The 5-paragraph essay is like an old uniform that you’re not exactly excited to put back on. However, it is a very effective tool for you to show your knowledge on essay questions on quizzes. At first, the thought of five paragraphs is intimidating, but organizationThe structured arrangement of biological systems. and tactics make it easy for you to show the instructor your knowledge.
This website has a very nice example of a 5 paragraph essay with a breakdown by paragraph.
Example 5 Paragraph Essay on Cats
Man’s best friend has historically been considered a dog. But dogs are not the only animal friend whose camaraderie people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make excellent house pets because they are good companions, they are civilized members of the household, and they are easy to care for. Let me tell you why.
Cats are good companions. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted or scratched under the chin, and who can resist a purring cat? If they’re not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful; they love to chase balls and feathers — or just about anything dangling from a string. And when they’re tired from chasing laser pointers, cats will curl up in your lap to nap. Cats are loyal housemates.
Cats are also civilized housemates. Unlike dogs, cats don’t bark or make other loud noises; most cats don’t even meow that often. Cats don’t usually have accidents; mother cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time on. Cats do have claws, but a tall scratching post in a favorite cat area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture alone. Compared with other pets, cats are actually quite polite.
Cats are easy to care for. They don’t have to be walked because they get plenty of exercise in the house as they play. Even cleaning their litter box can be a quick, painless procedure. Cats also take care of their own grooming; bathing a cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary circumstances cats clean themselves. Cats are so easy to care for they can be left home alone for a few hours without fear.
Cats are low maintenance, civilized companions. People who have small living quarters appreciate having a cat. People who have less time for pet care appreciate having a cat. However, even people who have plenty of space and time still opt to have a cat because they love the cat personality. In many ways, cats are an ideal house pet.
Modified from Kathy Livingston (http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/sample.html)
Essay Writing
Writing essay answers is a complex process. Students must employ a problem-solving process to complete an essay. All questions use certain terms or qualifier words that indicate the type of answer that is needed. It is important that these terms be understood to help you analyze and define the question.
Types of Essay Questions:
- Define, Identity, Indicate, List, Mention
- Present the bare facts: a date, name, or phrase. In short, provide a concise answer
- Describe, discuss, summarize, develop
- Tell about a specific topic with a certain amount of detail.
- Analyze, compare, contrast, differentiate, distinguish, relate
- Describe the similarities, differences, or associations between two or more subjects
- Explain, demonstrate, prove, support
- Show (don’t just state) why something is the way it is. Put forth logical evidence or arguments to support a specific statement
- Assess, evaluate, comment, criticize, interpret, apply
- Give your opinion or judgment on a subject PLUS justify and support it.
Before you start writing…
- Analyze the Question
- Read the question and underline key terms to use in your answer.
- Define the key terms before using them in your answer.
- Identify important instructions such as “compare” or “contrast.”
- Determine if the question is divided into sub-questions.
- Plan a Solution
- Put down preliminary information such as facts, figures, and symbols in a “memoryThe ability to store and recall information. dump.”
- Organize an outline of major topics of the question, supporting details of those topics, and scientific terms that are used in the question
- Answer the Question
Example 1
Describe what is meant by a balanced chemical equation. Give two examples to demonstrate this concept.
Notice that:
- “Describe” is the test or qualifier term
- “Balanced chemical equation” is the key scientific term.
- This question is made of two parts.
- The second part asks for two examples.
Example 2
Differentiate between dehydration synthesisA reaction in which water is removed to join molecules together. and hydrolysis. Give two examples of specific moleculesGroups of atoms bonded together. involved in these reactions.
Note that:
- “Differentiate” is the test or qualifier term.
- “Dehydration synthesis,” “hydrolysis,” “molecules,” and “reactions” are the scientific terms to include in your answer.
- The second part of the question asks for “specific examples.”
As You Write…
Begin with a thesis sentence, sentences, or paragraph. This should restate the problem and indicate how you will answer the question.
The body of the essay contains supporting information. Write a body paragraph about each major point and support it with detailed information. Don’t add unnecessary words to embellish the essay. Use the terms in the question. Include a concluding sentence, sentences, or paragraph that summarizes how you have answered the question.
When you are done…
Re-read the essay. Compare the content to the original outline.
Does your essay have the following characteristics?
- Accuracy
- Relevancy
- Organized
- Complete
- Correct grammar
- Neatness
List of terms
- organization
- memory
- dehydration synthesis
- molecules