Ex: It seems clear that without Lewis and Clark America may have not explored the Western frontier for a great number of years.
Paragraph 2 - example. one reason explaining why your thesis is true. statment. example. explanation. (SEE).
Ex: Statement - With the increasing problems in Europe, such as the turmoil in France, the United States could have become preoccupied with other problems and delayed exploring the West had it not been for Lewis and Clark.
Example - explain problems going on in the rest of the world.
Explanation - elaborate as to why this would have deterred exploration and emphasize importance of Lewis and Clark.
Paragraphs 3 and 4 are also arguments in this format. make sure you ALWAYS go back and connect what you are saying to your thesis or else you will begin to sound off topic.
Paragraph 5 - conclusion. restate your thesis and include a brief sum up of how your essay proved. also, the conclusion is where you add your "so what?". that means you need to answer why this is important.
Ex: Without Lewis and Clarks exploration of the Western Frontier, Americans may not have done it for years to come. This would have vastly slowed down the growth and expansion of the American economy.
hope i have helped! you can always email me with more questions!Para 1-Introduction (Main idea/background info
Para2-second strongest point
Para 3-weakest point
Para 4 -strongest point
Para 5-conclusion (Applications of your point/meaning, etc.)
hope it helps
best of luck!!