How to Write a 5-Paragraph Essay

3 sections

1. Introduction (first paragraph)

2. Body (3 middle paragraphs)

3. Conclusion (final paragraph)

Introduction

• First “hook” the reader with an interesting statement– Not: “In this essay I will explain…”

– Try: According to the World Food Program (WFO), if women farmers had the same access to resources as men, the number of hungry in the world could be reduced by up to 150 million.

Introduction

• Introduce the topic:

– There are a number of factors which keep women from contributing in the poorest countries on Earth…

Introduction

• Write a thesis statement that states the point you will be arguing in your essay.

– Making gender equality a priority will not only empower more women to succeed, but will improve the lives of everyone on the planet.

Body• 3 paragraphs. Each one should support the

thesis in some way.i. Since the 1970s, development work has shifted

towards women’s empowerment. This is called WID, or “Women in Development.”

ii. Hans Rosling has shown that once women are given access to education, countries progress towards more social development and higher incomes.

iii. The only real criticisms to the WID approach are that it does not always go far enough.

Body• Remember:– Only use information relevant to the thesis– Make proper use of transition words:• Moreover• In fact,• In addition to,• As a result…

– Each paragraph should be between 5 & 8 sentences comprised of one topic sentence, 3-6 supporting sentences, and one concluding sentence.

Conclusion• The final paragraph will re-assert your thesis– Improving women’s lives, will make everyone’s life

better.• It should point out your main points, but should

not repeat specific examples.– There is no real disagreement with these points in the

global development community.• Often it is a good idea to suggest what needs to

be done in the future.– What we really need now is for governments and

policy makers to respond appropriately to this data.

Sources

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_development

• http://www.unrisd.org/

• http://www.wfp.org/