1. Writing Body Paragraphs

2. Body Paragraphs Body paragraphs are essentially a mini essay. They contain:  A topic sentence  Supporting details  A conclusion Like a good essay, the paragraph is unified.

3. Example I’ve learned from experience that good friendships are based on a delicate balance. When friends are on par, personally and professionally, it’s easier for them to root for one another. It’s taken me a long time to realize that not all of my “friends” wish me well. Someone who wants what you have and may not be able to handle your good fortune: If you find yourself apologizing for your hard-earned raise or soft- pedaling your long-awaited promotion, it’s a sure sign that the friendship is off balance. Real friends are secure enough in their own lives to share each other’s successes – not begrudge them. Topic Sentence Conclusion Supporting Details

4. Transitions Addition  and, again, too, also, in addition, further, furthermore, moreover, besides Cause and Effect  therefore, consequently, thus, accordingly, as a result, hence, then, so Comparison  similarly, likewise, by comparison

5. Transitions Concession (good for counterarguments, especially when paired with “Contrast”)  to be sure, granted, of course, it is true, to tell the truth, certainly, with the exception of, although this may be true, even though, naturally Contrast  but, however, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand, yet, nevertheless, after all, in spite of Example  for example, for instance Place  elsewhere, here, above, below, farther on, there, beyond, nearby, opposite to, around

6. Transitions Restatement  that is, in other words, in simpler terms, to put it differently, simply stated Sequence  first, second, third, next, finally Summary  in brief, in short, ultimately Time  afterward, later, earlier, subsequently, at the same time, simultaneously, immediately, this time, until now, before, meanwhile, shortly, soon, currently, when, lately, in the meantime, formerly

7. Writing Your Paragraphs Using a Graphic Organizer Start by writing your thesis statement at the top of the paper, so you always have your main argument in mind. We will look at an example of this graphic organizer together before you begin working on your arguments.

8. Thesis: Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. 1 2 3 Write your three main points in the first box of each section

9. Voting is your way to state your concerns and beliefs. _______________________________________________ Every vote counts and is important. _______________________________________________ Through voting we practice "democracy“ which we are trying to bring to others.

10. Thesis: Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Write your three details about each reason in the middle box Detail 1 Detail 2 Detail 3 Detail 1 Detail 2 Detail 3 Detail 1 Detail 2 Detail 3

11. Voting is your way to state your concerns and beliefs. _______________________________________________ Every vote counts and is important. _______________________________________________ Through voting we practice "democracy“ which we are trying to bring to others. Taxes Education War Close elections for office Close elections for laws/decisions Send mandates to the government. Example being set Demonstrate belief in democracy Respect for lives being lost protecting democracy

12. Thesis: Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Provide supporting evidence for your details Evidence/ Research

13. Taxes Education War Close elections for office Close elections for laws/decisions Send mandates to the government. Example being set Demonstrate belief in democracy Respect for lives being lost protecting democracy Cloverleaf High School did not receive funding due to the failure of the levy. (Jefferson 3) The number of votes in the Bush/Gore Presidential Election of 2000 only separated the candidates by 0.5% (CBS n.pag.) Over 43,000,00 American men and women over the last 235 years have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms, which includes the right to vote. (US Department of Veteran Affairs)

14. Thesis: Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Each set of boxes will become a body paragraph. All you have to do is put the information into paragraphs and add transitions! BODY PARAGRAPH 1 BODY PARAGRAPH 2 BODY PARAGRAPH 3