The five-paragraph essay format is a guide that helps writers structure an essay. It consists of an introductory paragraph, three supporting body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. Because of this structure, it has been nicknamed the "hamburger trial", "the one-three-one trial", and the "three-tier trial". The points you will make in each paragraph. Using the list of points you noted, identify the main arguments you will make in your essay. These will be your body sections. For example, in an argumentative essay explaining why your campus should install more water fountains, you might make points such as: Basic Essay Structure: Main parts of an essay. Almost every essay ever written follows the same basic structure: the introduction. Body paragraphs. Conclusion. This structure has stood the test of time for one simple reason: it works. It clearly presents the author's position and supports that position cogently.