SUBJECT MATERIAL

How to Write a Five-Paragraph Essay

Many students find it challenging to write a good essay. Often, the main challenge is to organize

and develop the ideas and arguments in a clear and coherent way. Sometimes a step-by-step

description can help students on their way and make essay writing a more manageable task.

The five-paragraph essay is often assigned to students to help them in this process. A good five-
paragraph essay is a lot like a triple-decker burger, and it is therefore often called the hamburger
essay. It requires a clear introduction and conclusion (the top and bottom bun) that hold the main
body of the essay (the burger and all the juicy stuff) in place.

Before you start writing an essay, you need to get organised. Read through the task you are given
several times, underlining important words that tell you what you are expected to do. Pay special
attention to the verbs in the task you are given ('discuss', 'summarise', 'give an account of',
'argue'…). Make sure you do what you are asked and that you answer the whole question, not
just parts of it.

Structure

Introduction

The introduction to a text is extremely important. A good introduction should accomplish three
things:

• Firstly, try to capture the reader’s interest and create a desire to read on and learn
more. There are many ways to achieve this. For example, you can start with a relevant
quotation from a famous person or a short anecdote. You could also present some
interesting statistics, state a startling fact, or simply pose a challenging question.

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 • Secondly, provide the reader with the necessary information to understand the main
body of the text. Explain what the paper is about and why this topic is important.
What is the specific focus of this paper? Include background information about your
topic to establish its context.

• Thirdly, present your approach to the topic and your thesis statement. The thesis
statement is the main idea of the essay expressed in a single sentence. Make sure your
thesis statement comes out clearly in your introduction.

Body
The body of the essay consists of three paragraphs, each limited to one idea that supports your
thesis. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence: a sentence that presents the main idea
of the paragraph. The first paragraph should contain the strongest argument and the most
significant examples, while the third paragraph should contain the weakest arguments and
examples. Include as much explanation and discussion as is necessary to explain the main point
of the paragraph. You should try to use details and specific examples to make your ideas clear
and convincing.

In order to create a coherent text, you must avoid jumping from one idea to the next. Always
remember: one idea per paragraph. A good essay needs good transitions between the different
paragraphs. Use the end of one paragraph and/or the beginning of the next to show the
relationship between the two ideas. This transition can be built into the topic sentence of the next
paragraph, or it can be the concluding sentence of the first.

You can also use linking words to introduce the next paragraph. Examples of linking words
are: in fact, on the whole, furthermore, as a result, simply put, for this reason, similarly, likewise,
it follows that, naturally, by comparison, surely, yet, firstly, secondly, thirdly …

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Conclusion
This is your fifth and final paragraph. The conclusion is what the reader will read last and
remember best. Therefore, it is important that it is well written. In the conclusion, you should
summarize your main points and re-assert your main claim. The conclusion should wrap up all
that is said before, without starting off on a new topic. Avoid repeating specific examples.

There are several ways to end an essay. You need to find a way to leave your reader with a sense
of closure. The easiest way to do this is simply to repeat the main points of the body of your text
in the conclusion, but try to do this in a way that sums up rather than repeats. Another way to do
it is to answer a question that you posed in the introduction. You may also want to include a
relevant quotation that throws light on your message.

A few notes before you hand in your essay

After you have finished, read through your essay with a critical eye. Does your thesis statement
in the introduction match the discussion in the main body and the conclusive statements in the
final paragraph? It is important that you build your text logically, so that each part of the essay
supports, proves, and reflects your thesis.

You should also remember that a good writer of formal essays:

• does not use abbreviations or contractions.

• does not use first-person pronouns, such as 'I', 'me' and 'my'. It is better to make your
statements more general, using 'it is commonly believed that', 'we tend to think',
'scientists argue that'…

• does not engage in personal stories. Stories about your own life experiences, or the
experiences of your friends or families do not belong in academic writing.

• does not use a language which is too casual, such as sentences that begin with words
like 'well', 'sure', 'now', 'yes', 'no' ...

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 • does not use slang. Words like 'gonna' and 'wanna' are not accepted in formal essays.

• does not start sentences with conjunctions: 'but', 'and', 'or', 'because'…”.

• uses linking words. This creates better logic and coherence in your text.

Task:
Below we have structured three short essays for you and given you the topic sentences for each
paragraph. Choose one of them and write it as a full text. Add facts and reflections under each
paragraph. Make sure there are good transitions between the paragraphs.

