Let's Write a 5 Paragraph Essay Together
In this 5-week course, students will learn about different essay types and practice writing an introduction paragraph (with a thesis statement), three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph for one specific type that they choose.
Janelle Fila
Average rating:
4.6
Number of reviews:(903)
Star Educator
What's included
10 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students have one weekly video to watch and small writing tasks assigned each day. They should write one paragraph of their essay each week and complete a short weekly Kahoot quiz.Assessment
The weekly Kahoot quiz is a great way to gauge the learner's understanding of each weekly topic. I will give feedback on each paragraph the student posts, so by the end of class, the student will have received feedback on their entire essay.Grading
Please let me know if you require a grade for this class.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
In this flexible schedule class, students will watch prerecorded videos to learn how to write a five paragraph essay. Each week, students will practice writing an introduction paragraph with a clear thesis statement, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. They will have a complete essay at the end of the five week course. Week One: On Sunday, students will have access to a prerecorded video that explains how to craft a clear and effective thesis statement. The students should pick a topic to use in class that they plan to write about in the future or that interests them. I will post videos about different essay types (narrative, persuasive, compare and contrast, rhetorical analysis, and literary analysis) and ask the students to post a thesis statement based off their chosen topic for each essay type. Students will have access to a short Kahoot! quiz. Students can also post a full introduction paragraph on the topic they've chosen to receive constructive feedback. Week Two: The video will cover topic sentences for the paper's body paragraphs. Students will post one topic sentence from their Week One thesis statement to use in their first body paragraph. Students will add one piece of relevant research (a paraphrased sentence, idea, quote, or statistic) that supports their topic sentence and can be used in their first body paragraph. Students can access their second weekly Kahoot! and should post their full body paragraph for review. Weeks Three and Four: Students will work on the topic sentences for the second and third body paragraphs of their essay. The structure and expectations for these weeks will look similar to Week Two. Students can refer back to Week Two's video or post any questions in the classroom for further explanation and discussion. By the end of Week Four, students will have completed four weekly Kahoots! and all three body paragraphs of their essay. Week Five: The final video will explain the conclusion of an essay. We will discuss the importance of this final paragraph and how to restate the paper's information in a new and unique way. Students will practice restating their thesis statement, the three topic sentences from their body paragraphs, and one final overall summary statement for their conclusion. On Saturday, they will receive their final Kahoot and post their conclusion for their final round of feedback.
Learning Goals
Week One: On Sunday, students will have access to a prerecorded video that explains how to craft a clear and effective thesis statement. The students should pick a topic to use in class that they plan to write about in the future or that interests them. I will post videos on different essay types (narrative, persuasive, compare and contrast, rhetorical analysis, and literary analysis) and ask the students to post a thesis statement based off their chosen topic for each essay type. Students will have access to a short Kahoot quiz. Students should also post a full introduction paragraph on the topic they've chosen to receive constructive feedback.
Week Two: This video will cover topic sentences for the paper's body paragraphs. Students will post one topic sentence from their Week One thesis statement to use in their first body paragraph. Students will post one piece of relevant research (a paraphrased sentence, idea, quote, or statistic) that supports their topic sentence and can be used in their first body paragraph. Students can access to their second weekly Kahoot! and should post their full body paragraph for review.
Weeks Three and Four: Students will work on the topic sentences for the second and third body paragraphs of their essay. The structure and expectations for these weeks will look similar to Week Two. Students can refer back to Week Two's video or post any questions in the classroom for further explanation and discussion. By the end of Week Four, students will have completed four weekly Kahoots! and all three body paragraphs of their essay.
Week Five: Sunday's video will explain the conclusion of an essay. We will discuss the importance of this final paragraph and how to restate the paper's information in a new and unique way. Students will practice restating their thesis statement, the three topic sentences from their body paragraphs, and one final overall summary statement for their conclusion. They will receive their final Kahoot! and post their conclusion for their final round of feedback.
Syllabus
10 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction Paragraph
How to craft a clear thesis statement Lesson 2:
Narrative Essay
How to craft a thesis statement for a narrative essay Lesson 3:
Persuasive Essay
How to craft a thesis statement for a persuasive essay Lesson 4:
Compare and Contrast Essay
How to craft a thesis statement for a compare and contrast essay Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students are in charge of the essay topics they choose to write about, but some students might choose sensitive or controversial topics like gun control. I will do my best to make sure the classroom posts are age appropriate regardless of the essay's subject matter.
Supply List
Students will need internet access to do research for the essay weeks two, three, and four. They can use a variety of different sources, some of which will be provided or talked about in class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined June, 2019
4.6
903reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Spalding University
When I was a tutor, I spent most of my time reading and editing essays (often from college students!). Now, as an adjunct English professor, I realize there is a real, ongoing need for this type of class. I use straightforward tips to demystify essay writing. My goal is to make a potentially stressful assignment as simple as possible. While earning my Master's degree in Creative Writing, I was anxious about my own 30 page extended critical essay. Luckily I had a wonderful teacher who gave me invaluable advice. I was able to turn a stressful situation into an enjoyable experience. I hope to carry on that legacy and pay it forward with the next generation. Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$9
weekly or $45 for all content10 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 58 learners
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Ages: 13-18
