paragraph, and a conclusion. This layout is very similar to the five-paragraph essay, which has three body paragraphs, but only gives you one body paragraph to support your ideas. Choose your points wisely!

The introduction

The introduction needs to answer three questions:

What is this paper about?

Why should your reader care.

  • What is your argument about that topic? Or, for descriptive or narrative essays, what is your point of view?

Your teacher may have given you the topic for this paper. If not, you may have to come up with a subject on your own. Pick a topic or focus that interests you and that you have strong opinions about.

If you were asked to write a paper about Tuck Everlasting, you might decide that you wanted to focus on the main character Winnie. But what about her character interests you? Perhaps it’s her decision not to drink the water that gives people eternal life.

Why does your topic matter? You need to give the reader a reason to keep going through the rest of the paper. Open your introduction with a hook, a question or a statement that provokes or intrigues the reader.

When we think of heroic deaths, we often imagine people dying in battle or sacrificing themselves for others. In Tuck Everlasting, Winnie Foster’s death looks very different. She dies from old age.

This hook works because it establishes familiar ground before introducing a twist. The reader wants to know how Winnie Foster’s less dramatic death relates to this idea of “heroic deaths.”

What is your argument?

Your introduction should end with your thesis statement, a sentence that sums up your argument about your topic. For persuasive writing, your thesis should be

  • Debatable – you need to make an argument, not state a known fact
  • Provable – you have good reasons or support for your argument
  • Specific – your argument is focused on the topic at hand
  • Clear – your statement is direct and understandable

An okay thesis for this paper on Tuck Everlasting might go like this:

Winnie’s decision not to drink the spring water is heroic.

A better one would be

Winnie’s decision not to drink the water does more than protect the spring’s secrets. She displays a quiet heroism when she chooses to participate in the natural cycle of life and in her community, contributing to the world instead of watching it go by.

This thesis doesn’t just call Winnie a hero. It explains what heroism is in the context of this paper. This paper isn’t interested in grand gestures. It’s interested in the “quiet heroism” of a life that embraces and benefits other people.

The body paragraph

Your body paragraph fleshes out your argument, giving evidence and explanations for why you are right. It should start with a topic sentence that outlines what will be covered.

Winnie’s life story looks very different from the Tucks’ story.

This paragraph will contrast these two journeys. As you write your paragraph, you need to present and explain evidence that supports your argument. Start that explanation from the very beginning, connecting everything back to the thesis. This paper’s next sentence should read

While the Tucks need to isolate themselves and endanger others when they do interact with people, Winnie’s choice to let herself age and die makes her part of the town’s story and progress.

The paragraph would go on to mention some relevant moments that illustrate the Tucks’ journey. It would contrast them with Winnie’s grave at the end of the book, which mentions her family, and with the way the town has progressed.

The conclusion

Your final paragraph should be a short conclusion that sums up your argument and reconnects the dots of your paper. Don’t just restate your thesis in the same words.

The conclusion to this paper might start with this sentence:

Winnie deserves Angus’s praise at the end of the novel because she pursued a life full of love, happiness, and community.

You would then write a couple more sentences on the theme, bringing the essay to a close.

How to write the three-paragraph essay

Follow these steps:

  • Choose your topic and research or brainstorm about it.
  • Come up with your thesis statement.
  • Pick your supporting points with care. Remember that you only have one body paragraph. What do you absolutely need to address?
  • Take a break (if you have the time to do so).
  • Revise and edit.

Revising and editing

In order to write the strongest paper that you can, you need to revise your essay, improving content and structure. You also need to edit it, proofreading and rephrasing sentences to make them more powerful or clear.

Questions to ask yourself as you revise and edit:

  • Does my introduction present my topic and engage the reader?
  • Do I have a clear thesis that addresses the assignment?
  • Do I support that thesis with strong evidence/details?
  • Does my conclusion provide an effective summary of my points?
  • Is my writing clear?
  • Is everything formatted correctly and free of errors?

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

Key takeaways

  • The three-paragraph essay consists of an introduction, a body paragraph, and a conclusion.
  • Your introduction needs to announce your topic, engage your reader, and present your argument or point of view.
  • In persuasive writing, your thesis should be debatable, provable, specific, and clear.
  • Your body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is about and then provides supporting material.
  • Your conclusion should reconnect the dots for your reader without simply restating your thesis in its original words.

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Posted on 13th October 2017

Writing a Three-Paragraph Essay

By Elise Barbeau

Sally Baggett holds a master’s in literature. She enjoys inspiring students, cooking with her family, and helping others achieve their dreams.

Just like there is more than one way to skin a cat (or so they say), there is more than one way to write an essay. One is not required to produce a perfectly formatted five-paragraph essay every time one composes a piece of writing. There is another type of essay you can write that may just be simpler than the traditional style: the three-paragraph essay. This type of essay might be beneficial for beginning writers as it offers the organizational structure of a longer essay without requiring the length. It also offers a challenge to more advanced writers to condense their points.