The importance of learning English

1. Introduction: the importance of learning English

2. Living in a multicultural world

3. International job market

4. A better travelling experience

5. Conclusion

The importance of a good education

1. Introduction: the importance of a good education

2. Competitive job market

3. Independence

4. Personal growth

5. Conclusion
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Living in a digital world

1. Introduction: living in a digital world

2. Important for working life

3. Important in communication

4. Part of our everyday lives

5. Conclusion

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Writing Introduction Paragraphs
First impressions are important in any part of life, also in writing. If the introduction is dull,

unstructured, or disjointed, it is likely that your reader will lose interest and stop reading.

Think carefully about your opening line and aim to get the reader’s attention.

Why are introductions so important?

Introductions act as bridges that transport your readers from their own lives into the world of
your thoughts and analyses. For example, if a reader is going to understand and enjoy your
paper about language and style in Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, they need a transition to
help them leave behind their own world and temporarily enter the British Victorian world and
the life of a street urchin. By providing an introduction that helps your reader make this
transition, you give your reader the tools they need to get into your topic and care about what
you are saying.

Successful introductions achieve the following:

• they whet the reader’s appetite for what is coming.

• they provide the reader with the necessary information to understand the main
body of the text.

• they introduce the thesis statement (or thesis question) that will be supported in
the body paragraphs.

How to structure your introduction

Different text types will demand different types of introductions. For example, reports or
newspaper articles usually have short and functional introductions where you immediately
go to the heart of the question. The start of a report could look something like this:

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The purpose of this report is to investigate the reasons behind the rise in computer gaming
addiction among teenagers. The report will also recommend preventive measures for
computer gaming addiction.
Introductions in newspaper articles can be even shorter, often consisting of a headline and
one sentence expanding on the headline:

Biden pitches 'once in a generation investment' to Congress

US President Joe Biden has laid out a sweeping investment plan for jobs, education, and
social care in his first speech to a joint session of Congress.
Expository, persuasive, analytical, or personal texts, on the other hand, require a longer and
less abrupt form of introduction, and this is what we will be focusing on here. In these
introductions you should briefly introduce the topic and outline your key ideas. But you also
need to provide context and try to hook the reader’s interest.

A good way to structure your introduction is by using a funnel technique. This means that you
start broadly, introducing a ‘hook’ – an engaging statement that is devised to provoke your
readers’ attention. Then narrow the focus of the essay with a few sentences stating general
facts or ideas about the subject (the ‘bridge’). As you move deeper into your introduction, you
gradually narrow the focus, moving closer to your thesis statement, which is usually
introduced at the end of the paragraph.

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What is a hook?
A hook is usually a sentence or a group of sentences that make people interested in your
essay and engage your readers. It is something that sparks a person’s curiosity, appeals to
their emotions or logic, or provokes the reader. You want whoever reads your essay to get
engaged with what you are saying.

Too many essays start with ‘In this text I’m going to write about’… This is a fairly
unimaginative way to introduce a topic and won't gain you many readers. Instead, try to get
your readers personally involved by doing any of the following:

Open with a relevant quotation

If you choose a memorable quotation that has a clear connection to what you’re writing
about, the words will do the attention-grabbing work for you. Find a quote that is in some
way relevant for your topic, background information, and thesis statement.

For example, if you’re writing an essay about how language and identity is intertwined, you
could start in this way:

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The American poet John Ciardi once said: "Tell me how much a nation knows about its own
language, and I will tell you how much that nation knows about its own identity."
Quotations don't have to be from famous people as long as they are relevant for your topic,
but remember to quote the person’s words verbatim.

Raise a question
Posing an open-ended question at the beginning of your text will often catch the reader’s
attention and leave them wanting more. Do not pose yes/no questions; instead, give the
reader something to think about. Make sure that it’s a question that requires that the
audience reads the essay to find the answer. For example:

Why shouldn’t everyone have access to free health care?

Why is it that we continue to take Mother Nature for granted?

Open with a strong statement

Another smart way to hook the reader is to kick off your essay with a solid declaration of your
argument or position. This will create a sense of urgency. The reader may not agree with you,
but they will be intrigued to see how you support your assertion. For example:

Of all writers that have lived, no one has been more influential than Shakespeare.

If you want to succeed, grit and perseverance is much more important than talent.

