The Writing Process Body Paragraphs

What is a body paragraph? A body paragraph is a paragraph that helps support the thesis statement. All body paragraphs must have unity and coherence. Unity means that one paragraph is about ONLY ONE main topic. That is, all the sentences -- the topic, supporting sentences, the detail sentences, and (sometimes) the concluding sentence -- are all telling the reader about ONE main topic. Coherence means all the ideas in a paragraph flow smoothly from one sentence to the next sentence. With coherence, the reader has an easy time understanding the ideas that you wish to express.

What makes up a body paragraph? Body paragraphs are made up of… A topic sentence An introduction to support Support, quote, evidence An analysis of support

How to construct a body paragraph? In order to construct a body paragraph, follow the T.I.Q.A method. Topic Sentence Introduce Quote (or evidence) Quote (or evidence) Analyze quote (or evidence)

What is a topic sentence? A topic sentence is one that defines and states the topic of the paragraph. Your topic sentence should come from the thesis statement. Thesis statement: In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Montresor is successful in getting his revenge because of his vengeful nature, his ability to use reverse psychology and manipulation to get people to do what he wants, and his intelligent choices. Topic Sentence: In order to be successful in his murder, Montresor uses reverse psychology and manipulation to lure Fortunato to his death. Much like a thesis statement, a topic sentence has a topic and limiting idea.

Introducing the Quote or Evidence One of the most misunderstood ideas when writing is introducing the quote or evidence into the essay. YOU CAN NOT JUST PLUG A QUOTE IN WITHOUT CONTEXT! Example: As Montresor and Fortunato make their way down to the depths of the catacombs, Montresor verbally taunts Fortunato that he will get his rival Luchesi to drink the amontillado because he is too ill.

Quoting or Providing Evidence When quoting from a piece of literature, you must be precise. The quote should look exactly as it is found in the text. When quoting, you MUST provide the page number. Example: “we will go back; your health is precious” (89). If you cannot use a quote, be as specific as possible.

Analyze the Quote or Evidence This is the most important part of the entire body paragraph. The analysis should explain to the reader the importance of the quote and how it supports your topic sentence. The analysis should NOT be shorter than the quote provided. Avoid the phrase “This quote shows…” as it sounds too artificial and boring.

Analyze the Quote or Evidence Quote: “‘Come,’ I said, with decision, ‘we will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was. You are a man to be missed. For me it is no matter. We will go back; you will be ill, and I cannot be responsible. Besides, there is Luchesi’“ (89). Analysis: By acting as though he actually cares for Fortunato’s health and merely mentioning the name of his rival Luchesi, Montresor manipulates Fortunato to continue on. Montresor has no concern for Fortunato’s health, but lures him into a sense of security by saying that he does as a friend naturally would. In addition, Montresor knows full well of the rivalry between Fortunato and Luchesi. By mentioning his name, Montresor is challenging Fortunato’s pride and expertise of wine as Fortunato would not want his bitter rival to one up him.