The Parts of the Essay and Its Benefits

As with most essays, the three-paragraph essay has three parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Yet with this type of essay–unlike its five-paragraph counterpart–each one of these sections has only one paragraph. The three-paragraph essay, therefore, might be ideal for young writers or those who are currently mastering the English language.

Another benefit to the three-paragraph essay could be that it requires you to condense your supporting points into just one, which can be a good exercise. If you had to choose only one point to convince a reader to agree with you, what would it be?

After performing some light prewriting, such as brainstorming or writing an outline, students can move right into composing the essay. While this process is similar across the board for writing academic papers, the three-paragraph essay is unique in that the body will take up less space in the finished product.

An outline for this essay might look like this :

  • Background Points
  • Thesis Statement
  • Supporting fact 1
  • Supporting fact 2
  • Transition Sentence
  • Re-statement of Thesis
  • Summary of Main Point
  • Challenge to the Reader

Paragraph One: Introduction

As with most formal essays, the three-paragraph essay begins with an introduction paragraph. Such paragraphs must, obviously, introduce the reader to your idea and, in most cases, convince the reader that this essay is worth reading. To craft a strong introduction, be sure to open with a solid hook. You want to draw in readers so they are compelled to engage with your writing.

A hook can be something compelling such as a question, a powerful quote, or an interesting fact. Introduction paragraphs also usually contain background information that assists the reader in understanding your topic, perhaps defining it or explaining an important part. Finally, you want to include a thesis statement. Even though your essay only has three paragraphs, there still needs to be a purpose to the writing.

You could structure your introduction paragraph according to this outline :

  • Hook: Is there no solution for dumping waste in the ocean?
  • Explain why trash is dumped in the ocean
  • Statistics about dumping trash in the ocean
  • Thesis Statement: Dumping waste in the ocean is a problem because it spells disaster for the ecosystem, leading to problems on land.

This structure is not mandatory, though it might be useful in the long run for organizing your thoughts.

Paragraph Two: Body

The second paragraph, as we have discussed, is the one and only body paragraph. This paragraph bears the burden of communicating support for the thesis statement all on its own. As such, it may take more than one rough draft to get this paragraph to communicate everything you want it to.

Your body paragraph needs to underscore the thesis statement. Create a topic sentence for this body paragraph that communicates this and also transitions from the introduction into the body. For example, your body paragraph topic sentence based on the outline above could be:

One of those problems might play itself out as food scarcity where humans live.

This topic sentence reiterates the thesis and moves the reader into a body paragraph that contains a supporting point: that damage to the ocean’s ecosystem could lead to food scarcity. Within the body paragraph, you can quote different sources that support this point.

Again, this paragraph does not have room to contain everything that a full five-paragraph essay might. But that doesn’t mean you can’t fit in some strong evidence to convince your reader to see your perspective, such as is accomplished through quotes and analysis. Don’t forget to end with a strong transition sentence to move the reader seamlessly into the conclusion.

Paragraph Three: Conclusion

The final paragraph in an essay is usually the conclusion. The three-paragraph essay is no exception. In this essay, the conclusion can be just as long as the other two paragraphs, and it can drive home the point made in the thesis statement and body paragraph. As with most conclusion paragraphs, this paragraph ought to restate the thesis in different words. It should then summarize what was stated in the body paragraph before challenging the reader in some way, whether in thought or action.

Editing Before Turning It In

One thing to be sure of in this type of essay (as in any other) is to polish it. Make it flow well. In other words, revise it!

Before beginning the revision process, take a break from your writing so that you can look at it with fresh eyes. Once you start revising, hunt not only for grammar and punctuation errors but for ways to make the writing flow better. Take a look at the sentences at the beginning and end of each paragraph. Do these sentences contain transition words? Do these paragraphs link to each other? Transition words or phrases like “Likewise,” “In spite of,” or “In addition to” can ensure that your paragraphs are coherent. There are also other services that will automatically proofread you paper.

If you used any sources (i.e. websites, books, videos, etc.) to help support your points and write your paper, you need to cite them! Most teachers will ask you to create a bibliography in MLA format . Others may have you one in APA format , or create references in Chicago style. Ask your teacher for guidance on what citation style they prefer.

Final Thoughts

Don’t forget that you aren’t limited to using this type of essay for just persuasion. You can also use it to relate a narrative tale, using the three parts as the beginning, middle, and end of a story. You can use this to craft an informative essay. See if other types of essays–such as a process analysis or an evaluation–will fit inside the three-paragraph essay format.

In many ways, the three-paragraph essay is similar to the five-paragraph essay. They both make a solid point using an introduction, body, and conclusion. This simpler essay only requires that you condense your points into one body paragraph, perhaps only one supporting point, before reaching a conclusion. Again, this can make a good exercise for beginning English writers, but can also make a challenge for a more advanced writer to select their strongest supporting points.

