Body Paragraph Review

In our study of how to write an academic essay, we are currently focusing on the
body paragraphs. Just to refresh your memory, we are learning how to write a 5-
paragraph essay, which should look like the following:

1. Introduction
2. 1
st
Body Paragraph
3. 2
nd
Body Paragraph
4. 3
rd
Body Paragraph
5. Conclusion

Last week, we saw how to construct an introduction using a hook, connecting
information, and finally the thesis statement.

This week, we have examined some examples essays and have seen how each body
paragraph is made up of the following:

1. Topic Sentence
2. First Sandwich Point 1, Example/Detail, Comment
3. Second Sandwich Point 2, Example/Detail, Comment
4. Concluding Sentence

Remember that in order to have a paragraph that adequately supports your points
and your topic sentence, all of the above need to be present. Below is a graphic
organizer, which might make the elements of a body paragraph a little clearer in
your mind.

The three body paragraphs make up the heart of your essay. If the body paragraphs
are weak and missing elements, your essay will be weak as well. In the examples
that we examined together, the fact that the essay was well supported in the body
created strength throughout the whole essay.

Well, now it is your turn. Please bring your notes for the Global Warming video that
you completed to class tomorrow. We will be using this information in an in-class
activity in order to begin writing your own body paragraphs!
Body Paragraph Review










Graphic Organizer ALC at UCLA Extension
Topic Sentence
Point #1
detail (example,
explanation, statistics,
quotes, paraphrases,
etc.)
comment
Point #2
detail (example,
explanation, statistics,
quotes, paraphrases,
etc.)
comment
Conclusion