Refer to startling statistics or surprising facts

Using statistics is a way to gain your reader’s trust by showing your expertise early, and it will
reinforce the points you make in the rest of your arguments.

For example, in a research essay about the link between sleep and stress, you could begin
with statistics from the American Psychological Association:

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According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, 43% of all adults
claim that stress has caused them to lie awake at night in the past month.
Introducing a surprising fact related to your topic at the beginning of the introduction, can
also be an attention grabber:

There are more slaves in the world today than at any point in human history.

Papua New Guinea, with a population of 8.6 million, has a total of 839 languages.

Include a story or an anecdote

Depending on the nature of your essay or article, anecdotes or brief references to interesting
incidents related to your topic can be an effective way to start your text. For example:

Einstein came to Princeton University in 1935 and was asked what he would require for his
study. He replied: "A desk, some pads and a pencil, and a large wastebasket to hold all of my
mistakes."

Some useful phrases ... and some phrases to avoid.

Below, you will find some useful phrases that you can use in an introduction, but also a list of
things that you should avoid when writing the first paragraph of an essay.

Phrases that you can include in your introduction

• This paper/essay/article ...

examines / analyses / discusses / explains / describes / introduces / develops / presents /

contains / concentrates on / demonstrates / proves / argues in favour of ...

• It is generally agreed that …

• According to ...

• Recent research in this area has found …

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 • Over the past five year, the media has increasingly reported …

• Increasing numbers of people are …

• There is an overall trend towards …

• While many people will typically agree that …, few would deny claims that …

• In order to explore these issues in more depth, this paper …

• In approaching this issue, one should …

• This raises the question as to whether …

What to avoid in an introduction

• Avoid bombarding the reader with data and facts. You can include one or two
sentences with statistics and facts, but only to provide an overview of the essay
topic. Details and analysis of the topic will come later, in the main body of the text.

• Avoid referring to dictionaries or Wikipedia articles.

• Avoid using quotations or hooks that have no relationship whatsoever to the topic
you are discussing.

• Avoid words and expressions that hold no real meaning or make you sound unsure
of yourself. Be precise.

• Avoid the following or similar-sounding phrases:

Today I am going to write about …

This essay is about …
My teacher asked me to write an essay about …
My essay will describe …
I hope to establish …
I think I will prove ...
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TASKS AND ACTIVITES

Tasks: Writing Introduction Paragraphs

Show competence goals

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CC BY-SA
Image: Siren Halvorsen

Discuss:
Below, you are presented with three different introductions for an essay discussing penalties for
drunk driving in the United States.

1. For each of the introductions, identify the hook, the bridge and the thesis
statement. Determine which hook technique has been used in each of the three
examples.

2. Which of the three introductions do you find most effective? Why? Is there anything
you would have changed?

Example 1:

A few weeks back, we could read in the newspaper about Anne (24), a popular and bright
medical student, who was hit by a car and killed on her way to the university. The driver was a
17-year-old boy who had been binging for days before he took his father’s car for a spin. This
was the third fatal accident caused by drunk driving this month. Sadly, Anne’s story is not an
isolated case. Every day, about 29 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes, and
while there is an overall decrease in the number of fatalities, there is still work to do before
everyone can feel safe on the streets. This paper puts forwards the argument that drunk-driving
laws must be adjusted to enforce stricter penalties for anyone found guilty of driving under the
influence of alcohol. This claim will be supported by exploring how drunk driving leads to
premature deaths, serious injuries, and billions of dollars spent on medical expenses.

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Example 2:

Every day, 29 people in the United States die in car accidents that involve an alcohol-impaired
driver. This is the equivalent of one death every 50 minutes. In addition to the human sufferings
that these accidents result in, the annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $44
billion. The number of drunk-driving accidents have been going down in the past few years, but
the number of fatalities is still too high, and the consequences are still devastating for the victims
of DUI*. In this paper, we will be looking at the far-reaching consequences of drunk-driving for
the individual, for the community and for society at large, and ask the question whether stricter
penalties should be enforced for anyone found guilty of drunk-driving.

*DUI = Driving under the influence

Example 3:

“Education is important, but we’re to the point where almost everyone knows they shouldn’t
drink and drive. The people who are still doing it are choosing to do it. The most effective way to
deal with them is to arrest them”. These are the strong words of David Kelly, who lost his son in
2015 when a drunk driver lost control of his car. Although laws differ from state to state, the
consequences of being charged with DUI have increased in all parts of the United States. Still, in
spite of larger fines and longer licence suspension periods, there are still 10 000 people killed
every year as a result of drunk driving. What more can we do to reduce the number of victims?
Should the penalties be made even stricter than they are today?

