My students will start drafting their personal essay body paragraphs tomorrow. In preparation for this event, I put together the basics of a good body paragraph. They are, as follows:
EVERY GOOD BODY PARAGRAPH SHOULD INCLUDE:
1. Topic Sentence: The topic sentence is your hook, it should have a bit of attitude in it. There’s only one topic sentence per paragraph. Your topic sentence should include your thesis statement and your subordinate idea (i.e., part of the sentence that’s on the envelope-dolder you’re writing about).
2. Detail Sentences: The detail sentences are your proof that your topic sentence is true. You are giving reasons to support your topic sentence so that you can essentially prove your thesis to be a true statement. Your reasons can come in the form of a mini-story, reasons, statistics, lists or observations.
3. Ending Sentences: The ending sentence is your wrap-up. It ends the topic of the paragraph and may in fact lead the reader to the next paragraph. Restating your thesis/subordinate idea is always a smart bet!
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