5th Grade Informational Essay

Write a multi-paragraph essay on a person from American history that has had a positive impact on our society. Use the following outline to plan your essay:

Introductory Paragraph This paragraph will introduce the reader to your person. It needs a great beginning/topic sentence. (Use an interesting fact, quote, or questions about this person.)

Your INTRODUCTION needs: A hook (quote, mini story, interesting fact) to get the reader’s attention! Introduce us to your person by answering these four questions: What is your person’s full name? Why is your person famous in history? What were his/her biggest successes? What were his/her struggles?

Early Life to Adulthood Topic sentence Parents Siblings Education- How did your person prepare for his/her future? Lifestyle as a child (poor, wealthy, owned slaves, etc.) Describe personality – use examples and details from your research. What was it about your character that helped him or her to succeed? Influences (people, ideas, books, places) Closing sentence

Adult Life Topic sentence Marriage Children Early work Accomplishments- personal and professional achievements and honors Problems or obstacles he/she faced Changes that caused the problems? (population, environmental, economic, political, beliefs What did he/she do to overcome difficulties Closing sentence

Later Life Topic sentence Death (include details- when, where, how) Buried How will this person be remembered? How did what he/she accomplish, shape and impact our country? How were these goals accomplished in his/her lifetime? Where do you see a connection with today regarding those accomplishments? Closing sentence

Closing paragraph (personal response)

Your CONCLUSION paragraph needs: Topic Sentence At least three sentences summarizing the most important things about your person Memorable Ending! Here are some ideas of things you MIGHT include in your ending. They are just ideas. Feel free to craft your own memorable ending!

Meeting _______________________________ would have been an interesting experience because _______________________________________________________. If I could ask ________________________________ a question, I would ask _______________________________________________________. (Reason why). This person’s life has inspired me to 1. ___________________________________, and 2. ________________________________________________. In what ways would you like to be like him/her?