Organizational Skills Body Paragraphs transitions topic sentences Body

Organizational Skills Body Paragraphs, transitions, topic sentences

§ Body paragraphs are in an essay to develop ideas to support thesis/claim § A body paragraph can develop or discuss only ONE idea. § Begin and every body paragraph in your own words (not Body Paragraphs borrowed) § Raise the supporting idea in a clear topic sentence § Cite any borrowed information § Avoid using too much borrowed information § Each body paragraph should include at least one piece of evidence or an example § The “meat” of your paper

§ Flow from the last paragraph without a “jolt” Body paragraphs should: § Raise a discussable supporting idea in the form of a topic sentence early in the paragraph § Include a specific and traceable piece of evidence or example to support the topic sentence § Connect back to the original claim/thesis

TTEIC: § Transition A paragraph should contain: § Topic sentence § Evidence § Interpretation § Concluding/connecting statement

§ A phrase/sentence that moves the reader to the new focus area being discussed (think of it as a bridge to get from one area of focus to another). § Transitions glue essays together and help them flow Transitions smoothly and effortlessly for the reader. § When used between body paragraphs, they are typically found at the beginning of the new paragraph and create a link between the topic of the previous paragraph and that of the new paragraph.

§ Each body paragraph should include a clear topic sentence § The topic sentence raises the main idea that will be discussed in that body paragraph Topic Sentences § The topic sentence should be connected in some way to the original claim/thesis statement § Usually, topic sentences will be at the beginning of your body paragraph.

§ Evidence is the most important part of a body paragraph and is used for persuasion or to argue your main points. Evidence § Academic writing requires the writer to prove a point and evidence is how you support that point! § Use statistics, testimony, anecdotes, primary research, and expert opinion to support your argument.

§ Reminder: Last week we talked about SEPI (signal phrase, evidence, parenthetical citation, and interpretation!) § You MUST interpret the evidence for the reader. Interpretation § Tell us what the evidence means and why it’s important enough to include it in your argument. § You can indicate that you are interpreting evidence by using words like “means, ” “illustrates, ” “shows, ” “proves, ” “exemplifies, ” and “demonstrates. ”

Connecting/ Concluding Statement § Always end your body paragraph by connecting it back to your thesis so that the reader knows how it supports your central idea!

§ When you begin a new idea or point When do I begin a new paragraph? § To contrast information or ideas § When your readers need a pause (if the paragraph becomes too long or the material is complex) § When you are ending your introduction or starting your conclusion