Building Body Paragraphs

Building

Body Paragraphs

Argumentative Writing Series

Goal of the day!

• Determine the components of a well-written body paragraph and how to employ them in our own writing.

Open Ended

What are the components of a well-written body paragraph?

Structure

• Topic Sentence - introduction

• Evidence / support (go back to the thesis) Each supporting sentence must connect back to the topic sentence of this paragraph. Do not start a topic until the next paragraph. Be broad enough with a narrow scope.

• Elaboration / analysis (talk about it)

• Conclusion / transition sentences (set it up for the next paragraph)

Multiple Choice

What are the components of a well written body paragraph?

• Topic sentence, evidence, elaboration, conclusion / transition.

• Topic, three reasons why.

Open Ended

What makes up a strong topic sentence?

Topic Sentence

Clear statement of the main idea. This sentence explains what the paragraph is going to be about.

Connection to the thesis. Each topic sentence should highlight one of the main reasons you stated in your thesis. This is not the time to introduce a new reason.

Multiple Choice

What makes up a strong topic sentence?

• Clear statement of the main idea and a connection to the thesis.

• Topic and three reasons why.

Examples!

Dogs have proven to be better pets than cats because they are smarter, more loyal, and can protect their owners.

A healthy diet is important because it increases energy, prevents illness, and has proven to help people live longer.

Evidence / Support

• To provide support to the paragraph and your thesis.

• These include researched sources, personal anecdotes, statistics, stories or examples.

• Appropriate sources. Choose a source that is relevant to your topic. Is it current? It is credible? Does is tie back to your sentence and your thesis statement?

Open Ended

What is the purpose of evidence and support in your body paragraphs?

Quotations

How to lead into a quotation...

- State the name of the author

- Clues signaling that content of the quotation and the purpose it serves in the essay.

Signal phrases. Make it easy for your readers to know where your information is derived from and why it's trustworthy by including facts about the source.

"According to psychologist Stephen Ceci"

"A report published in the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistic concludes..."

"Feminist philosopher Sandra Harding argues..."

Open Ended

Which is your favorite transitional word or phrase from this list?

Which is your favorite word or phrase to introduce sources?

Elaboration / Analysis

Use this space to explain why you chose to include this specific quote or statistic. This sentence makes the connection between your topic sentence and your evidence clear to your reader.

Do not leave this open for interpretation and assume that your reader will know what you're talking about.

Conclusion / Transition Sentences

Restate the topic discussed in the paragraph.

It will usually include one of the following phrases to indicate the end of your thought on this section of your paper.

"It is apparent..."

"This is just one..."

"Consequently..."

"This demonstrates that..."

Transitional sentences or phrases will help to improve the flow of your paragraphs so that the argument follows a logical order.

One of the most effective aspects of an argument is the organization of the paper. If you can easily identify the different parts of the argument and you are able to understand it, the more likely you are to agree with it. Or at least find it logical.