1. Body Paragraphs English 9 Mrs. Macomber
Writing a Paper
Body Paragraphs
English 9
Mrs. Macomber

2. Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph contains CRE
C= Claim. (Topic sentence)
E= Evidence to back up your paragraph
R= Reasoning (Analysis) of your evidence (explain why/how the evidence supports your claim)

3. C= CLAIM
Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that explains your claim
The topic sentence lets the reader know what that paragraph will be about.
Ex. The first way Shrek fits the definition of an epic hero is that he goes on a quest.

4. E=Evidence Use a direct quote
Evidence: You need to support your claim with textual evidence (support found in the literature)
Each body paragraph should contain at least two pieces of evidence to support your position.
For textual evidence, you may
Use a direct quote
Paraphrase what happened in your own words

5. Types of Evidence: Direct Quotes
When using an author’s exact words, we always place them in quotations with the location the quote is found at the end.
The proper format for direct citation for an epic poem is as follows:
“The exact words from the epic go here” (IX ).
Notice that the quotation marks come before the parentheses and the sentence’s punctuation goes
after the closing parentheses!

6. Types of Evidence: Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is writing what happened in your own words.
When you paraphrase, you must still give a location so the reader will know where to find that part of the story.
The correct format for paraphrasing is as follows:
You would write your paraphrase here (IX ).

7. R=Reasoning
Reasoning is when you analyze or explain to readers how your evidence backs up your claim.
In our Shrek example, remember our thesis is that Shrek is a hero.
Our first body paragraph’s claim is how he goes on a quest.
For the evidence, you would paraphrase what happens when he travels to save Princess Fiona.
For the analysis, you need to explain to readers how this journey makes him a hero.

8. R=Reasoning
Ex.
Shrek attempts to save Fiona because Lord Farquaad promised him privacy at his swamp if Shrek was successful. Despite this selfish reason for his actions, Shrek is still a hero because he travels away from his comfort zone to save a woman in danger.

9. Don’t forget!
Use transitions from one thought to another. Let’s move beyond “first” and “secondly”. Try these instead:
TO ADD: TO SHOW THE OPPOSITE:
Moreover On the other hand
In addition to Conversely
Also In contrast
Furthermore However
Likewise Nevertheless
Additionally Regardless of this