1. + Body Paragraphs: Step by Step

2. + ESSAY MONSTER!!

3. + What does a good paragraph consist of? Built around a central topic or idea. Presents a claim and then supports or proves that claim with facts, examples and details.

4. + Step one: Topic Sentence Each paragraph needs one. It should be interesting and hold your readers attention (do not let go of this idea!). The first sentence of the paragraph. Announces the paragraph’s subject. Makes a statement or claim that the rest of the paragraph will support or prove.

5. + Step one: Topic Sentence (needed) Readers want to understand the paragraph’s subject quickly. They shouldn’t have to guess what the paragraph is about.

6. + Step two: Support Sentences (needed) Make up the body of the paragraph. Includes: Examples Details Reasoning Facts Data Quotations Anecdotes Definitions or descriptions Their purpose is to support/back up/prove their topic sentence.

7. + MAKE SURE… To always give specific examples in your essays. The specifics can come from current events, personal experience, or anything else that is RELEVANT to your topic and thesis.

8. + EXPLAIN, EXPLAIN, EXPLAIN. Explain your examples! Why did you choose that example? What does it say that needs to be added to your paragraph?

9. + Step three: Point Sentence (optional) Restates or amplifies the main idea at the end of the paragraph. Useful in long paragraphs to reinforce or restate the topic sentence of the paragraph in different words.

10. + Step four: Paragraph Cohesion (needed) A well written paragraph keep the readers’ focus on one subject, idea, issue or question. ALL sentences in the paragraph need to help explain or prove the topic sentence. Any sentence that does not is off topic, and must be deleted or moved to another paragraph.

11. + Step five: Paragraph Length The paragraph must be long enough to back up or prove your topic sentence. An occasional long paragraph is fine, but be careful not to include more than one topic per paragraph. If you have several long paragraphs, consider breaking them into several shorter paragraphs. An occasional short paragraph is fine, but too short when a writer doesn’t include enough support to back up the paragraph’s claim. If you have several small paragraphs, you should either add more to each paragraph or combine a few small paragraphs to make a longer paragraph.

12. + HOW LONG? You should not be aiming for a certain length when it comes to paragraphs. A simple guideline: No less than 5 sentences. No more than 10 sentences.

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14. + Step six: Transition It is important for there to be a flow within the paragraphs of your essay. This is a product of proper essay planning. Think of it as a bridge between two paragraphs. Flow.

15. + PRACTICE! It is now time for you to write your body paragraph based off that same topic that you wrote your introduction paragraph on.