So you need to write an essay. You’ve picked out your topic, determined your thesis, and now you’re ready to put pen to paper (or fingertips to keyboard) to start writing your epic piece. Before you get rolling, there’s only one thing left to decide: how many paragraphs does this essay actually need?
Unless you’re working under a strict assignment, essays can come in all shapes and sizes. Choosing the right format can help you present your ideas in the clearest way possible and make your writing process even easier. Here are the most common formats to consider and what to know before you decide which one to choose.
How many paragraphs are in an essay?
There’s no hard and fast rule for deciding how many paragraphs an essay should have, but it’s important to know that a single paragraph is generally not considered an essay. Standard essays have a designated introduction and conclusion, along with supporting details. This means that even a short essay will still have about three paragraphs, and many have more.
Things to consider before you write an essay
Before you can decide how to divide the information, you need to consider a few things:
- What type of essay are you writing?
- How many supporting details do you need to share?
- Do you have enough information to write a three- to five-sentence paragraph for each supporting detail?
- Do you have a required word count?
- What will be the clearest format for the reader?
There are a lot of different kinds of essays you might be assigned. Generally, multi-paragraph essays are used to compare and contrast things, in persuasive writing, as a form of narrative writing, and for informative or researched essays. Most of these essays end up fitting nicely into one of two main categories:
The five-paragraph essay
Arguably the most common essay format is the standard five-paragraph essay. This essay devotes a paragraph each to the introduction, conclusion, and three different supporting details. Let’s break down what each of those sections includes.
Parts of a standard five-paragraph essay
1. Introduction
This part of the essay includes your thesis statement, introduces your reader to your topic or point of view, and lays out the main ideas of your following three body paragraphs. Generally, this paragraph is brief and intended to grab your reader’s attention.
2. Body paragraphs
A five-paragraph essay includes three body paragraphs. Each of these paragraphs should focus on one supporting detail that aligns with your thesis. They will begin with a topic sentence and share the relevant research, quotes, and anecdotes you’ve gathered.
3. Conclusion
The conclusion to a five-paragraph essay will restate your thesis, sum up your supporting details, and present the reader with one final takeaway from reading your piece.
Which kinds of essays work best with five paragraphs?
Five-paragraph essays are best used to convey complex and detailed topics that require extra information, like:
Comparison essays
A five-paragraph essay allows you to devote one paragraph to each item you’re comparing, as well as include one paragraph on the similarities between the two things.
Argumentative essays
In the five-paragraph format, there is ample space to explore multiple sides of an argument and include plenty of supporting facts and research.
Informative essays
Complex topics are broken down in simple and intuitive ways when the information is spread across multiple paragraphs.
Best practices for writing a five-paragraph essay
If you’re considering a five-paragraph format for your essay, remember:
- These essays must have a clear thesis and conclusion.
- Each body paragraph should contain a strong and complete supporting detail.
- Transition words are necessary to help the flow of the essay.
- These essays usually involve research.
- This is among the most organized ways to present complex topics.
The three-paragraph essay
Three-paragraph essays are shorter and more simplified than the standard five-paragraph essay. Typically, these essays include a conclusion, introduction, and only one body paragraph. This single body paragraph might focus on one supporting detail or it may include a comprehensive summary of a lot of supporting information.
Parts of a standard three-paragraph essay
1. Introduction
The introduction to a three-paragraph essay typically includes a hook or attention-grabbing first sentence, followed by a summary of your supporting details and then your thesis. The thesis statement helps lead into the rest of your essay.
Refresh your memory on the different types of thesis statements to get your essay started!
2. Body paragraph
This is the one and only body paragraph in a three-paragraph essay, so it needs to be clear, concise, and as detailed as possible within the space constraints. The body paragraph should include a topic sentence, as well as any details or facts that underscore your thesis. It may focus on one element of your supporting argument or sum up several in brief, clear sentences that relate to the topic sentence.
3. Conclusion
Much like in a five-paragraph essay, your conclusion is the place to restate your thesis, summarize the points you made in the body paragraph, and leave your reader with a final takeaway or call to action.
Which kinds of essays work best with three paragraphs?
Informative essays
For less complex topics, the three-paragraph essay provides enough space to thoughtfully explain a topic and provide additional information.
Narrative essays
Personal essays that don’t necessarily need multiple paragraphs of supporting information work well in this format.
Comparison essays
For emerging writers, one body paragraph provides ample space to compare and contrast two items or ideas. Single sentences can be devoted to each comparison or similarity.
Best practices for writing a three-paragraph essay
If you’re considering a three-paragraph format for your essay, remember:
- Even short essays still need a clear thesis.
- Organize your body paragraph so your ideas are presented clearly.
- The introduction and conclusion should each be a separate paragraph.
- This format provides excellent practice for new writers.
- One body paragraph still leaves room for strong supporting information.