Write:
It's not easy to write a good introduction. Below you will find an introduction that is not very
good.

Work together in pairs or small groups.

1. Discuss: What is wrong with this introduction? Is there anything you would like to
remove or change? Is there anything you would like to add?

2. Work alone or together and rewrite the introduction. Start with a good hook, then
include a few sentences with background information before you present the thesis
statement. You are free to include or leave out information you find relevant or
irrelevant.

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 3. Compare your final answers with each other and with the suggested introduction
presented below.

In this text I’m going to write about the internet. We talked in class about how the internet has
changed the world of education, and my teacher told us how he had grown up without the
internet. He said that teaching is more challenging with the internet than without it. According to
Wikipedia, the origins of the internet date back to the United States Department of Defence in
the 1960s, and it has developed a lot since then. Today, about 3.5 billion people in the world are
online. That’s a lot. I’m not sure if the internet is a positive or a negative thing, but I hope we can
find out this by the end of this text.
Suggested answer:

Write and compare:

Imagine that your teacher has asked you to write an essay about the following:

For many years there has been a considerable conflict between politicians, farmers, and animal
rights activists in Norway regarding the protection of wolves.

Write an essay where you discuss to what extent wolves in Norway should be protected.
You are now going to write the introduction to this essay.

1. Choose one of the starting hooks below, or find one of your own. In your
introduction, remember to include a bridge between the hook and the thesis statement.

(Remember: do not start your introduction with 'In this essay I am going to write
about ...')

2. Compare your introduction with those of other students and give each other peer
feedback. Would you change any part of your own introduction?

Hooks:

• According to Aftenposten, the number of wolves in Norway has been reduced by

50% in the last ten years.

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 • What is our responsibility as a nation to preserve these wild animals?

• Every year, more people are killed by falling coconuts than by hungry wolves.

• Why should it be more dangerous to live in the countryside than in the city?

• “Humanity can no longer stand by in silence while our wildlife is being used, abused
and exploited. It is time we all stand together, to be the voice of the voiceless before
it's too late. Extinction means forever.” (Paul Oxton, founder of WHWF*)

• What is most important: the livelihood of our farmers or the wildlife of Norway?

• The last documented case of a person in Norway killed by a pack of wolves happened
on 28. December in 1800.

*Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation

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Writing Body Paragraphs
Dividing your text into logical and clear paragraphs is vital, because they show the reader

how the text is structured and what belongs where.

Show competence goals

Open image in new window

CC BY-SA
Image: Siren Halvorsen

Structuring a good paragraph

A strong paragraph contains three elements:

• a clear topic sentence

• supporting details

• a concluding sentence

A topic sentence is the most important sentence in a paragraph. The function of the topic
sentence is to help organise the paragraph by clearly stating the central idea and preparing the
reader for what the paragraph will be about. A topic sentence is usually (but not always)
presented at the beginning of the paragraph.

The other sentences in a paragraph are supporting sentences. They add information to and
elaborate on the information in the topic sentence, offering examples, explanations, facts, and
more detailed information. It is very important that the supporting sentences all pull in the same
direction and stay on topic. Using transitional words, such as 'next', 'similarly', 'moreover', and

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similar words, will help build the unity and coherence that the paragraph needs, because such
words show that the supporting sentences build on each other and clearly relate to the topic
sentence.

A paragraph should also have a concluding sentence. This kind of sentence serves two purposes:
it concludes the paragraph, so that the reader fully understands the meaning of the paragraph, and
it also allows for a smooth transition between the concluding sentence of one paragraph and the
topic sentence of the next. Good transitions highlight the key information that connects one
paragraph to the next and help create a logical flow between ideas.

