How to write a five-sentence introduction to an informational or persuasive essay (not a narrative)

Here is a template for writing a five-sentence essay introduction:

First, Identify the topic.

Second, write the main idea / thesis sentence.

Third, follow the outline below for a five-sentence introduction.

• First sentence if the topic is a piece of literature (novel, short story, poem, biography, film, TV show, or video game):  identify the work of art and its author or network.
• First sentence if the topic is not a work of art:  identify the topic you are writing about.
• Second and third sentence if the topic is a work of art:  Summarize the plot / theme / setting / character –whatever is important relating to the main idea of your essay.
• Second and third sentence if the topic is not a work of art:  Provide background information relating to the main idea of your essay.
• Fourth sentence:  Transition  to your main idea.
• Fifth sentence:  Transfer your main idea sentence here.

Here is an example of an essay introduction about a novel, using the format just described:

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume is a children’s chapter book about two brothers.  The older brother–Peter–is in fourth grade and is embarrassed by his little brother.  The little brother–Fudge–is a smart three-year-old who often gets in trouble.  On page after page, Fudge’s antics become more and more ridiculous.  Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is a funny story.

Here is an essay introduction about what I did over Thanksgiving break.

Where I live, schools close for a whole week for Thanksgiving break.  Counting the weekends before and after, the break is nine days of vacation.  Some people fly across the country to be with family and friends during this long school break.  However, not everyone travels far.  I enjoy Thanksgiving break at home where I watch a parade on TV, play with my friends, and eat lots of turkey.

Notice that in each of these two introductions, the first sentence introduces the topic (the name of the book; Thanksgiving break).  The next two sentences develop ideas named in the first sentence (they summarize the book’s contents; they elaborate on having a whole week off of school.  The fourth sentence connects the previous sentences to the ideas in the last sentence (Fudge’s antics become worse; not everyone travels on Thanksgiving break). The fifth sentence identifies what the rest of the essay will be about (how the novel is funny; how I had fun over Thanksgiving break).

Is it necessary to have a five-sentence introduction?  No.  But since many teachers require it, students would be smart to learn how to write one.