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Traditional Academic Essays In Three Parts

Part i: the introduction.

An introduction is usually the first paragraph of your academic essay. If you’re writing a long essay, you might need 2 or 3 paragraphs to introduce your topic to your reader. A good introduction does 2 things:

  • Gets the reader’s attention. You can get a reader’s attention by telling a story, providing a statistic, pointing out something strange or interesting, providing and discussing an interesting quote, etc. Be interesting and find some original angle via which to engage others in your topic.
  • Provides a specific and debatable thesis statement. The thesis statement is usually just one sentence long, but it might be longer—even a whole paragraph—if the essay you’re writing is long. A good thesis statement makes a debatable point, meaning a point someone might disagree with and argue against. It also serves as a roadmap for what you argue in your paper.

Part II: The Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs help you prove your thesis and move you along a compelling trajectory from your introduction to your conclusion. If your thesis is a simple one, you might not need a lot of body paragraphs to prove it. If it’s more complicated, you’ll need more body paragraphs. An easy way to remember the parts of a body paragraph is to think of them as the MEAT of your essay:

Main Idea. The part of a topic sentence that states the main idea of the body paragraph. All of the sentences in the paragraph connect to it. Keep in mind that main ideas are…

  • like labels. They appear in the first sentence of the paragraph and tell your reader what’s inside the paragraph.
  • arguable. They’re not statements of fact; they’re debatable points that you prove with evidence.
  • focused. Make a specific point in each paragraph and then prove that point.

Evidence. The parts of a paragraph that prove the main idea. You might include different types of evidence in different sentences. Keep in mind that different disciplines have different ideas about what counts as evidence and they adhere to different citation styles. Examples of evidence include…

  • quotations and/or paraphrases from sources.
  • facts , e.g. statistics or findings from studies you’ve conducted.
  • narratives and/or descriptions , e.g. of your own experiences.

Analysis. The parts of a paragraph that explain the evidence. Make sure you tie the evidence you provide back to the paragraph’s main idea. In other words, discuss the evidence.

Transition. The part of a paragraph that helps you move fluidly from the last paragraph. Transitions appear in topic sentences along with main ideas, and they look both backward and forward in order to help you connect your ideas for your reader. Don’t end paragraphs with transitions; start with them.

Keep in mind that MEAT does not occur in that order. The “ T ransition” and the “ M ain Idea” often combine to form the first sentence—the topic sentence—and then paragraphs contain multiple sentences of evidence and analysis. For example, a paragraph might look like this: TM. E. E. A. E. E. A. A.

Part III: The Conclusion

A conclusion is the last paragraph of your essay, or, if you’re writing a really long essay, you might need 2 or 3 paragraphs to conclude. A conclusion typically does one of two things—or, of course, it can do both:

  • Summarizes the argument. Some instructors expect you not to say anything new in your conclusion. They just want you to restate your main points. Especially if you’ve made a long and complicated argument, it’s useful to restate your main points for your reader by the time you’ve gotten to your conclusion. If you opt to do so, keep in mind that you should use different language than you used in your introduction and your body paragraphs. The introduction and conclusion shouldn’t be the same.
  • For example, your argument might be significant to studies of a certain time period .
  • Alternately, it might be significant to a certain geographical region .
  • Alternately still, it might influence how your readers think about the future . You might even opt to speculate about the future and/or call your readers to action in your conclusion.

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A Guide to Writing a Three-Paragraph Essay

Table of Contents

There is no one method to write an essay. It is optional to create a perfectly formatted five-paragraph paper every time someone writes a piece. It’s possible to write a different type of essay, which may be simpler than the traditional style: A three-paragraph essay.

An Image of a blurred out book written in German

Read on to learn about 3 paragraph introduction body conclusion style.

Components of a Three Paragraph Essay

Three-paragraph essays are commonly comprised of three parts: An introduction, a body, and a conclusion .

Despite this type of essay, unlike its five-paragraph counterpart, each section has only one paragraph. Therefore, the three-paragraph paper suits young writers or those already mastering English. 

1. Brief Introduction

A three-paragraph essay begins with an introduction paragraph. In most cases, such sections must introduce the reader to your idea and convince others that this essay is worth reading. Make sure you begin with a good hook to make a powerful introduction. You want readers to engage with your writing so they will engage with it. 

A hook can be anything compelling, such as a powerful quote or an interesting fact. In addition to general background information, introduction paragraphs usually contain details. These details assist readers in understanding your topic, such as highlighting it or explaining an important point. Finally, you will need a thesis statement. Even if your essay is only three paragraphs, there is still a reason behind it. 

2. Body Paragraph

As we have discussed at length, the only body paragraph is the second paragraph. This paragraph is responsible for showing why the thesis statement is true. Your section may take more than one rough draft. Thus, it may only convey some of what you want it to portray. 

Body paragraphs should emphasize the thesis statement. In this body paragraph, create a topic sentence that communicates this and then transitions from the introduction into the body. 