Example
Let's take a look at an example of a body paragraph where these elements are in place. This is a
paragraph taken from a student research paper about poverty and social conditions in the United
Kingdom. The first sentence is the topic sentence, and it gives the reader information about what
this paragraph will be about:

Many people claim that the most important reason for the increase in social differences in
Britain during the last decade has been the government´s austerity programme.
The next part, which is also the longest part of the paragraph, gives the reader more information
about the austerity programme, why it was introduced, and some of its consequences. They all
support the topic sentence by providing more information and detail about the topic in question:

The austerity programme is a campaign of budget cutting that was introduced by the
Conservative-led government in 2010 in the aftermath of the global recession of 2008. The
programme was introduced to reduce the deficit of the government’s budget through spending
cuts on welfare payments, housing subsidies, and social services. As a result of the austerity
programme, the deficit of the national budget has been reduced. However, the social
consequences of the programme for the British people have been severe. It has led to thousands
of citizens living without enough food, and many families have become reliant on aid
organisations. With a reduction in social services, it has become difficult for unemployed people
and people with low-income jobs to live normal and regulated lifestyles.
The final sentence of a body paragraph should signal to the reader that you are about to move on.
The concluding sentence below does two things: it sums up in one sentence the most important
information that has been discussed, and it opens up for a new discussion going in a different

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direction in the next paragraph. For example, you could easily move on to a paragraph about the
situation for unemployed people, for people with disabilities, or a paragraph about child poverty:

While the programme may have helped the nation to recover financially from the recession, it is
clearly taking its toll on the most vulnerable in society, such as the unemployed, people with
disabilities, and families with children.
Body paragraph in full:

Write the next topic sentence

Building on the example above, think about how the text would continue. What would the topic
sentence of the next paragraph be? Write down three examples of strong topic sentences that
give the reader a clear understanding of the direction in which you are planning on going.

When you have finished you can move on to the rest of the tasks about body paragraphs.

TASKS AND ACTIVITES

Tasks: Writing Body Paragraphs

A short reminder of what should be included in a strong paragraph:

• A topic sentence. This is usually at the beginning of the paragraph, but it can also be
found other places in the paragraph.

• 4-6 supporting sentences that explain and give more detail about the topic sentence.

• A concluding sentence that ends and sums up the paragraph.

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Discuss:
In the box below, you will find a paragraph from an essay about the advantages of school
uniforms. This particular paragraph explains how school uniforms can reduce bullying and
teasing.

However, the writer has some work to do here. The paragraph is very unstructured and
disjointed.

I think school uniforms would be great for our school. Don’t misunderstand; I know that clothing
is a way to express your personality, and you lose that part. Also, school uniforms are really
ugly, and they are often made of polyester, which I never wear because it is really harmful for
the environment. (It releases microplastics into the water when you wash it.) But still, I believe
school uniforms would be great (if they would only make them a bit more stylish), because I
think it would reduce bullying and teasing. Most people have been teased at some point or
another because of their clothing, and that’s no fun. Believe me, I know. I've been bullied a lot
over the years. If you are stone broke and can’t afford the latest in fashion, school uniforms
would be a great help.

Step 1. Go through the text with another student and discuss:

1. What would you keep in this text?

2. What would you discard? Why?

3. Does the text have a strong and clear topic sentence? Would you like to improve it?

4. Is there a good concluding sentence? How could you end this paragraph in a better
way?

5. What would you do to make the text more academic and formal?

6. Does the writer get their point across despite the lack of structure?

Step 2. Work together or alone:

Rewrite the paragraph. Make it more formal and structured. Make sure you have a clear topic
sentence, relevant supporting sentences, and a strong concluding sentence.

You will find a suggested answer in the expandable box below.

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Suggested answer:

Write:
Practise writing paragraphs.

Below are a number of topic sentences. In brackets, you will find a hint telling you what the rest
of the paragraph should contain.

Step 1: Choose one of the topic sentences below and write a suitable paragraph. Make sure you
follow the instructions given in the brackets.

Step 2: When you have completed the paragraph, decide on a topic sentence for the next
paragraph. This sentence should give the reader a clear understanding of what you will focus on
in the next section of your text. Make sure there is a good transition between the final sentence of
your paragraph and the topic sentence.

Step 3: Once you have completed the paragraph and the topic sentence, share your work with
other students. Give each other peer feedback. Are the paragraphs well structured? Have
transitional phrases been used in the topic sentence of the next paragraph?

1. Essay on democracy in the United States:

'The United States was the first democratic country in the world.' (Give a definition.)

2. Essay on the importance of having a lingua franca:

'Long after the fall of the Roman Empire, Latin continued to be important as a lingua
franca.' (Give a definition.)

3. Essay on the most important languages of the world:

'Although spoken by hundreds of millions of people, Chinese is still relatively
insignificant as a global language.' (Explain.)

