Body Paragraphs Honors English 9 Ms Brinker Standard

Body Paragraphs Honors English 9 Ms. Brinker

Standard Five Paragraph Essay Introduction Body paragraph #1 Body paragraph #2 Body paragraph #3 Conclusion

Body Paragraphs • Body paragraphs are all the paragraphs between the introductory paragraph and the conclusion. • Body paragraphs support and prove your thesis.

Elements of a Paragraph • To be as effective as possible, a paragraph should contain each of the following: Unity, Coherence, and Adequate Development. • As you will see, all of these traits overlap. Using and adapting them to your individual purposes will help you construct effective paragraphs.

Unity • The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus. • If it begins with one focus or one major point of discussion, it should not end with another idea.

Coherence • The paragraph should be easy to understand • Coherence is created with: – Logical Bridges: The same idea of a topic is carried over from sentence to sentence. – Verbal Bridges: Key words can be repeated in several sentences; synonymous words can be repeated in several sentences; pronouns can refer to nouns in previous sentences; transition words can be used to link ideas from different sentences.

Adequate development • The topic should be discussed fully and adequately. • This varies from paragraph to paragraph, depending on the author's purpose, but writers should beware of paragraphs that only have two or three sentences. It's a pretty good bet that the paragraph is not fully developed if it is that short.

Warning: What you are about to see may cause hunger…

Too Small

Too Big

Just Right

Body paragraphs that require one support: Topic Sentence Support Sentence 1 e Integrated Quot Text Support Sentences 1 Insight Sentences 1 Concluding Sentence

Body paragraphs that require two supports: Topic Sentence Support Sentence 1 Text Support Sentences 1 Insight Sentences 1 Integ rated Quot e Support Sentence 2 Text Support Sentences 2 Insight Sentences 2 Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentence • Topic sentences state the main idea of the paragraph. • It has a clear link to your thesis statement. • The rest of the paragraph must expand on, describe, or prove what the topic sentence states in some way. • A good topic sentence makes a point and suggests the logical structure of the rest of the paragraph.

Support Sentence • A support sentence introduces the specific example/idea that is going to be supported with textual references and insight. • Support sentences should be clear and concise. • If multiple supports are used in one paragraph, use signal phrases to indicate a new support (e. g. another example; in addition; also).

Text Support Sentences • A textual support sentence proves a support sentence by providing a detail or example from a source. • Avoid summarizing events. • Avoid describing characters in detail. • Reference the text and move into the insight (rely on dependent clauses).

Insight Sentences • Insight sentences provide your ideas and understanding of the topic. • Develop detailed analysis that proves your thesis. • Should make up the majority of your paragraph. • Avoid phrases like “I think. ”

Concluding Sentence • A conclusion (one sentence) refers back to the topic. • Provides a logical closing. • May provide a transition to the next body paragraph.

ENJOY!!