The Basic Essay
The five-paragraph essay is one possibility for writing the TSI essay. The first paragraph is an introduction, there are three body paragraphs, and the last paragraph is the conclusion.
The introduction should start with a lead-in directing the readers toward your thesis, which is typically stated as the last sentence of the introductory paragraph. “The government should not establish guidelines that limit the kind of art that can be created with public funding,” is a possible thesis for the sample THEA topic. Notice that this thesis chooses a side on the issue: to limit the kind of art created. (Although the thesis can also be implied or appear in the conclusion, if you do this, you are taking a risk. The readers may not easily understand your position or they may think your thesis is an afterthought, not your guiding theme.)
Each body paragraph should develop an idea that supports the thesis. Three topic sentences are outlined below for the sample topic. Each topic sentence would be developed in a separate body paragraph.
- One reason the government should not set guidelines for art produced with public funding is the public will never agree on a definition of what is “socially acceptable.”
- In addition, setting guidelines for public-funded art restricts diversity.
- Finally, the government should not set guidelines for tax-supported art because censorship is dangerous.
NOTE: Restating your thesis in each topic sentence will keep you focused as the writer of a timed essay, and it will help keep your readers focused.
Your conclusion should restate your thesis and summarize your main points in different words. It should also leave readers with a sense of closure.
The five-paragraph essay is very direct in its approach to the topic, but it can help you demonstrate to your readers that you understand the basics of writing an essay.
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