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4. Essay on the advantage of studying abroad:
'First, studying abroad will develop your character and make you a much more
independent person.' (Explain.)

5. Essay on visiting Australia:

'As a tourist destination, it is hard to beat Australia for pure variety.' (Give examples.)

6. Essay on your favourite pet:

'There are many reasons why buying a cat is a better choice than buying a dog.' (Give
examples.)

7. Essay on voting rights:

'It makes complete sense to allow 16-year-olds to vote.' (Defend the statement.)

8. Essay on Russetid:
'Of course students should be allowed to celebrate having completed 13 years of
school.' (Defend the statement.)

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Writing Conclusion Paragraphs
You only have the conclusion left before you can call it a day and hand in your essay. But what

should you put into this final paragraph? How do you write a good conclusion?

Show competence goals

Conclusions can sometimes be a bit tricky to write, and for some students the conclusion is the
most dreaded part of essay writing. But they are worth investing time in, as they can have a
significant influence on the reader’s experience of your paper. It is the last thing they read and
what they will remember the best.

A good conclusion should do the following:

• End the essay in a rounded way and give the reader a feeling of closure.

• Link all your ideas together and sum up your arguments or opinions.

• Answer your thesis question.

You can think of conclusions as the opposite of an introduction: Introductions start broadly,
introducing the topic in general terms before it is narrowed down to a thesis statement that is
presented at the end of the paragraph. In a conclusion, you turn this funneling process upside
down: you start with the specific (your thesis statement), then paraphrase and synthesize the
main ideas from your text before you end up with general reflections about the topic you have
been writing about.

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Introductions and conclusions function together as the frame around the argument of your essay.
It might be a good idea to write both the introduction and the conclusion to your text at the end
of the writing process, and to write them at the same time. Then you can be certain that the two
paragraphs mirror each other and that they are both clearly relevant to the main body of your
text.

Summary vs conclusion
One important thing to keep in mind is the difference between a summary and a conclusion. In
the past, you may have been told that your conclusion should include your thesis statement and a
summary of your main points. It is useful to go through some of your arguments from the text in
the conclusion, but if you really want the reader to remember your text and reflect upon your
findings, you should go beyond simply repeating what you have already said. A summary will
not leave your reader with anything other than a refreshed memory of what they have previously
read.

Instead, your aim should be to offer the reader something new to think about or at least a new
way of thinking about what you have said in your paper. So instead of merely summarising your
text, you should try to combine your ideas and create new reflections for the reader. However,
you should never include totally new ideas in your conclusion. Everything you write about in
your final paragraph should be related to the content of the main body of your text.

Example
Conclusions vary depending on the topic, the writer, and the genre. Here, we are going to look at
a conclusion taken from a research paper about the importance of improving educational
opportunities in developing countries. In the main body, the writer has been discussing the
benefits of universal education – for the individual and for society in general. The first sentence
in bold is a reiteration of the thesis statement from the introduction: "How can improved
educational opportunities benefit developing countries?"

We can clearly see the benefits of improved educational opportunities for people in developing
countries.
Here, we see that the sentence is clearly related to the thesis statement, but it is not a word for
word repetition of it. The sentence also points back to the discussion in the body of the text: "We
can clearly see..."

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The next few lines in the conclusion are a presentation of the most important points that have
been discussed in the main body of the text. But instead of listing them one by one, they have
been synthesized and combined into one reflection.

For the individual, an education can be a matter of life and death and a ticket out of poverty.
However, improved educational opportunities also have far-reaching consequences beyond the
individual. In countries where the government has a strong emphasis on universal education,
we see an improvement in health, reduction in child births, and a better standard of living.
More people will be able to work, which again results in higher income for the state and more
room for social development. The benefits are especially clear in countries where girls are
given a chance to go to school, ...
The writer goes on to put the discussion into a larger context. He gives the reader a few things to
think about, for example the link between gender equality and social development and the
possible benefits for the entire world. He ends the text with a quote, which can help leave the
reader with a long-lasting impression.

... and the link between gender equality and improved living conditions is a topic that also
should be further explored. With the enormous benefits that universal education has for the
individual countries, we could only imagine the ripple effects it would have on the world as a
whole. Perhaps we should remind ourselves of former South African President Nelson
Mandela's words: “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world."
Conclusion in full

A few things to remember about writing a conclusion:

• Never introduce new facts and information that has not been discussed in the main
body of the text.

