Now, it's time to develop the claims in your paragraph's topic sentence by explaining or expanding all the individual parts. In other words, you'll parse out the discussion points your paragraph will address to support its topic sentence. You may use as many sentences as necessary to achieve this step, but if there are too many components, consider writing a paragraph for each of them, or for a few that fit particularly well together.
In this case, you'll likely need to revise your topic sentence. The key here is only one major idea per paragraph. The next step is to prove your topic sentence's claim by supplying arguments, facts, data, and quotations from reputable sources. The goal is to offer original ideas while referencing primary sources and research, such as books, journal articles, studies, and personal experiences.
Never leave your body paragraph's evidence hanging. As the writer, it's your job to do the linking work, that is, to connect your evidence to the main ideas the paragraph seeks to prove.
You can do this by explaining, expanding, interpreting, or commentating on your evidence. You can even debunk the evidence you've presented if you want to give a counterargument.
This next step consists of two parts. First, tie up your body paragraph by restating the topic sentence. Be sure to use different language so that your writing is not repetitive. Whereas the first step states what your paragraph will prove, this step states what your paragraph has proven. Second, every three or four paragraphs, or where it seems most fitting, tie your proven claim back to the paper's thesis statement on page 1.
Doing so makes a concrete link between your discussion and the essay's main claim. A transition is like a bridge with two ramps: The first ramp takes the reader out of a topic or paragraph, whereas the second deposits them into a new, albeit related, topic.
The transition must be smooth, and the connection between the two ideas should be strong and clear. Purdue University lists some of the most commonly used transition words for body paragraphs. Here is an example of a well-structured body paragraph, and the beginning of another body paragraph, from an essay on William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night.
As well as harmony between parent and child, music represents the lasting bond between romantic couples. Shakespeare illustrates this tunefulness in the relationship between Viola and Orsino. Viola's name evokes a musical instrument that fits between violin and cello when it comes to the depth of tone. Orsino always wants to hear sad songs until he meets Viola, whose wit forces him to be less gloomy. The viola's supporting role in an orchestra, and Orsino's need for Viola to break out of his depression, foreshadow the benefits of the forthcoming marriage between the two.
The viola is necessary in both lamenting and celebratory music. Shakespeare uses the language of orchestral string music to illustrate how the bonds of good marriages often depend on mediating between things. Keep in mind that main ideas are… like labels. Make a specific point in each paragraph and then prove that point.
A conclusion typically does one of two things—or, of course, it can do both: Summarizes the argument. Some instructors expect you not to say anything new in your conclusion. They just want you to restate your main points. If you opt to do so, keep in mind that you should use different language than you used in your introduction and your body paragraphs.
Explains the significance of the argument. For example, your argument might be significant to studies of a certain time period.
Alternately, it might be significant to a certain geographical region. Alternately still, it might influence how your readers think about the future.
Handout by Dr. Liliana Naydan. Do not reproduce without permission. Sweetland Center for Writing. Click to call Begins with a topic sentence that:. After the topic sentence, you need to fill the paragraph with well-organized details, facts, and examples. Paragraph may end with a transition. Poses a question for the future, suggests some action to be taken, or warns of a consequence. Ends with a strong image — or a humorous or surprising statement. It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older.
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