Here is a suggested format for your 5-7 full paragraph essay.

From the time of Reconstruction after the Civil War until the present, what progress have we made in the United States in terms of ALL three of our course themesLiberty, Equality, and Power? YOU MUST write about ALL THREE THEMES.

I. Introduction
  a. Attention getter (something that is unique and related to the topic)
  b. Thesis statement
        i. One sentence
      ii. Something to prove
      iii. Answers the question
          1. Covers the three themes
          2. Shows growth or change or lack thereof
          3. Covers the time period
    iv. Underlined
      v. Statement not a question
  c. Transition
II. Main body paragraph
  a. Topic sentence
  b. Detailed significant evidence in support of thesis statement
  c. Transition
III. Main body paragraph
  a. Topic sentence
  b. Detailed significant evidence in support of thesis statement
  c. Transition
IV. Main body paragraph
a. Topic sentence
  b. Detailed significant evidence in support of thesis statement
  c. Transition
V. Conclusion
  a. Restate/rephrase thesis statement
  b. Highlight most significant evidence
  c. Final transition