1. Chapter 5: Developing Body Paragraphs
Characteristics of an Effective Body Paragraph
1. Direction means that the body paragraph has a strong topic sentence that states the main idea and sets the course that the paragraph will follow.
2. Unity means that the paragraph makes one main point and sticks to that point.
3. Coherence means that the ideas in the paragraph are logically connected and easy to follow.
4. Support means that the paragraph contains a specific and detailed discussion of the idea stated in the topic sentence.

2. Chapter 5: Developing Body Paragraphs
Direction: Shaping the Topic Sentences of Body Paragraphs
The topic sentence of each body paragraph explains what will be discussed in the paragraph.
Each topic sentence outlines one thesis point, thus providing direction for each body paragraph.
Functions of the topic sentence:
1. The topic sentence of a body paragraph provides a thesis link by mentioning the general subject of the essay.
2. The topic sentence of a body paragraph mentions the specific thesis point that will be developed within the paragraph.
3. The topic sentence may also provide transitions from one paragraph to the next.

3. Chapter 5: Developing Body Paragraphs
Unity: Sticking to the Point of the Essay
An essay with unity means that each paragraph further explains the topic sentence, and that each topic sentence is a point taken from the thesis.
A lack of unity occurs when a paragraph or a sentence does not apply to the thesis.

4. Chapter 5: Developing Body Paragraphs
Coherence: Holding the Essay Together
An essay with coherence is an essay with solid and strong connections between ideas and paragraphs.
Logically related ideas and transitional words can help you achieve coherence.
List of common transitional words and expressions:
Transitions of time: after, as, before, during, first, immediately, etc.
Transitions of space: above, around, behind, beside, between, etc.
Transitions of addition: also, another, finally, first, furthermore, etc.
Transitions of importance: as important, essential, primary, etc.
Transitions of contrast: although, but, even though, however, etc.
Transitions of cause and effect: a consequence of, as a result, etc.
Transitions of illustration or example: for example, including, etc.
For more information on transitions, see pages

5. Chapter 5: Developing Body Paragraphs
Transitions may be needed between body paragraphs.
Transitions may be needed within paragraphs.
A transitional topic sentence can be used for the second or third body paragraphs in a five-paragraph essay.

6. Chapter 5: Developing Body Paragraphs
Support: Using Specific Detail
An essay needs support.
Support is provided by doing the following:
Use specific examples that relate to the points in your thesis.
The examples may need to be more than a word or a phrase; you may need to explain in a few sentences or even in an extended example, which is a paragraph in length.
Comparisons provide detail to help the reader understand.