3. Conclusion

An essay usually ends with a final paragraph. Three paragraph essay is no exception. Conclusions can be as long throughout this essay as in the other two sections. They can bring the thesis statement and body paragraph across.

Conclusion paragraphs should restate the thesis differently, as with most conclusion paragraphs. The body paragraph should summarize what has been said and challenge the reader to do or think something .

Benefits of a Three-Paragraph Essay

You could also use the three-paragraph essay to condense your supporting points into one, which is a great exercise. What would you choose if you had to convince readers to agree with you only one way? 

Students can begin composing the essay by performing light prewriting, such as brainstorming or writing a structure. The writing process for academic papers is similar across the board, but the three-paragraph article is unique. The body will take up less space in the finished product. 

Final Thoughts

Remember that you can use this type of essay for just persuasive purposes. You can use this to tell a story by relating the three parts of the story. You relate it to a narrative’s beginning, middle, and end. Using this to write a compelling essay can be helpful.

You should ask yourself if other types of essays, like a process analysis or an evaluation, fit within the three-paragraph essay format. Remember to stick to the structure- 3 paragraph introduction body conclusion .

A Guide to Writing a Three-Paragraph Essay

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Body Paragraph

Definition of body paragraph, components of a body paragraph, different between an introduction and a body paragraph, examples of body paragraph in literature, example #1:  autobiography of bertrand russell (by bertrand russell).

“Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind. These passions, like great winds, have blown me hither and thither, in a wayward course, over a great ocean of anguish, reaching to the very verge of despair. I have sought love, first, because it brings ecstasy – ecstasy so great that I would often have sacrificed all the rest of life for a few hours of this joy. I have sought it, next, because it relieves loneliness – that terrible loneliness in which one shivering consciousness looks over the rim of the world into the cold unfathomable lifeless abyss. I have sought it finally, because in the union of love I have seen, in a mystic miniature, the prefiguring vision of the heaven that saints and poets have imagined. This is what I sought, and though it might seem too good for human life, this is what – at last – I have found.”

Example #2: Politics and the English Language (by George Orwell)

“The inflated style itself is a kind of euphemism . A mass of Latin words falls upon the facts like soft snow , blurring the outline and covering up all the details. The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one’s real and one’s declared aims, one turns as it were instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms , like a cuttlefish spurting out ink. In our age there is no such thing as ‘keeping out of politics.’ All issues are political issues, and politics itself is a mass of lies, evasions, folly, hatred, and schizophrenia. When the general atmosphere is bad, language must suffer. I should expect to find — this is a guess which I have not sufficient knowledge to verify — that the German, Russian and Italian languages have all deteriorated in the last ten or fifteen years, as a result of dictatorship.”

Function of Body Paragraph

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How to Structure an Essay | Tips & Templates

Published on September 18, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The basic structure of an essay always consists of an introduction , a body , and a conclusion . But for many students, the most difficult part of structuring an essay is deciding how to organize information within the body.

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Table of contents

The basics of essay structure, chronological structure, compare-and-contrast structure, problems-methods-solutions structure, signposting to clarify your structure, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay structure.

There are two main things to keep in mind when working on your essay structure: making sure to include the right information in each part, and deciding how you’ll organize the information within the body.

Parts of an essay

The three parts that make up all essays are described in the table below.

Part Content

Order of information

You’ll also have to consider how to present information within the body. There are a few general principles that can guide you here.

The first is that your argument should move from the simplest claim to the most complex . The body of a good argumentative essay often begins with simple and widely accepted claims, and then moves towards more complex and contentious ones.

For example, you might begin by describing a generally accepted philosophical concept, and then apply it to a new topic. The grounding in the general concept will allow the reader to understand your unique application of it.

The second principle is that background information should appear towards the beginning of your essay . General background is presented in the introduction. If you have additional background to present, this information will usually come at the start of the body.

The third principle is that everything in your essay should be relevant to the thesis . Ask yourself whether each piece of information advances your argument or provides necessary background. And make sure that the text clearly expresses each piece of information’s relevance.

The sections below present several organizational templates for essays: the chronological approach, the compare-and-contrast approach, and the problems-methods-solutions approach.

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The chronological approach (sometimes called the cause-and-effect approach) is probably the simplest way to structure an essay. It just means discussing events in the order in which they occurred, discussing how they are related (i.e. the cause and effect involved) as you go.

A chronological approach can be useful when your essay is about a series of events. Don’t rule out other approaches, though—even when the chronological approach is the obvious one, you might be able to bring out more with a different structure.

Explore the tabs below to see a general template and a specific example outline from an essay on the invention of the printing press.

