Mastering the Five Paragraph Essay: One Time

Learn the basics of formal and informal essay writing.  This course is great for beginning writers and those needing a refresher.

Learning how to write an essay is essential because it builds a foundation for clear and organized communication. Through essay writing, students develop critical thinking skills and learn to present their ideas in a structured format. Each paragraph must have a purpose, and mastering this helps them convey their arguments logically and persuasively. Writing essays also prepares you for academic and professional success, where clear writing is a valuable skill.

This course breaks down how each paragraph in an essay should be developed.
During this course, students will learn how to construct a basic five paragraph essay:

• Introduction (hook, thesis statement)
• Body Paragraphs (topic sentence, supporting details, closing/transitional sentence)
• Conclusion (“upside-down” introduction)

During the class, we will discuss the importance of structuring each paragraph, developing and organizing thoughts and ideas, outlining, and revisions.

Students will be given three prompts to choose from.
They will have one week to complete and submit their first draft essay.
All essays will be reviewed and receive feedback.
Feedback will be given in-text and on a rubric.

Students will have the opportunity to complete revisions and resubmit their essays.
The first submission will receive detailed feedback.
The final submission will receive a weighted rubric grade.
*Both feedback forms are attached and available to view upon enrollment.
**If a percentage grade is not desired, please let the instructor know.

While this is a one-time class, a lot is learned, and students leave feeling more confident about their writing abilities!

Additional handouts will be provided to assist with the completion of this course.

Objectives:
Students will learn how to construct a basic five paragraph essay.
Students will learn how to develop an outline.
Students will learn the elements of an essay.
Students will revise and edit their first draft.