Students are to write a 5-paragraph essay on the story of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. It can be on any aspect of the story, but must follow 5-paragraph format as shown below. 
 
Introductory Paragraph: Introduce the topic and make a thesis statement that includes 3 distinct parts. NOTE: It is color coded to show how the thesis statement relates to the other parts of the essay. Example: 
 
The Lorax is a story by Dr. Seuss about a creature who defends his habitat from the Once-ler's business. The Once-ler is a man who created Thneeds from Truffula trees. Even though the Lorax spoke for the trees and other creatures in the forest, the Once-ler's actions were justified because he produced an important product, he brought jobs to the area, and he helped boost the local economy. 
 
Supporting Paragraph 1: This paragraph should elaborate on the first idea presented in the thesis statement from the opening paragraph. Example: 
 
One way the Once-ler's actions were reasonable is that he produced an important product. This product was the Thneed, an item that because it could turn into anything someone needs at the time. The Thneeds sold very well, and the demand for them quickly became very high because it was such a useful product. 
 
Supporting Paragraph 2: This paragraph should elaborate on the second idea presented in the thesis statement from the opening paragraph. Example: 
 
Another reason the Once-ler's actions were justified is because he brought jobs to the community. Initially, the Once-ler worked alone to create the Thneeds. Then, so many Thneeds were selling that the Once-ler had to ask his family to help make the Thneeds. Later, the demand got so high for Thneeds that the Once-ler built a large factory and hired many employees to work there. This brought a great many jobs to the forest where there were previously no employment opportunities. 
 
 
Supporting Paragraph 3: This paragraph should elaborate on the third idea presented in the thesis statement from the opening paragraph. Example: 
 
Lastly, the Once-ler's actions helped the local economy. Before the Once-ler moved to the area and created many jobs at his Thneed factory, it was just a forest with no established economical system. After the Thneed factory was built, and the Once-ler hired many employees, the area turned into a full city. This included housing, roads, and businesses such as restaurants and car dealerships. The Once-ler's Thneed factory ultimately caused a booming economy in a place that had been a simple forest. 
 
Conclusion Paragraph: This paragraph should restate the thesis sentence with slightly more detail. It should be similar to the first paragraph. Example: 
 
In conclusion, the Once-ler's actions, though maybe questionable to some, were justified and even helpful for many reasons. He produced a useful product, the Thneed, with could change into any item needed by the consumer at the moment. The Once-ler's factory created a multitude of jobs in an area previously uninhabited by anything or anyone besides forest animals. This high demand for Thneeds and the increase in population from jobs also helped boost the local economy by creating an entire city. While the Once-ler changed the environment drastically, his reasons for doing so were justified by the outcome of the Thneed production.