  • Thesis statement
  • Discussion of event/period
  • Consequences
  • Importance of topic
  • Strong closing statement
  • Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages
  • Background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press
  • Thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation
  • High levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe
  • Literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites
  • Consequence: this discouraged political and religious change
  • Invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg
  • Implications of the new technology for book production
  • Consequence: Rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible
  • Trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing press’s invention
  • Luther’s own translation of the Bible during the Reformation
  • Consequence: The large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics
  • Summarize the history described
  • Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period

Essays with two or more main subjects are often structured around comparing and contrasting . For example, a literary analysis essay might compare two different texts, and an argumentative essay might compare the strengths of different arguments.

There are two main ways of structuring a compare-and-contrast essay: the alternating method, and the block method.

Alternating

In the alternating method, each paragraph compares your subjects in terms of a specific point of comparison. These points of comparison are therefore what defines each paragraph.

The tabs below show a general template for this structure, and a specific example for an essay comparing and contrasting distance learning with traditional classroom learning.

  • Synthesis of arguments
  • Topical relevance of distance learning in lockdown
  • Increasing prevalence of distance learning over the last decade
  • Thesis statement: While distance learning has certain advantages, it introduces multiple new accessibility issues that must be addressed for it to be as effective as classroom learning
  • Classroom learning: Ease of identifying difficulties and privately discussing them
  • Distance learning: Difficulty of noticing and unobtrusively helping
  • Classroom learning: Difficulties accessing the classroom (disability, distance travelled from home)
  • Distance learning: Difficulties with online work (lack of tech literacy, unreliable connection, distractions)
  • Classroom learning: Tends to encourage personal engagement among students and with teacher, more relaxed social environment
  • Distance learning: Greater ability to reach out to teacher privately
  • Sum up, emphasize that distance learning introduces more difficulties than it solves
  • Stress the importance of addressing issues with distance learning as it becomes increasingly common
  • Distance learning may prove to be the future, but it still has a long way to go

In the block method, each subject is covered all in one go, potentially across multiple paragraphs. For example, you might write two paragraphs about your first subject and then two about your second subject, making comparisons back to the first.

The tabs again show a general template, followed by another essay on distance learning, this time with the body structured in blocks.

  • Point 1 (compare)
  • Point 2 (compare)
  • Point 3 (compare)
  • Point 4 (compare)
  • Advantages: Flexibility, accessibility
  • Disadvantages: Discomfort, challenges for those with poor internet or tech literacy
  • Advantages: Potential for teacher to discuss issues with a student in a separate private call
  • Disadvantages: Difficulty of identifying struggling students and aiding them unobtrusively, lack of personal interaction among students
  • Advantages: More accessible to those with low tech literacy, equality of all sharing one learning environment
  • Disadvantages: Students must live close enough to attend, commutes may vary, classrooms not always accessible for disabled students
  • Advantages: Ease of picking up on signs a student is struggling, more personal interaction among students
  • Disadvantages: May be harder for students to approach teacher privately in person to raise issues

An essay that concerns a specific problem (practical or theoretical) may be structured according to the problems-methods-solutions approach.

This is just what it sounds like: You define the problem, characterize a method or theory that may solve it, and finally analyze the problem, using this method or theory to arrive at a solution. If the problem is theoretical, the solution might be the analysis you present in the essay itself; otherwise, you might just present a proposed solution.

The tabs below show a template for this structure and an example outline for an essay about the problem of fake news.

  • Introduce the problem
  • Provide background
  • Describe your approach to solving it
  • Define the problem precisely
  • Describe why it’s important
  • Indicate previous approaches to the problem
  • Present your new approach, and why it’s better
  • Apply the new method or theory to the problem
  • Indicate the solution you arrive at by doing so
  • Assess (potential or actual) effectiveness of solution
  • Describe the implications
  • Problem: The growth of “fake news” online
  • Prevalence of polarized/conspiracy-focused news sources online
  • Thesis statement: Rather than attempting to stamp out online fake news through social media moderation, an effective approach to combating it must work with educational institutions to improve media literacy
  • Definition: Deliberate disinformation designed to spread virally online
  • Popularization of the term, growth of the phenomenon
  • Previous approaches: Labeling and moderation on social media platforms
  • Critique: This approach feeds conspiracies; the real solution is to improve media literacy so users can better identify fake news
  • Greater emphasis should be placed on media literacy education in schools
  • This allows people to assess news sources independently, rather than just being told which ones to trust
  • This is a long-term solution but could be highly effective
  • It would require significant organization and investment, but would equip people to judge news sources more effectively
  • Rather than trying to contain the spread of fake news, we must teach the next generation not to fall for it

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three body paragraph essay

Signposting means guiding the reader through your essay with language that describes or hints at the structure of what follows.  It can help you clarify your structure for yourself as well as helping your reader follow your ideas.

The essay overview

In longer essays whose body is split into multiple named sections, the introduction often ends with an overview of the rest of the essay. This gives a brief description of the main idea or argument of each section.

