Planning and Shaping Body Paragraphs

Created by Kathryn Reilly

Body Paragraph Review

• A body paragraph presents a single, focused idea that supports the thesis to the reader.

• A body paragraph presents the writer’s evidence to support the topic.

• Body paragraphs work together to prove the writer’s argument.

Body Paragraph Contents• Depending on the type of paper, a body paragraph

generally follows this outline. Some bullets may be several sentences long:

– Topic sentence– Background information, if necessary– Evidence (Quotation, Paraphrase, Summary) #1– Analysis of Evidence #1– Evidence #2 – Analysis of Evidence #2– Discussion/Conclusion of argument– Transition to new paragraph

• The transition may be the first sentence of the next paragraph

Planning the Body Paragraphs

• Before writing the body paragraphs, the writer should:

– Write a strong topic sentence linking to the thesis.– Identify any words or concepts that should be defined

for the reader.– Gather the research, such as quotations, that will be

used as evidence in the paragraph.– Outline how the paragraphs will work together to

prove the paper’s argument.

Body Paragraphs: The Topic Sentence

• A strong body paragraph begins with a topic sentence.

• A topic sentence should introduce a single idea the writer will prove in the paragraph.

• A topic sentence should link to the paper’s thesis.

• A topic sentence should not contain research.

Creating Strong Topic Sentences

• Thesis: Canines exist as excellent human companions as they are loyal, friendly and intelligent.

• The topic sentences need to address the three supports of the argument (loyal, friendly, intelligent) in the order the thesis presents them.

Strong Topic Sentence Examples• Topic sentence 1:

– A dog’s loyalty often extends beyond the life of its owner, demonstrating the deep connection dogs feel to their human companions.

• Topic sentence 2:– Dogs make excellent pets as most breeds get along not only with

people, but other animals as well.

• Topic sentence 3:– The dog’s natural intelligence makes it an ideal partner in search and

rescue operations and in helping disabled persons as they can learn and execute over 100 commands.

• Each of these topic sentences clearly outlines what information the body paragraph will present while linking the paragraph to the paper’s thesis.

Using Transition Sentences• Transition sentences help the reader to connect ideas

within and between paragraphs.

• Within paragraphs, transition sentences alert the reader to connections between ideas.

• Between paragraphs, transition sentences prepare the reader for a new idea.

• Transition sentences being used between paragraphs may appear as the last sentence of a paragraph or the first sentence of a new paragraph (making the topic sentence second).

Strong Transition Sentence Examples• Within paragraphs:

– Another documented example of a dog’s loyalty to its companion is Greyfriars Bobby.

– Similarly, a dog’s friendly nature crosses specie boundaries as many female dogs will bond and nurse other specie’s babies such as piglets and tiger cubs.

• Between paragraphs:– A dog’s capacity for loyalty may only be surpassed by its overly

friendly nature.– A dog’s loyalty and friendliness make it an excellent pet,

however its intelligence makes it an excellent working companion.

• A well-written transition sentence introduces the new idea while reminding the reader of the previous one.

Repetition with Body Paragraphs

• Repetition exists as a strong writer’s tool to remind the reader of important ideas.

• Writers may repeat– Words– Phrases– Ideas

within and between the paragraphs to acknowledge their importance to the reader.

Planning Body Paragraphs Review

• Before beginning to write the body paragraphs, organize the information within them:– Topic sentences– Researched evidence– Transitions

• Once drafted, review how well the body paragraphs – Link to the thesis through the topic sentence– Support the writer’s argument through evidence– Connect together through transition words/sentences– Emphasize key ideas through use of repetition