Writing: B2 Lesson 1: The 5-Paragraph Essay: An Introduction

Writing: Essay Structure

B2 Lesson 1: The 5-Paragraph Essay: An Introduction

Listen to key concepts for this lesson.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify the three main parts of a 5-paragraph essay (Introduction, Body, Conclusion) and understand the function of a thesis statement.

Before You Start: Key Vocabulary 🧠 (Click 🔊)

Let's learn these important academic words.

Essay

| អត្ថបទ

A short piece of writing on a particular subject.

Thesis Statement

| សេចក្តីថ្លែងការណ៍និក្ខេបបទ

The main idea or argument of your entire essay, usually found in the introduction.

Topic Sentence

| ប្រយោគប្រធានបទ

The main idea of a single body paragraph. It supports the thesis.

Cohesion

| ភាពស្អិតរមួត

The quality of being logical and consistent, making your writing easy to follow.

What is a 5-Paragraph Essay?

The 5-paragraph essay is a simple, clear, and powerful way to organize your ideas. It is the foundation for almost all academic and professional writing in English. Think of it like building a hamburger:

🍔 1. The Introduction

Job: To introduce your topic and state your main argument.

• Hook: Get the reader's attention.
• Background: Give a little context.
• Thesis Statement: State your main idea.

🥬 2. The Body (x3)

Job: To prove your thesis statement with three separate reasons.

• Paragraph 1: Reason #1
• Paragraph 2: Reason #2
• Paragraph 3: Reason #3

🍔 3. The Conclusion

Job: To summarize your argument and give a final thought.

• Restate Thesis: Say your main idea again in new words.
• Summarize Points: Briefly mention your 3 reasons.
• Final Thought: End with a strong final sentence.

Example Essay Structure

Let's look at a simple essay. Notice how each part has a specific job. (The main sentences are in bold.)

(Introduction) In today's globalized world, learning a second language is more important than ever. While many languages are useful, I believe all Cambodian students should learn English because it offers significant career, travel, and personal benefits.

(Body 1) First, learning English opens up major career opportunities. Most high-paying jobs in technology, tourism, and international business require fluency in English. Without it, job prospects can be limited.

(Body 2) In addition, English is the language of travel. Whether traveling in ASEAN or to other continents, English is the one language that can be used almost anywhere to book hotels, order food, and ask for directions.

(Body 3) Finally, knowing English provides personal benefits. It allows access to a world of information, including the best movies, books, and university courses online, which helps a person grow and learn.

(Conclusion) In conclusion, the advantages of learning English are clear. Because it improves job prospects, makes travel possible, and helps personal development, English is a critical skill for all students to master.

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Quiz 1: Match the Function

Match the essay part to its main job.

1. The Introduction...

• A) ...hooks the reader and states the main idea (thesis).
• B) ...gives one reason with examples.
• C) ...summarizes the essay.

2. A Body Paragraph...

• A) ...states the thesis for the first time.
• B) ...gives one main reason to support the thesis.
• C) ...can have three or four different ideas in it.

3. The Conclusion...

• A) ...introduces new ideas and reasons.
• B) ...restates the thesis and summarizes the main points.
• C) ...is the most important part of the essay.

Quiz 2: Find the Thesis Statement

Read the sample introduction below. Which sentence is the **Thesis Statement** (the main argument)?

(1) Everyone wants to be successful in life. (2) Many people in Cambodia believe that success comes from family connections or just being lucky. (3) While these factors can help, I believe that true success is a result of three specific factors: consistent hard work, careful long-term planning, and the ability to learn from failure.

• A) Sentence (1)
• B) Sentence (2)
• C) Sentence (3)

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Essay | អត្ថបទ
  A short piece of writing on a particular subject.
• Thesis Statement | សេចក្តីថ្លែងការណ៍និក្ខេបបទ
  The one sentence that states your main argument.
• Topic Sentence | ប្រយោគប្រធានបទ
  The main idea of a single body paragraph. It supports the thesis.
• Supporting Detail | ព័ត៌មានលម្អិតគាំទ្រ
  Examples, facts, or reasons that prove your topic sentence.
• Cohesion | ភាពស្អិតរមួត
  The quality of being logical and consistent, making your writing easy to follow.

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Create Your Essay Outline

You don't need to write a full essay yet. The most important step is planning. Choose one of the topics below and write just the outline in your notebook.

Topics:
1. What are the three main advantages of living in a big city (like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap)?
2. What are the three most important qualities of a good friend?

Your Task (Write 4 sentences):

1. Thesis Statement: (Your main answer)
   e.g., "Living in a big city is beneficial because of better job opportunities, more entertainment, and higher quality education."
2. Topic Sentence 1: (About Reason 1)
   e.g., "First, finding a good job is much easier in a big city."
3. Topic Sentence 2: (About Reason 2)
   e.g., "In addition, there are many more interesting things to do."
4. Topic Sentence 3: (About Reason 3)
   e.g., "Finally, cities offer access to the best universities and schools."