• It depends on the type of essay you are writing, but conclusions do not have to be
very long. In short essays, 3-4 lines is likely to be enough. In longer texts, like a
research paper, you should probably add a bit more substance to make sure that you

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 leave the reader with a clear picture of what you have found out (as seen in the
example above).

• Avoid writing conclusions about the topic in general. Your conclusion should relate
directly to the question you have been discussing and sum up the specific ideas in the
main body of your essay.

• Introductions and conclusions are part of a common framework and should mirror
each other. You could pick up some of the wording from the introduction and use it in
the conclusion. If you start the introduction with a quote, it could be a good idea to
end the conclusion with another quote

TASKS AND ACTIVITES

Tasks: Writing Conclusion Paragraphs

Write:
Below, you will find the outline of three different essays. The outlines give you keywords
related to what has been included in the final texts. The only thing that remains is the
conclusion.

Use the information you find in the outline to write the final concluding paragraph.

Task 1: Is an increased dependency on digital technology good for society?

• Introduction:
Present general information about the topic and have a thesis statement.

• First paragraph:
New technology is here to stay. We will become more and more dependent on it in
the future. Very important that we are able to use it.

• Second paragraph:
The new digital technology has many positive sides. For instance, more meetings are

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 digital, which results in less travelling/less pollution. Online teaching makes it easier
for everyone to get an education. Smart houses make it possible for old people to stay
at home longer. Can assist people with disabilities.

• Third paragraph:
Communication over distances is easier. Makes it easier to get to know and stay in
touch with people. Makes it possible to learn about foreign cultures and mindsets.
Information travels faster and people are more informed.

• Fourth paragraph:
More information makes it difficult to know what is true and what is not.
Disinformation, misinformation, and fake news have become more common. People
are easily fooled.

• Fifth paragraph:
Screen addiction is a great problem. Children spend on average six hours in front of a
screen. Can result in lack of sleep, poor social skills, obesity, stress. Promotes a
shorter attention span.

• Now it's your turn! Write the conclusion.

Task 2: What are the benefits of regular exercise?

• Introduction:
Present general information about the topic and have a thesis statement.

• First paragraph:
Release of stress. Less anxiety and fear. Sleep better at night, improves your well-
being during the day. Improves mental health and mood. Easier to handle frustrations.

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 • Second paragraph:
Improved health. Stronger, healthier body. Reduced risk of serious illness, such as
heart diseases and diabetes. Avoid obesity. Will improve the general immune system.

• Third paragraph:
The best way to prepare for old age. Improves thinking, learning, and judgment skills.
Improves your balance, which will reduce the risk of falls.

• Fourth paragraph
Exercise is fun. We all like to play. A social activity. A thing you can do together
with friends and family. Improves your quality of life.

• Now it's your turn! Write the conclusion.

Task 3: Should school start later in the morning?

• Introduction:
Present general information about the topic and have a thesis statement.

• First paragraph:
Today's situation: Most school starts around eight o’clock. A lot of tired teenagers.
Has always been like this.

• Second paragraph:
Good to start the day early. Have much left of the day after school. More time with
friends and leisure activities. Extra time at the beginning of the day would still be
spent in bed. Most jobs start at the same time - this is practice for working life.

• Third paragraph:
Many logistical concerns that would affect the rest of society: bus schedules, after
school activities, child-care. Changing start time would have a domino effect on many
other activities.

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• Fourth paragraph:
Research shows that kids who start later sleep more. An average teen needs about
nine hours sleep to feel alert and rested. Being less tired means being in a better
mood.

• Fifth paragraph:
A clear link between sleep deprivation and poor academic performance. According to
research, starting later results in fewer days away from school and better grades.

• Now it's your turn! Write the conclusion.

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TASKS AND ACTIVITES

Tasks: Sample Five Paragraph Essay

When writing an essay, you should always look for ways to grab and keep your readers'

attention. There is not always a set answer to how you can achieve this, but there are some

elements that should always be included in a well-balanced text.

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Do you know the terms 'hook', 'bridge', 'thesis statement', and 'topic sentence'? If not, you may
want to go through the following articles about introductions, body paragraphs and conclusions
before you work with this text.

