Body Paragraphs: Shaffer Model Each Body Paragraph should include: 1. Topic sentence: state the main idea of the paragraph 2. Concrete detail: a quote or fact from your research that is properly cited 3. Commentary: explain/clarify the quote (1-2 sent) 4. Concrete detail #2 5. Commentary #2 (1-2 sent) 6. Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentences A topic sentence tells the main idea of the paragraph. HINT: Your first topic sentence should state the same idea as the first prong in your thesis. Same for your 2 nd and 3 rd paragraphs…

Supporting Details… Give a piece of information from a source that you have researched. CITE THEM PROPERLY!!! Ex: The Nazis had many purposes for setting up concentration camps. For example, they used them to “detain real and imagined political and ideological opponents” (US Holocaust Memorial Museum).

Commentary: Explaining your details Make the connections for your readers! Ex: The Nazis had many purposes for setting up concentration camps. For example, they used them to “detain real and imagined political and ideological opponents” (US Holocaust Memorial Museum). This means that the Nazis thought they could get rid of people who thought differently by putting them in concentration camps.

Then use a second detail & set of commentary sentences One detail is not enough to support your research on the topic of that paragraph. Remember to explain your second detail just like your first.

Sample The Nazis had many purposes for setting up concentration camps. For example, they used them to “detain real and imagined political and ideological opponents” (US Holocaust Memorial Museum). This means that the Nazis thought they could get rid of people who thought differently by putting them in concentration camps. In addition, the Nazis also wanted to exploit the labor of the Jews (US Holocaust Memorial Museum). This means that they would use the Jews’ labor for their own projects without asking them or paying them.

Concluding sentence Wrap up your paragraph! Ex: Therefore, these are the various reasons why Nazis created the concentration camps.

Writing Workshop: You will need to work on your body paragraphs for your inspirational person paper. Because we are not doing “research” on our person, your supporting details can be facts and your commentary can be explanation of those facts.