Paragraph 1 (Introduction)

In this paragraph, you’ll introduce the main issue or idea and

rephrase the prompt in your own words. Then, you’ll state whether
you agree or disagree with the statement and why.

1. For your first sentence, you’ll want to come up with a hook that
introduces the topic of your essay in a unique and creative way. Most
people start broad and then get specific. This sentence is also a great
opportunity to insert a hypothetical question.

Examples:
There is great debate about ...
It is said that ... But is this always true?
Many people wonder whether telling the truth at all times is necessary
in order to maintain a healthy relationship with someone.

2. Next, introduce your opinion on the topic. You may list your
specific reasons for your opinion here or in the following sentence(s).
Remember, this doesn’t need to be your real opinion!

Examples:
In my opinion, …
I believe that … is important because …
I agree/disagree with this idea/suggestion because …
For me, although telling the truth is important, there are many cases
in which it’s OK to lie.
3. Here, state how many points (three is ideal) you’ll be discussing
in your essay and then briefly summarize what these reasons for
agreeing or disagreeing are. Your reasons may come from facts,
predictions, personal beliefs, experiences, etc.

Examples:
In this essay, I will address three potential problems with lying in
relationships.
Lying is never a smart idea because it undermines trust in
relationships, causes feelings of betrayal, and often leads to more
lying.

Body paragraphs are the heart of the essay.

Paragraph 2 (Body)

In this paragraph, you’ll introduce your first key point about the
issue and offer specific examples illustrating why you agree or
disagree.

1. For the first sentence, introduce the key point you want to talk
about.

Example:
First of all, lying can make it difficult to trust someone in a
relationship.
2. Next, provide an example to explain why you believe this is the
case. I suggest using a hypothetical situation somewhere in your
essay to help illustrate one of your points.

Example:
For example, if a father lied to his daughter by telling her she was
good at drawing, the daughter might begin to wonder whether her father
has lied to her about other things, too.

3. Continue your paragraph by elaborating on your example.

Explain any effect or consequence of the example and discuss how
this outcome supports your viewpoint.

Example:
The next time the father praises his daughter for something, she might
believe he is lying, even if he isn’t. In other words, the daughter
might find it difficult to trust her father, thereby damaging their
relationship.

Paragraph 3 (Body)

This paragraph will follow a similar structure to that of paragraph 2,

only this time you’ll discuss your second key point. To prevent this
paragraph from sounding too similar to the one before it, vary your
word choice and choose a different type of example on which to focus.
1. In the first sentence, introduce your second key point. Because this
is your second body paragraph (and second point), make sure you
employ appropriate transitions, such as “second,” “secondly,” and
“next.”

Example:
Second, lying can cause feelings of betrayal in relationships.

2. As you did in paragraph 2, use these next few sentences to

elaborate on your point and offer specific examples. Always clarify
how your examples support your stance (agree or disagree) and how
they relate back to the issue stated in the prompt.

Example:
When I was young, I lied to my best friend about being able to
attend her birthday party. She later told me I’d betrayed her and
that we couldn’t be friends anymore. Essentially, because I’d lied
to her, I destroyed our relationship.

Paragraph 4 (Body)

This is the last body paragraph in which you will introduce and
explain your third and final key point.

1. First, introduce your third point. As this is your final body

paragraph, make sure you’re using appropriate transitions, such as
“finally,” “last,” “lastly,” and “third,” to introduce your point.

Example:
Lastly, lying often begets more lying. This means that once you tell
a lie, you will become more likely to tell other lies.
2. As you did in paragraphs 2 and 3, elaborate on this point
by providing new evidence, details, and/or examples. Explain why
this point is important and how it supports your stance on the issue.

Example:
If you lie but nobody knows you’ve lied, you might begin to believe
it’s OK to lie. As a result, you start to lie more and more. However,
once people realize how often you lie, they’ll likely lose all
trust in you and might even decide to end their relationships with
you.

Paragraph 5 (Conclusion)

If you have time, I recommend quickly wrapping up your points in a

concise yet effective conclusion. One to three sentences should suffice.

1. In the first sentence or two, summarize your stance and explain

why you feel this way. You may re-introduce your three main points
here. You may also paraphrase the prompt and explain once more
whether you agree or disagree with the issue and why.

Examples:
In the end, I believe telling the truth is the most important
consideration in a relationship.
Ultimately, lying can easily destroy relationships because it weakens
trust, results in feelings of betrayal, and often causes more lying.

2. Finally, if you have time, bring together your concluding paragraph

with a single general statement about your viewpoint.

Examples:
This is why it is imperative we always refrain from lying.
Thus, the only way to ensure your relationships with others are
healthy is to always tell the truth.