Bodacious Body Paragraphs Structure of a Body Paragraph

Bodacious Body Paragraphs

Structure of a Body Paragraph Topic Sentence (1 sentence) Embed evidence: - Give context - Integrate quotations - Commentary/analysis Transition Embed evidence – There is no specific amount you need, but you need to transition between each piece Concluding Sentence/Transition (1 sentence – connects back to your topic sentence)

A Clear Topic Sentence • The topic sentence should state the one idea that the paragraph is about. – Although Scout wishes to be her own person, she is repeatedly told that her actions are feminine. – When it comes to doing what is right in a given situation, sometimes it takes going against what the majority deems as popular. – Although success may not be in the cards, some challenges, such as addressing a social wrong, must be attempted on principle.

Give Context • Tell where in the story your evidence occurs • Describe the situation surrounding the evidence – At the end of the story Scout and Jem get attacked while walking home from the pageant. – Alexandra repeatedly tells Scout she is too much of a tomboy.

Explaining Quotations • GOOD phrases to use to start explaining a quotation: – Here… – At this point… – During this conversation… – Scout’s statement here indicates… – According to this statement by Jem… OR don’t use one at all! - This proves Jem is coming of age because…

Explaining Quotations • BAD phrases to start explaining a quotation… – This quotation says… – This quotation indicates… – According to this quotation… – On page X… – This shows… – Stay away from these! They are not as professional as the other ways I just showed you.

Transitions to Second Example Agreement Opposition Cause Additionally Comparatively Correspondingly Equally important Furthermore In addition In the same way Moreover Similarly Together with After all Besides Despite Conversely Different from Even so/Even though In contrast Nevertheless On the other hand Then again Due to Even if For the purpose of In the hope that Effect As a result Consequently For this reason Therefore

Concluding Sentence • At the end of every body paragraph, YOU MUST return to your thesis • Tell me why and how this supporting point actually is relevant to your argument and thesis statement

Concluding Sentence • Examples: – Not all white lawyers are willing to take this case and put so much effort into defending a black man in the racist 1930 s, and because of his efforts, Atticus is nothing less than a hero. – He surely knew he would not succeed, but sometimes one feels compelled to stand up to a challenge based on principle.

Structure of a Body Paragraph Topic Sentence (1 sentence) Embed evidence: - Give context - Integrate quotations - Commentary/analysis Transition Embed evidence – There is no specific amount you need, but you need to transition between each piece Concluding Sentence/Transition (1 sentence – connects back to your topic sentence)

Example Body Paragraph (Topic Sentence) When it comes to doing what is right in a given situation, sometimes it takes going against what the majority deems as popular. (Context/Background) Atticus Finch undoubtedly does just that when he takes the case to protect Tom Robinson. (Evidence) Despite the overwhelming racist beliefs in the town of Maycomb, Atticus sticks to his morals and looks past the color of Tom’s skin, because he believes that “Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience…[He] couldn’t go to church and worship God if [he] didn’t try to help that man” (Lee 104). (Commentary) The fact that not taking the case bothers Atticus mentally and morally displays that he is an incredibly good person. (Concluding sentence) Not all white lawyers are willing to take this case and put so much effort into defending a black man in the racist 1930 s, and because of his efforts, Atticus is nothing less than a hero.