The overview allows the reader to immediately understand what will be covered in the essay and in what order. Though it describes what  comes later in the text, it is generally written in the present tense . The following example is from a literary analysis essay on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

Transitions

Transition words and phrases are used throughout all good essays to link together different ideas. They help guide the reader through your text, and an essay that uses them effectively will be much easier to follow.

Various different relationships can be expressed by transition words, as shown in this example.

Because Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany. Although it was an outcome the Allies had hoped to avoid, they were prepared to back up their ultimatum in order to combat the existential threat posed by the Third Reich.

Transition sentences may be included to transition between different paragraphs or sections of an essay. A good transition sentence moves the reader on to the next topic while indicating how it relates to the previous one.

… Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

However , considering the issue of personal interaction among students presents a different picture.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

  • Ad hominem fallacy
  • Post hoc fallacy
  • Appeal to authority fallacy
  • False cause fallacy
  • Sunk cost fallacy

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  • College Essay Format & Structure
  • Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

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The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

An essay isn’t just a loose collection of facts and ideas. Instead, it should be centered on an overarching argument (summarized in your thesis statement ) that every part of the essay relates to.

The way you structure your essay is crucial to presenting your argument coherently. A well-structured essay helps your reader follow the logic of your ideas and understand your overall point.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

  • The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
  • The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

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Essay Papers Writing Online

Ultimate guide to writing a five paragraph essay.

How to write a five paragraph essay

Are you struggling with writing essays? Do you find yourself lost in a sea of ideas, unable to structure your thoughts cohesively? The five paragraph essay is a tried-and-true method that can guide you through the writing process with ease. By mastering this format, you can unlock the key to successful and organized writing.

In this article, we will break down the five paragraph essay into easy steps that anyone can follow. From crafting a strong thesis statement to effectively supporting your arguments, we will cover all the essential components of a well-written essay. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned writer, these tips will help you hone your skills and express your ideas clearly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Five Paragraph Essay

Writing a successful five paragraph essay can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and strategies, it can become much more manageable. Follow these steps to master the art of writing a powerful five paragraph essay:

  • Understand the structure: The five paragraph essay consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph serves a specific purpose in conveying your message effectively.
  • Brainstorm and plan: Before you start writing, take the time to brainstorm ideas and create an outline. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay flows smoothly.
  • Write the introduction: Start your essay with a strong hook to grab the reader’s attention. Your introduction should also include a thesis statement, which is the main argument of your essay.
  • Develop the body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis. Use evidence, examples, and analysis to strengthen your argument and make your points clear.
  • Conclude effectively: In your conclusion, summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new way. Leave the reader with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can become proficient in writing five paragraph essays that are clear, coherent, and impactful. Remember to revise and edit your work for grammar, punctuation, and clarity to ensure that your essay is polished and professional.

Understanding the Structure of a Five Paragraph Essay

Understanding the Structure of a Five Paragraph Essay

When writing a five paragraph essay, it is important to understand the basic structure that makes up this type of essay. The five paragraph essay consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Introduction: The introduction is the first paragraph of the essay and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It should include a hook to grab the reader’s attention, a thesis statement that presents the main idea of the essay, and a brief overview of what will be discussed in the body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs: The body paragraphs make up the core of the essay and each paragraph should focus on a single point that supports the thesis statement. These paragraphs should include a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, supporting details or evidence, and explanations or analysis of how the evidence supports the thesis.

Conclusion: The conclusion is the final paragraph of the essay and it should summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. It should restate the thesis in different words, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the topic.

By understanding the structure of a five paragraph essay, writers can effectively organize their thoughts and present their ideas in a clear and coherent manner.

Choosing a Strong Thesis Statement

One of the most critical elements of a successful five-paragraph essay is a strong thesis statement. Your thesis statement should clearly and concisely present the main argument or point you will be making in your essay. It serves as the foundation for the entire essay, guiding the reader on what to expect and helping you stay focused throughout your writing.

When choosing a thesis statement, it’s important to make sure it is specific, debatable, and relevant to your topic. Avoid vague statements or generalizations, as they will weaken your argument and fail to provide a clear direction for your essay. Instead, choose a thesis statement that is narrow enough to be effectively supported within the confines of a five-paragraph essay, but broad enough to allow for meaningful discussion.

Tip 1: Brainstorm several potential thesis statements before settling on one. Consider different angles or perspectives on your topic to find the most compelling argument.
Tip 2: Make sure your thesis statement is arguable. You want to present a position that can be debated or challenged, as this will lead to a more engaging and persuasive essay.
Tip 3: Ensure your thesis statement directly addresses the prompt or question you are responding to. It should be relevant to the assigned topic and provide a clear focus for your essay.

By choosing a strong thesis statement, you set yourself up for a successful essay that is well-organized, coherent, and persuasive. Take the time to carefully craft your thesis statement, as it will serve as the guiding force behind your entire essay.

