The Body Paragraph Parts of an Essay

Location Essay Between Introduction & Conclusion

Purpose Gives details to support or prove the thesis statement Explains how or why the thesis statement is true

Parts of Body Paragraph Topic sentence Supporting details

Parts of Topic Sentences Controlling Idea of Essay & Paragraph Transition

Topic Sentence Traits Made up of one complete sentence Written concisely Contains a transitional word or phrase Expresses the controlling idea of both the essay and the paragraph. Does not contain supporting details Avoids talking about author Avoids talking about essay itself Does not directly address the reader

Example Topic Sentences The first reason that Christmas is the best holiday is the food. Decorations also help make Christmas the best holiday. Finally, Christmas is the best holiday because of the gifts. Thesis Statement Christmas is the best holiday because of the food, decorations, and gifts.

Class Sample Topic Sentences Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit because of the museums. Thesis Statement Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit because of the museums, monuments and historical places.

Class Sample Topic Sentences First, museums like the Smithsonian make Washington, D.C. a great place to visit. Thesis Statement Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit because of the museums, monuments and historical places.

Class Sample Topic Sentences To begin with, Washington, D.C. is awesome it has great museums. Thesis Statement Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit because of the museums, monuments and historical places.

Class Sample Topic Sentences Second, I am going to tell you about monuments in Washington, D.C. Thesis Statement Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit because of the museums, monuments and historical places.

Class Sample Topic Sentences Monuments also make it a good place to visit. Thesis Statement Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit because of the museums, monuments and historical places.

Class Sample Topic Sentences Next you will read about how the monuments make Washington, D.C. a great place to visit. Thesis Statement Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit because of the museums, monuments and historical places.

Class Sample Topic Sentences It’s also a great place because of the historical places. Thesis Statement Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit because of the museums, monuments and historical places.

Class Sample Topic Sentences Finally, I like the historical places in and around our nation’s capital. Thesis Statement Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit because of the museums, monuments and historical places.

Class Sample Topic Sentences Last, this paragraph is about Washington, D.C.’s museums. Thesis Statement Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit because of the museums, monuments and historical places.

Supporting Details Provide at least two per paragraph. Prove that the topic sentence is true by… providing examples including facts explaining points clarifying ideas