1. Body Paragraphs & Transitions

2. Body Paragraphs Support the thesis statement
Provide main ideas (supporting reasons) and examples/evidence to support the thesis statement
Each paragraph is 6-12 sentences in length—8-12 sentences is better.
Paragraphs/ideas are connected by transitional words and phrases.

3. Parts of a Body Paragraph
TOPIC SENTENCE: States the main idea of the paragraph. It tells the reader what the paragraph is about. A good topic sentence has two functions:
It names a subject
It give the focus or main point—a supporting reason.
Ex: Subject: Genome-mapping Main Focus: is morally wrong
Ex: Subject: Greek Gods Main Focus: Hades
SUPPORTING DETAILS: Sentences that are connected to the main idea/supporting reason. They include information or details the reader needs in order to understand the topic. Sentences should be ordered in the most logical order. The main ways to do this are by time, by location, or by importance.
CLOSING STATEMENT: Sums up the paragraph’s message. It reminds the readers of the topic of the paragraph.

4. Example
Hades is frequently associated with fear and death. For example, when Hades, king of the underworld, took Persephone as his bride, he used coercive and forceful tactics. For example, in an article in the Colombia Electronic Encyclopedia, the author explains that Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and the goddess Demeter. An innocent young woman, she was taken against her will and forced to live in the underworld for four months each year (326). Those four months were a type of death experience for her. Although Hades is not the god of death, because he rules the underworld and because he inspires fear, he is often associate with death.

5. Think of a good topic sentence for this set of details.
Students should work in moderation.
Students should avoid concentrating on a single project for an extended period.
For example, if students have to read two books for a midterm history test, they should do other assignments at intervals so that the two books will not get boring.
Students should regulate how many extracurricular projects to take on.
An example topic sentence might be “To prevent burnout, students should practice good study skills and manage their study time well.”

6. Paragraph Details Topic Sentence:
Music downloading has increased over the last decade, but the most popular genre of music to download has become pop.
What are some details you would expect to see in this paragraph?

7. Which statements support this topic sentence?
Topic sentence: Public attention is focused on the safety of children’s toys. a. Most tricycles now have handle bars covered with plastic protectors. b. Shooting marbles is a favorite childhood game. c. Too many toys for toddlers come with very small pieces, which can be put in the mouth and can cause choking. d. Manufacturers must use nontoxic paints on all toys. e. Toys with sharp edges that might cut or scratch should be recalled. f. Children enjoy playing with the toys they see on television.

8. Signal/Transition Words
For examples: For example, for instance, to illustrate
For organization or chronological order: The six steps are…, next, finally first, second, third, last, finally
For additional points: Furthermore, in addition, also, moreover
For opposing ideas: On the other hand, in contrast, conversely, however
For similar ideas: Likewise, similarly, in comparison
For exceptions: However, nevertheless, but, yet, still
For emphasis: Above all, finally, more importantly, most importantly
For understanding: In other words, in essence, briefly
For summarizing: In conclusion, to sum up, for these reasons
For more, see the transition grammar card!