Considered the most basic format to writing an essay, many beginning writers are taught the five paragraph essay in order to establish the foundation for later writing.  A five paragraph essay has a very specific format and allows a writer to quickly and efficiently focus their ideas in a coherent manner. 
Unlike many other types of essays, the format to such an essay is straightforward and simple.  The essay consists of five paragraphs: an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.