Writing an essay is one thing many students dread because it requires you to have the necessary writing skills and takes a considerable amount of time. I know you would prefer to do something else, like hanging out with friends, right?
There are essays that lecturers assign to students, but the most common are 5 paragraph essays. Like all other essay types, you need some significant time to complete one. The following article will address the topic ‘How Long Does It Take to Write a 5 Paragraph Essay?’ and various tips to follow to make the whole process straightforward. Read on for further details.
How Long Does It Take To Write A 5 Paragraph Essay?
You should allocate at most 3 hours to efficiently complete a 5 paragraph essay. However, this is just an estimate because various factors come into play. They include;
- The amount of research you should carry out
- Topic familiarity
- Availability of resources
- Whether you are good at writing
- Distractions
- Inclusion of citations, an outline, and bibliography (some essays only require you to share your thoughts)
If you have the necessary resources, do not need to undertake any research, and are good at writing, you can complete your essay in under 3 hours. Other than that, be sure to spend more time. For example, if you are unfamiliar with the content under review, you will have to research extensively to find relevant information. It may involve note-taking and listing down credible sources, which takes time.
Also see: Can an essay be one paragraph
Also, if you have insufficient experience writing essays, you will find yourself second-guessing everything you write. For instance, a student writing a 5 paragraph essay for the first time will start by researching the various writing formats and citation styles, which takes significant time.
If you struggle writing college essays, make sure you allocate more time to avoid the inconvenience of late submissions. You can even take a whole day. Avoid making the mistake of starting late and consequently submitting substandard work.
How to Write A 5 Paragraph Essay Fast
To write a 5 paragraph essay fast, you need to prepare adequately. Preparation comes in the form of conducting prior research, appropriate time allocation and having adequate knowledge about the various writing formats and grammar skills.
Let us look at various tips you should utilize to ensure the whole process is straightforward.
- Time Allocation
Since your essay should have 5 paragraphs, the introduction and conclusion should each take one paragraph and the body three paragraphs. Each section should get allocated a specific duration. It ensures you do not spend more time on one and neglect the others. Here is a breakdown of the various time allocations.
- Research – 50 minutes
- Introduction – 20 minutes
- Body – 1 hour
- Conclusion – 20 minutes
- Proofreading and editing – 30 minutes
- Avoid Distractions
Switch off gadgets that may distract you, like your phone, Television, and music pods. If you are working in a noisy environment, it is wise to shut your windows and doors. If you live with your relatives, notify them in advance to give you space. It allows you to concentrate and write more effectively.
- Prior Research
Prior research is vital if you intend to complete your 5 paragraph essay fast. You can start by researching early, right after you receive the assignment. For example, if you have a lot of free time, use it to study and get the resources you need when writing.
- Have an Outline
An outline creates the basis of your writing because it allows you to organize your thoughts. You, therefore, know what to include even before you start writing. An outline also helps you to allocate time for each section.
- Write Your Draft
A draft is a rough copy of your work. During this process, write without giving much thought to sentence structure, grammar, and structure because you will revisit when proofreading. It helps you save time because you will not be second-guessing.
Revise Your Work
The final stage is revising your work. Check grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, and general flow, and list your sources.
Is Writing a 5-Paragraph Essay Easy
Yes, writing a 5 paragraph essay is easy because you only have to write three sections – 3 body paragraphs and an additional two for the introduction and conclusion. However, you must have prior experience writing college essays. Otherwise, the process may be challenging if it is your first time.
In a recap, start by drafting your introduction. The opening sentence should hook the attention of your audience. Afterward, incorporate a sentence that explains your topic, and conclude with your thesis.
After the introduction, develop your three body paragraphs. The first paragraph should feature your strongest point, the second your weakest, and the third your second strongest point. Each section should start with a topic sentence (mini-thesis), followed by credible evidence, and then with your commentary (personal opinion).
The final part should be your conclusion. It links all your points to the thesis. Avoid introducing any new information. An effective conclusion should have a concluding sentence that may be a call to action, a quote, or a universal statement.