In this first session you will write a five-paragraph paper in which you identify three goals for your educational career at Colorado Christian University, explain those goals, and describe how you plan to achieve them. The purpose of this paper is for you to demonstrate your ability to craft a simple five-paragraph paper before we move on to more advanced types of writing in this course.
Remember, a five-paragraph paper needs to contain the following:
Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs
The introduction sets up the topic and the main idea (thesis). It does two things: it hooks the reader’s interest and points to the direction and scope the essay will take.
Strong introduction paragraphs culminate with a thesis statement that makes a clear claim/argument about the central point of the paper.
The introduction paragraph prepares the reader for what he or she is about to read. The conclusion reaffirms (restates using different words) the thesis and rounds out the ideas.
The conclusion brings the essay to a satisfying close for the reader.
Introduction and conclusion paragraphs frame an essay and contribute to the unity of the whole.
Three Supporting Paragraphs
Topic sentences introduce your reader to the paragraph.
Concluding sentences transition your reader to the next paragraph.
The main body of the paper consists of the supporting paragraphs. Supporting paragraphs expand ideas that were presented in the introduction and substantiate or support the thesis statement.
Format your paper according to APA standards. You must include at least one additional source in your paper that supports your thesis and supporting point. Your paper should be 2-3 pages long, double-spaced, and include a cover sheet and reference page that is not a part of the 2-3 page count.