Writing a Five Paragraph Essay

Daily Review:

As a whole class, we will review the steps of the writing process: choosing a topic, prewriting, drafting, editing, revising, final draft.

Statement of Objectives:

To organize our points and ideas into a formal essay, starting with intro, continuing with supportive paragraphs, and conclusion in final paragraph.

Presentation of Information:

Students will be given a (general) topic to start off with, instead of coming up with one themselves, so as to minimize indecisions.

Guided Practice:

As a whole class, we will construct a five paragraph essay, following the steps of the writing process. We will utilize several forms of technology. Once we have selected a topic, and made a skeleton outline (with roman numerals), the class will split into three groups. Using large sheets of butcher paper, the first group will make a graphic organizer for the first paragraph (subtopic), the second group for the second subtopic, and the third group for the third subtopic. As a whole class, we will reconvene and begin writing a rough draft, based on the graphic organizers. Using a word processing program, we will type up the body paragraphs. Next, we will discuss the method for writing introductions and conclusions, using the general to specific method for intros, and specific to general for conclusions. Next, students will break into five groups, each assigned to a paragraph of the essay. In these groups, students will edit the paragraph. As a whole class we will redraft, based on the given revisions.

Independent Practice:

Students will be given a topic to turn into a five paragraph essay, using the steps of the writing process. Inspiration will be used to compile graphic organizers, and to form an outline. A word processing program will be utilized for composing the essay. They will use a teacher-generated rubric to guide them with their essay.

Formative Evaluation:

Students will evaluate sample five paragraph essays, ranging in quality. They will use the same rubric (see independent practice) to evaluate the essay. They will be given all steps of the essays to look at: prewriting, drafting, editing, and final drafts.