61 Body Paragraphs
Ann Inoshita; Karyl Garland; Kate Sims; Jeanne K. Tsutsui Keuma; Tasha Williams; and Christina Frasier
Learning Objectives
- Identify the goals and parameters of body paragraphs.
- Identify the component parts of a body paragraph
- Organize supporting evidence that sticks to the thesis sentence
- Develop paragraphs using the PIE technique
If the thesis is the framework for the essay, then body paragraphs should closely follow that framwork. The reader should be able to predict what follows an introductory paragraph by simply reading the thesis statement. The body paragraphs present the evidence the reader has gathered to support the overall thesis. Before writers begin to support the thesis within the body paragraphs, they should find information from a variety of sources that support the topic.
- Select primary support for the thesis
Without primary support, the argument is not likely to be convincing. Primary support can be described as the major points writers choose to expand on the thesis. It is the most important information they select to argue their chosen points of view. Each point they choose will be incorporated into the topic sentence for each body paragraph they write. The primary foundational points are further supported by evidentiary details within the paragraphs.
- Identify the characteristics of good primary support
In order to fulfill the requirements of good primary support, the information writers choose must meet the following standards:
Be specific
The main points they make about the thesis and the examples they use to expand on those points need to be specific. Writers use specific examples to provide the evidence and to build upon the general ideas. These types of examples give the reader something narrow to focus on, and, if used properly, they leave little doubt about their claim. General examples, while they convey the necessary information, are not nearly as compelling or useful in writing because they are too obvious and typical.
Be relevant to the thesis
Primary support is considered strong when it relates directly to the thesis. Primary support should show, explain, or prove their main argument without delving into irrelevant details. When faced with a great deal of information that could be used to prove the thesis, writers may think all the information should be included in the body paragraphs. However, effective writers resist the temptation to lose focus. Good writers choose examples wisely by making sure they directly connect to the thesis.
Add details
The thesis, while specific, should not be very detailed. Discussion develops in the body paragraphs. Using detailed support shows readers that the writer has considered all the facts and chosen only the most precise details to enhance the point of view.
- Prewrite to identify primary supporting points for a thesis statement
When writers brainstorm on a topic, they essentially make a list of examples or reasons they support the stance. Stemming