We will be learning all the ins and outs of the 5-paragraph essay. Students will learn to write a hook that grabs their readers attention, create a thesis worthy of three paragraphs of detail and conclude with a strong conclusion.  

Students will gain some background knowledge on the American Dream and an American Icon.  They will be given writing topics around the influence of Barbie in our society.  

No opinion is wrong, as long as the opinion is supported.  

The 5-paragraph essay will be broken into small workable parts throughout the three weeks.  The first week we will gain a basic understanding of the 5-paragraph essay, define and reflect on the concepts of American Dream and American Icon and develop a thesis statement.  The second week we will write and introductory paragraph, understand best practices for transitions, and begin to develop ideas for body paragraphs.  The last week we will write the three body paragraphs, create logical transitions, develop and write a conclusion paragraph and have the opportunity to share out our ideas.  

Class Breakdown
Lesson 1 Targets
Basic understanding of the 5-Paragraph Essay 
Define and reflect on the concepts of American Dream and American Icon. 
Develop a thesis statement.

Lesson 2 Targets
Write an introductory Paragraph.
Develop topics for 3 body paragraphs. 
Understand best practices for transitions. 
Begin to develop ideas for body paragraphs.  

Lesson 3 Targets
Write Body Paragraphs
Create logical transitions.
Develop and write a conclusion paragraph. 
Share insight on the writing process. 



No experience in the 5-paragraph essay is required. Students do need to come with opinions positive or negative in regard to Barbie.