1. Topic Sentences, Concrete Detail, Commentary, and Concluding Sentences
Essay Writing:
Body Paragraphs:
Topic Sentences, Concrete Detail, Commentary, and Concluding Sentences

2. What is a topic sentence?
The first sentence in a body paragraph
Must have a subject and an opinion
Acts like the thesis of a body paragraph
Like a thesis, organizes and states the focus of your body paragraph

3. Samples Thesis: My favorite season is summer.
TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine.
Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.
TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me.

4. Practice Write a topic sentence for each of the theses.
Pep assemblies are a good idea.
______________________________
People should drink more water.
____________________________
Now, turn your three reasons into complete topic sentences:
_________________________________

5. What are Concrete Details (CDs)?
Specific details that form the backbone of your body paragraphs
May include: facts, specifics, examples, descriptions, illustrations, support, proof, evidence, quotations, paraphrasing, or plot references
Ratio: You need to write two sentences of commentary (opinion, analysis, reflection, etc) for every concrete detail (quote, etc).

6. Concrete Details (cont’d)
Often, writers use transitional phrases to introduce concrete details (cds).
For example, In addition, Furthermore, Also, Similarly, For Instance, Moreover

7. Samples Thesis: My favorite season is summer.
TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine.
CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and stay up late.
Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.
TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me.
CD: For instance, I have fun because I am good at throwing and catching the Frisbee.

8. Practice
Write a concrete detail for each of the theses and topic sentences.
Saturday is my favorite day of the week.
I have a more relaxed schedule
For example, _____________________________________
Fast food is unhealthy.
Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain.
For instance, _____________________________________
Now, write 2 concrete details for each of your reasons (follow the format you copied down earlier).

9. What is Commentary (CM)?
Your opinion or comment about something
Found throughout an essay
NOT concrete detail
May include: opinion, insight, analysis, interpretation, inference, personal response, feelings, evaluation, explication, and reflection.
Reminder: There are 2 sentences of commentary for each concrete detail.

10. Samples Thesis: My favorite season is summer.
TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine.
CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and stay up late.
CM: There are no emotional and physical demands on me.
CM: Because there is less stress in my life, I feel more peaceful.

11. Samples Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.
TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me.
CD: For instance, I have fun because I am good at throwing and catching the Frisbee.
CM: I can’t enjoy something I’m not good at for long.
CM: Furthermore, I feel better about myself when I do things well.

12. Practice
Add a sentence of commentary to each of the items from the previous practice.
Saturday is my favorite day of the week.
I have a more relaxed schedule
______________________________________
Fast food is unhealthy.
Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain.
__________________________________________
Now, write commentary for your concrete details.

13. What is a Concluding Sentence (CS)?
Last sentence in a body paragraph
Gives a finished feeling to the paragraph
Is ALL commentary
Does NOT repeat key words

14. Samples Thesis: My favorite season is summer.
TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine.
CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and stay up late.
CM: There are no emotional and physical demands on me.
CM: I can recharge my batteries for awhile.
CS: Not having any commitments lets me unwind.

15. Samples Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.
TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me.
CD: For instance, I have fun because I am good at throwing and catching the Frisbee.
CM: I can’t enjoy something I’m not good at for long.
CM: It makes me feel good to be able to do something well.
CS: Being a helpful part of a team lets me enjoy participating in a sport.

16. Practice
Add a concluding sentence to each of the items from the previous practice, including your own.
Saturday is my favorite day of the week.
I have a more relaxed schedule
______________________________________
Fast food is unhealthy.
Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain.
__________________________________________
Now, write concluding sentences for each of your body paragraphs.