Body Paragraphs

Learning Objectives

Describe the elements of effective body paragraphs

The body of your paper is where you support and discuss the main ideas for your topic. Each main idea requires its own paragraph and support. How you write the body of your essay is based on your own personal taste, but there are a couple of points you should consider:

A wooden toy train held together with magnets. The magnets are labeled Topic sentence and Transition sentence. In between is evidence and discussion

The structure of each paragraph helps to connect the paragraphs into a logical train of thought.

  • All paragraphs need to have a topic sentence that links ideas back to your thesis statement. A topic sentence is the sentence that communicates the main idea of your paragraph.
  • All topic sentences will be expanded through the use of supporting details.
  • In research papers, all paragraphs must integrate research to support your position.
  • All paragraphs must logically connect to the other ideas in your paper.
  • If you have information that contradicts your main idea, it is wise to acknowledge that information and explain why it has not changed your position.
  • All paragraphs must end with a transition sentence that leads the reader from one idea to the next.

Topic Sentences

A topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph and provides the reader with a sense of purpose for the paragraph, just as the thesis statement defines the purpose of the paper. A topic sentence is the main idea of your paragraph and should have a clear relationship to your thesis statement.

Consider the following suggestions on this sample topic:

  • What are some benefits of distance learning?

For the purposes of this topic, your thesis might read as follows:

  • Distance learning students benefit from the flexibility of time and space; this meets the needs of individuals living far away from a post-secondary institution, working full-time jobs, or raising a family.

You might write the possible topic sentences:

  • Students who live far away from post-secondary institutions can access online education without having to endure a costly move or incur travel expenses.
    • The paragraph could go on to discuss the benefits of distance learning for a student who has the flexibility of space.
  • Individuals who have full-time jobs can access post-secondary education at a distance and still be able to maintain their employment while earning their degree.
    • This paragraph could go on to discuss the benefits of distance learning for a student who has flexibility of time.
  • Learners who face the challenge of raising a family while attending post-secondary schooling benefit from the flexibility of time and space to access the material wherever they can and whenever they have the time.
    • This paragraph could go on to discuss how online learning would be helpful in meeting the individual needs of the student.

Topic Sentence Checklist

If you are writing a paper, use the following checklist to determine the effectiveness of your topic sentences:

  1. Identify and underline the thesis of the paper.
  2. Identify and underline the topic sentence for each paragraph.
  3. Compare each topic sentence with your thesis and make sure that there is a clear connection. Try writing down the thesis statement and topic sentences as a paragraph. If the ideas do not flow together, revise the topic sentences to make your writing more coherent.
  4. Read each paragraph. Ask yourself if all the supporting details in the paragraph are connected to the topic sentence. If not, ask yourself what the topic sentence is about. Then look for a way to connect it to the supporting details of the paragraph. If some details are unrelated, get rid of them and replace them with appropriate information. If none of the details are related, rewrite the whole paragraph.
  5. Look at the order of your paragraphs and topic sentences. Determine if there is a logical flow of ideas. If necessary, shift the order of paragraphs to make them more effective.

Supporting Details

Supporting details are the pieces of research and information that are integrated in your writing to add authority to your argument. It is your way of saying that you have an idea that is well-informed and grounded in the course work or academic research.

Supporting details come in three forms:

  • Direct quotations from sources
  • Paraphrases from sources
  • Personal opinion or experience (when assignment guidelines permit)

SEE Pattern

Whichever form of support you choose to use, you must integrate the information in your writing.

Consider using the SEE pattern to integrate the support in your paragraph:

  • Statement – Write a statement that precedes your quotation or paraphrase. This statement should provide the necessary contextual or background information and act as a transition to your piece of support.
  • Example – Insert your example: the actual quotation or paraphrase you have found in the literature.
  • Explanation – Give an explanation of how the quotation or paraphrase connects to the rest of the ideas in the paragraph.

Following this pattern will ensure that supporting details are relevant and connected to the point you are making.

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