There are many ways to write a good and convincing text, and it often takes years of practice
before you master the art of writing a well-balanced essay. Below, you will find a short five-
paragraph essay that may help you identify important elements that should be included in a text.
These elements will help you communicate well with the reader. Go through the text before you
discuss the questions in groups or in class.

Sample text:

Why is it so important to master English as a second language?

According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Norway ranks number five on the list of
countries with the highest proficiency of English as a second language. In general, the
Norwegian population master the language well, and most young people today understand the
importance of learning English in school. Still, we often see Norwegian secondary school
students choose other subjects over English as soon as they have a choice. English is often
regarded as an ‘easy’ language that ‘everyone’ can speak, and other subjects therefore take
priority. However, it is important not to underestimate the level of English proficiency that is
required of you later in life and the benefits that come with a good command of English.

First, English is essential if you are going to succeed as a student. A majority of the books used
at the university are in English. Moreover, since there now are many international students
studying in Norway, you will also find that many of the lectures will be in English. Also, several
students choose to do all or parts of their studies abroad, often in English-speaking countries, and
a lack of English knowledge would therefore rob you of great opportunities. The academic
English that is used in tertiary education is fairly complex and can be a real challenge for anyone
who does not have thorough knowledge of the language. It is therefore important to come
prepared when you start university.

As you move from student life to a professional life, you will also find that English will be of
great importance. English is today the language of science, aviation, technology, diplomacy,
business, and tourism, and more and more international companies are using English as their
language of communication. You will also find that many Norwegian businesses will use English
as their working language, both when speaking and writing. Therefore, if you know English well,
it will expand your possibilities on the job market and increase your chances of getting a good
job in an international company in Norway or abroad.

Moreover, a great benefit to learning English is that it increases your cultural understanding of
native English-speaking countries, but also of other countries whose second language is English.
Traditions and cultures of other countries can be better understood if you have a thorough
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understanding of the language. In our globalised world, cultural competence is more important
than ever, as it may create friendships and business relationships across borders.

The benefits of knowing English are clearly numerous. We know that a good command of the
language may be the ticket to an interesting career and a well-paid job. The language may also be
a door opener for better understanding across cultures, religions, and state borders. Even though
most Norwegians do master English quite well, many people tend to overestimate their language
competence. It takes more than a general knowledge of English to be able to fully participate in
the multicultural, global community we live in. So use every chance you have to improve your
understanding of and competence in English – it will benefit you later in life.

Discuss:
1. Do you think this is a good essay? Are there any parts that you find unclear or
unstructured? If you were writing the essay, what would you have done differently?

2. In the beginning of a text, it is important that you somehow manage to grab the
reader's attention. This is called a 'hook'. What kind of hook is used in the beginning
of this text? Is this an efficient attention grabber?

3. Individual work: spend a few minutes rewriting the first part of the introduction,
using a different type of hook. Compare and discuss which one you find most
effective.

4. Identify the bridge sentences in the introduction. Why are these sentences important?

5. A thesis statement is a sentence that clearly identifies the topic being discussed in the
text. What would you say is the thesis statement of this text?

6. What is the aim of a topic sentence? Identify the topic sentences of this text. What is
the aim of the supporting sentences that follow the topic sentence in a paragraph?

7. A good conclusion should do three things: answer your thesis question, link ideas
together, and end the essay in a rounded way that gives the reader a feeling of closure.

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 To what extent would you say that this is a good conclusion?Would you have done
anything differently?

8. How are the different paragraphs linked to each other? Comment on the transitions
between paragraphs.

9. In the text below, we have removed all linking words and other linking devices from
the first two paragraphs of the text. Compare this text to the original text and explain
the effect of linking words.

Why is it so important to master English as a

second language? (without linking words).
Norway ranks number five on the list of countries with the highest proficiency of English as a
second language. The Norwegian population master the language well. Most young people today
understand the importance of learning English in school. We often see Norwegian secondary
school students choose other subjects over English as soon as they have a choice. English is
often regarded as an ‘easy’ language that ‘everyone’ can speak. Other subjects take priority. It is
important not to underestimate the level of English proficiency that is required of you later in
life. It is important not to underestimate the benefits that come with a good command of English.

English is essential if you are going to succeed as a student. A majority of the books used at the
university are in English. There are many international students studying in Norway. You will
find that many of the lectures will be in English. Several students choose to do all or parts of
their studies abroad, often in English speaking countries. A lack of English knowledge would rob
you of great opportunities. The academic Engl

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