Developing Supporting Arguments in Body Paragraphs

When crafting the body paragraphs of your five paragraph essay, it is crucial to develop strong and coherent supporting arguments that back up your thesis statement. Each body paragraph should focus on a single supporting argument that contributes to the overall discussion of your topic.

To effectively develop your supporting arguments, consider using a table to organize your ideas. Start by listing your main argument in the left column, and then provide evidence, examples, and analysis in the right column. This structured approach can help you ensure that each supporting argument is fully developed and logically presented.

Additionally, be sure to use transitional phrases to smoothly connect your supporting arguments within and between paragraphs. Words like “furthermore,” “in addition,” and “on the other hand” can help readers follow your train of thought and understand the progression of your ideas.

Remember, the body paragraphs are where you provide the meat of your argument, so take the time to develop each supporting argument thoroughly and clearly. By presenting compelling evidence and analysis, you can effectively persuade your readers and strengthen the overall impact of your essay.

Polishing Your Writing: Editing and Proofreading Tips

Editing and proofreading are crucial steps in the writing process that can make a significant difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your essay. Here are some tips to help you polish your writing:

1. Take a break before editing: After you finish writing your essay, take a break before starting the editing process. This will help you approach your work with fresh eyes and catch mistakes more easily.

2. Read your essay aloud: Reading your essay aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing, grammar errors, and inconsistencies. This technique can also help you evaluate the flow and coherence of your writing.

3. Use a spelling and grammar checker: Utilize spelling and grammar checkers available in word processing software to catch common errors. However, be mindful that these tools may not catch all mistakes, so it’s essential to manually review your essay as well.

4. Check for coherence and organization: Make sure your ideas flow logically and cohesively throughout your essay. Ensure that each paragraph connects smoothly to the next, and that your arguments are supported by relevant evidence.

5. Look for consistency: Check for consistency in your writing style, tone, and formatting. Ensure that you maintain a consistent voice and perspective throughout your essay to keep your argument coherent.

6. Seek feedback from others: Consider asking a peer, teacher, or tutor to review your essay and provide feedback. External perspectives can help you identify blind spots and areas for improvement in your writing.

7. Proofread carefully: Finally, proofread your essay carefully to catch any remaining errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Pay attention to details and make any necessary revisions before submitting your final draft.

By following these editing and proofreading tips, you can refine your writing and ensure that your essay is polished and ready for submission.

Tips for Successful Writing: Practice and Feedback

Writing is a skill that improves with practice. The more you write, the better you will become. Set aside time each day to practice writing essays, paragraph by paragraph. This consistent practice will help you develop your writing skills and grow more confident in expressing your ideas.

Seek feedback from your teachers, peers, or mentors. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and provide valuable insights into your writing. Take their suggestions into consideration and use them to refine your writing style and structure.

  • Set writing goals for yourself and track your progress. Whether it’s completing a certain number of essays in a week or improving your introductions, having specific goals will keep you motivated and focused on your writing development.
  • Read widely to expand your vocabulary and expose yourself to different writing styles. The more you read, the more you will learn about effective writing techniques and ways to engage your readers.
  • Revise and edit your essays carefully. Pay attention to sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. A well-polished essay will demonstrate your attention to detail and dedication to producing high-quality work.

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COMMENTS

  1. 3 Paragraph Essay: Structure and Writing Guide

    A 3 paragraph essay is a concise format that emphasizes clarity and effectiveness. It allows writers to focus on the essentials and compactly present their arguments. To make your text more impactful, consider the following advice: Prioritize clarity: Define your thesis and use clear language.

  2. How to Write a Body Paragraph for a College Essay

    It makes up everything in between. In a five-paragraph, thesis-style essay (which most high schoolers encounter before heading off to college), there are three body paragraphs. Longer essays with more complex arguments will include many more body paragraphs. We might correlate body paragraphs with bodily appendages—say, a leg.

  3. How to Write a 3 Paragraph Essay: Outline and Examples

    The main body of a three-paragraph essay would look something like this: Body Paragraphs Example. Carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants in the earth's atmosphere have increased due to human activities, including power plant emissions, transportation, and deforestation.

  4. How to Write a Strong Body Paragraph for an Essay

    Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 2 min read. From magazines to academic essays, you can find body paragraphs across many forms of writing. Learn more about how to write engaging body paragraphs that support the central idea of your writing project.

  5. Three-Paragraph Essay Writing Guide for Short Essay Success

    3 Pre-Writing and Planning. 3.1 Tips for Selecting a Suitable Topic for a Concise Essay. 3.2 Outlining. 3.3 Crafting a Clear and Concise Thesis Statement that Guides Your Essay. 4 Writing the Three-Paragraph Essay. 4.1 Crafting a Strong Hook to Engage the Reader. 4.2 Crafting a Compelling and Relevant Title for Your Essay.

  6. Body Paragraphs: How to Write Perfect Ones

    A body paragraph is any paragraph in the middle of an essay, paper, or article that comes after the introduction but before the conclusion.Generally, body paragraphs support the work's thesis and shed new light on the main topic, whether through empirical data, logical deduction, deliberate persuasion, or anecdotal evidence.

