BRENDA WHITE, 2012 Body Paragraph

Body Paragraph: Basics o Body paragraphs are the workhorses of an essay. o They carry all the supporting information and details that hold up the thesis statement. o All discussion about the thesis topic are handled in the body paragraphs. o Main points are presented in a logical and effective order to make them as effective as possible to the reader.

Body Paragraph Structure Each body paragraph focuses on one main point that was presented in the thesis statement or introduction. Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence that presents the topic for discussion in that paragraph. Every subsequent sentence in that paragraph supports or provides details about that topic and supports the essay argument (thesis). Transitions should be used to effectively lead the reader.

Body Paragraph Viewpoints It strengthens an argument to acknowledge and refute an opposing point of view. Choose an easily-defeated point and show its flaws. It should be smoothly incorporated into the paragraph. A more sophisticated writer can choose a stronger argument, but it must be defeated completely or the writer runs the risk of upholding the opposing view. Acknowledgement and refutation should be short.

Body Paragraph - TAXES The following acronym TAXES is one way to help remember and achieve the structure of a well-developed body paragraph. It is not the only way, however. T - Topic Sentence (a sentence that states the one point the paragraph will make) A - Assertion statements (statements that present your ideas) X - eXample(s) (specific passages, factual material, or concrete detail) E - Explanation (commentary that shows how the examples support your assertion) S - Significance (commentary that shows how the paragraph supports the thesis statement) TAXES gives you a formula for building the supporting paragraphs in a thesis-driven essay. (Kathleen Muller Moore and Susie Lan Cassel, Techniques for College Writing: The Thesis Statement and Beyond. Wadsworth, 2011)

Body Paragraph Exercise Look at the document Forty Essay Topics (website). Choose one topic from items With a partner, write a brief outline of the thesis, introduction, and main points you would use with this topic. Then, write a sentence outline of one paragraph focused on one of those main points. Use TAXES or another structure for that paragraph; specify TAXES model if used. KEEP this for use later.

Body Paragraph Quiz 1. T or F: Body paragraphs are responsible for carrying all the support for an essay’s thesis. 2. T or F: In order to be an effective paragraph or essay, items should be presented in logical order and supported well. 3. T or F: Transitions are not necessary within a paragraph. 4. T or F: To make a paragraph stronger, writers should never acknowledge the opposing viewpoint. 5. T or F: There is only one correct way to construct a body paragraph, and that is to use TAXES.