| Starting to write an essay can be a challenge. This | | | | Computers have enriched my life. I know people in San |
| five paragraph model is one way for us to get started. | | | | Francisco and in Bangkok, people I would not have |
| The sample essay is about computers. The first | | | | known without my computer. I have learned to |
| paragraph introduces the topic. | | | | discipline my time use and I have enjoyed myself. I |
| Paragraph 1: Introduces the topic | | | | cannot imagine my life without a computer. |
| Example | | | | One way of looking at writing is to think of your writing |
| Computer technology has significantly changed how | | | | as a person. You're taking this person to a party. You |
| we live and how we work. At least, that's what my | | | | arrive at the party and introduce your friend |
| parents tell me. I'm too young to know what life was | | | | (Paragraph 1). Your friend gets into conversations |
| like for them without computers. I know only how | | | | (Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4). At the end of the evening, |
| computers are part of my life. Now that you've | | | | you and your friend go home and your friend |
| introduced the topic, your next step is to discuss your | | | | summarizes the party (Paragraph 5). If looking at the |
| first idea. | | | | paragraphs in that way helps you, terrific. If it does not, |
| Paragraph 2: One idea | | | | perhaps you could create an image for yourself that |
| Example | | | | might work. |
| When my parents were my age, computers were | | | | Here's the complete essay. |
| rare. My mother had to write letters or telephone | | | | The Essay |
| when she wanted to talk to her cousin in Los Angeles. | | | | Computer technology has significantly changed how |
| I can only imagine sending letters and waiting for | | | | we live and how we work. At least, that's what my |
| weeks to receive a reply. Computers make our lives | | | | parents tell me. I'm too young to know what life was |
| easier. If I could not use computers, I could not | | | | like for them without computers. I know only how |
| communicate with others as easily. You've introduced | | | | computers are part of my life. |
| one idea. The next paragraph introduces a second | | | | When my parents were my age, computers were |
| idea. | | | | rare. My mother had to write letters or telephone |
| Paragraph 3: Another idea | | | | when she wanted to talk to her cousin in Los Angeles. |
| Example | | | | I can only imagine sending letters and waiting for |
| However there are disadvantages that computer use | | | | weeks to receive a reply. Computers make our lives |
| can cause. We can spend too much time online and | | | | easier. If I could not use computers, I could not |
| neglect other important tasks such as studying. I used | | | | communicate with others as easily. |
| to spend so many hours using my computer and | | | | However there are disadvantages that computer use |
| communicating with others that I sometimes missed | | | | can cause. We can spend too much time online and |
| exams. I often used the computer to chat, which was | | | | neglect other important tasks such as studying. I used |
| so interesting that I did not leave myself enough time | | | | to spend so many hours using my computer and |
| to study. In a way, computers taught me to discipline | | | | communicating with others that I sometimes missed |
| myself and manage my time. The next paragraph | | | | exams. I often used the computer to chat, which was |
| introduces another idea. Notice that each idea has | | | | so interesting that I did not leave myself enough time |
| examples and information. | | | | to study. In a way, computers taught me to discipline |
| Paragraph 4: A third idea | | | | myself and manage my time. |
| Example | | | | Computers have introduced me to the world outside |
| Computers have introduced me to the world outside | | | | Japan. I have a penpal in San Francisco and another in |
| Japan. I have a penpal in San Francisco and another in | | | | Thailand. With both pals, I use English. These email |
| Thailand. With both pals, I use English. These email | | | | exchanges have helped me to improve my English |
| exchanges have helped me to improve my English | | | | writing. Plus I enjoy learning about cable cars in San |
| writing. Plus I enjoy learning about cable cars in San | | | | Francisco and the variety of bananas in Thailand. |
| Francisco and the variety of bananas in Thailand. Now | | | | Computers have enriched my life. I know people in San |
| you're going to finish your essay. The last paragraph is | | | | Francisco and in Bangkok, people I would not have |
| simply a summary of some of what you've already | | | | known without my computer. I have learned to |
| said. | | | | discipline my time use and I have enjoyed myself. I |
| Paragraph 5: Conclusion | | | | cannot imagine my life without a computer. |
| Example | | | | |