I have to write a 5-paragraph essay on a topic. I know the setup for a 5-paragraph essay very well: Main idea - 3 reasons to back up the main idea, 1 per paragraph - 3 examples per reason included in each paragraph. BUT... do the examples that back up the reasons have to coincide with the main idea? Like, if I was trying to prove that I make good decisions and I said I'm a fast thinker, but as another part of that example I said I can do math problems quickly... doing math problems quickly doesn't contribute to the fact that I make good decisions... is that okay? Any help, facts or opinions, appreciated.
2006-09-20 11:13:46 · 5 answers · asked by ♥ £.O.V.€. ♥ 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
This is why I hate the 5-paragraph essay set-up. I'm a college student, and I never used this format, even when my teachers asked me to. You get stuck following a formula for a paper, and then end up with a crappy paper. You may have more than 3 reasons that may back up the idea. But that isn't what you are asking...
Let's say you are writing a paper that is about the benefits of owning a dog and the main idea of your paper is that dogs are 1. make good companions, 2. make you live longer, 3. and they are excellent guardians. Your first paragraph will be about why you think dogs make good companions. Any example that you have of why dogs make good companions DOES back up your main idea. Dogs make good companions because they ar friendly and playful. That, in and of itself, coincides with your main idea about the benefits of a dog. however, if you were to say that cats were moody and sometimes need to be declawed...it wouldn't work. It doens't have anything to do with why dogs make good companions, or either of the other two reasons, and doesn't have anything to do with your main idea.
In the example you've given, you said that your main idea is that you make good decisions. One of the reasons is because you are a fast thinker. Being able to solve math problems quickly, in addition of other rasoning skills, very well can (and probably is) be a part of your main idea.
I hope I've helped.
2006-09-20 11:21:50 · answer #1 · answered by jkelmagic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah that has nothing 2 do with making good decisions unless you can tell me how math problems helps u make good decisions. How does being a fast thinker help u make good decisions.
an example of making good decisions would be.
My friends tried 2 talk me into staying out all night , but i decided to go home. As a result of this my friends ended up getting taken to the police station and I didnt. lol
or One of the best decisions I have ever made was to take a trip to Canada instead of staying at home being bored. While on my trip I did some sightseeing, canoeing, camping, fishing, and mountain climbing. somthing like that, im not the greatest writer but i get good grades on my papers when i write them.
The good decisions I have made have kept me out of of trouble, explored Canada, and etc...
2006-09-20 11:30:36 · answer #2 · answered by thesunnshynne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
doing math problems quickly is an example of your fast thinking ability, so as long as you don't dwell on it, it makes a good point in your "fast thinker" paragraph.
I. Make good decisions quickly
A. Fast Thinker
1. Can do math problems quickly
(outlines never look right in responses, but I hope you get the idea)
2006-09-20 11:27:42 · answer #3 · answered by Rachel M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that kind of support would be one of the 'weaker' ones..which u should always put as ur first paragraph then. the 2nd and 3rd reasons need to be much stronger, and pertain to BOTH things u are trying to prove about urself. or try to think of something else that will help bring the math thing closer to "thinking fast" in terms of making good decisions.
good luck!
2006-09-20 11:19:06 · answer #4 · answered by sasmallworld 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe doing math doesn't contribute, but it is a valid argument for your thesis.
2006-09-20 11:16:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