* First paragraph introduces the topic and states your thesis.
* Second paragraph expands on the thesis.
* Third paragraph makes arguments in support of the thesis.
* Final paragraph summarizes the thesis.
I agree completely that too many people think "writing" means "using fluffy language" but the structure of a persuasive essay is a non-fancy, workaday model that works just fine.
Parent is at least subtle and not so terribly redundant.
I agree with this, but would like to point out that grey-area's point was that there are other forms which fit other uses:
> There are various ways of structuring an argument - as a dialogue, as thesis, antithesis then synthesis, or treating it as an oration like Cicero's with 6 parts ending in a peroration.
The five-paragraph comp works very well for a standard argument.
Anything that doesn't fit the thesis requirement, like a list or synthesis, might not do so well with that format.