  7. Essay Structure: The 3 Main Parts of an Essay

    Basic essay structure: the 3 main parts of an essay. Almost every single essay that's ever been written follows the same basic structure: Introduction. Body paragraphs. Conclusion. This structure has stood the test of time for one simple reason: It works. It clearly presents the writer's position, supports that position with relevant ...

  8. 9.2 Writing Body Paragraphs

    Key Takeaways. Your body paragraphs should closely follow the path set forth by your thesis statement. Strong body paragraphs contain evidence that supports your thesis. Primary support comprises the most important points you use to support your thesis. Strong primary support is specific, detailed, and relevant to the thesis.

  9. Anatomy of a Body Paragraph

    A strong paragraph in an academic essay will usually include these three elements: A topic sentence. The topic sentence does double duty for a paragraph. First, a strong topic sentence makes a claim or states a main idea that is then developed in the rest of the paragraph. Second, the topic sentence signals to readers how the paragraph is ...

  10. How to write a three-paragraph essay

    The three-paragraph essay consists of an introduction, a body paragraph, and a conclusion. Your introduction needs to announce your topic, engage your reader, and present your argument or point of view. In persuasive writing, your thesis should be debatable, provable, specific, and clear. Your body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that ...

  11. How to Write the Body of an Essay

    The body is always divided into paragraphs. You can work through the body in three main stages: Create an outline of what you want to say and in what order. Write a first draft to get your main ideas down on paper. Write a second draft to clarify your arguments and make sure everything fits together. This article gives you some practical tips ...

  12. PDF Model Three-Paragraph Essay

    MODEL THREE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY Second Paragraph: Body Sentence 7: Supporting Sentences Write one or two sentences that support the second point. Example: The Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona, a very interesting and beautiful tourist attraction in the United States. 12. MODEL THREE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY

  13. Writing a Three-Paragraph Essay

    You can use this to craft an informative essay. See if other types of essays-such as a process analysis or an evaluation-will fit inside the three-paragraph essay format. In many ways, the three-paragraph essay is similar to the five-paragraph essay. They both make a solid point using an introduction, body, and conclusion.

  14. How Do I Write an Intro, Conclusion, & Body Paragraph?

    Part I: The Introduction. An introduction is usually the first paragraph of your academic essay. If you're writing a long essay, you might need 2 or 3 paragraphs to introduce your topic to your reader. A good introduction does 2 things: Gets the reader's attention. You can get a reader's attention by telling a story, providing a statistic ...

  15. How to Write an Essay Outline

    Revised on July 23, 2023. An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph, giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold. You'll sometimes be asked to submit an essay outline as a separate ...

  16. A Guide to Writing a Three-Paragraph Essay

    Three-paragraph essays are commonly comprised of three parts: An introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Despite this type of essay, unlike its five-paragraph counterpart, each section has only one paragraph. Therefore, the three-paragraph paper suits young writers or those already mastering English. 1. Brief Introduction.

  17. How to Write an Argumentative Essay

    In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings. Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence. Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don't ...

  18. Body Paragraph

    A body paragraph has three major components: (1) topic sentence, (2) explanation, (3) supporting details. Without any of them, the body paragraph seems to be missing something, and will not add anything to the theme and central idea of the essay. Topic Sentence. The topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph, and states the main idea ...

  19. The Ultimate Guide to Writing a 5 Paragraph Essay

    The next three paragraphs make up the body of the essay, where you present your main points or arguments. Each paragraph should focus on a single point with supporting evidence or examples to back it up. The final paragraph is the conclusion, where you summarize your main points and restate your thesis.

  20. How to Structure an Essay

    The basic structure of an essay always consists of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. But for many students, the most difficult part of structuring an essay is deciding how to organize information within the body. This article provides useful templates and tips to help you outline your essay, make decisions about your structure, and ...

  21. How to Write a Five-Paragraph Essay, With Examples

    The five-paragraph essay format is a guide that helps writers structure an essay. It consists of one introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs for support, and one concluding paragraph. Because of this structure, it has been nicknamed the "hamburger essay," the "one-three-one essay," and the "three-tier essay.".

  22. Mastering the Five Paragraph Essay: Easy Steps for Successful Writing

    Check for coherence and organization: Make sure your ideas flow logically and cohesively throughout your essay. Ensure that each paragraph connects smoothly to the next, and that your arguments are supported by relevant evidence. 5. Look for consistency: Check for consistency in your writing style, tone, and formatting.

  23. PDF The Anatomy of a Body Paragraph

    A strong paragraph in an academic essay will usually include these three elements: • A topic sentence. The topic sentence does double duty for a paragraph. First, a strong topic sentence makes a claim or states a main idea that is then developed in the rest of the paragraph. Second, the topic sentence signals to readers how the