Writing Body Paragraphs

1. Introduction Writing Body Paragraphs Body Information obtained from: http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/sds/triosss/handouts/7-The_Body_Paragraph.doc Conclusion

2. The Body Paragraph • The body of an essay serves to illustrate examples and evidence that support the thesis statement. • A good body paragraph should provide a clear discussion that supports one main idea.

3. 5 Components Essential to a Body Paragraph • Topic Sentence • Explanation of the Topic Sentence • Illustration • Analysis • Concluding Sentence

4. Topic Sentence • A topic sentence introduces the main point or controlling idea of a body paragraph. • It must support the thesis by clearly stating the main idea of the discussion. • Example: In her essay, Kamenetz effectively employs various rhetorical strategies to further her argument.

5. Explanation of the Topic Sentence • In one or two sentences, this component clarifies or provides an explanation of the topic sentence in more specific terms. • Example: One strategy that she uses to support her argument is exemplification, specifically the use of numbers and statistical representations.

6. Illustration • Jane Shaffer calls this a concrete detail. • This component of the body paragraph provides evidence, examples (personal experience or observation), or reasoning that supports what is stated in the topic sentence. • Example: She states, for example, that “…50,000 unpaid interns are employed full time for 12 weeks each summer at an average minimum wage of $5.15 an hour.” For example For instance For example For instance

7. Analysis • In one or two sentences, this component explains, interprets, and contextualizes the illustrations provided. • Jane Schaffer calls this commentary. • Example: The number of unpaid internships at such a meager wage clearly illustrates the reality of the situation and the exploitation of students. In addition, Kamanetz provides data from national surveys that clearly support her argument. The use of exemplification, as a result, helps the audience visualize the magnitude of unpaid interns and its impact on the economy.

8. Concluding Sentence • A concluding sentence in a body paragraph reemphasizes the significance of the supporting examples and may also evaluate the connections between the illustrations. • Example: Without this data, it would be difficult to conceptualize the problem that exists for college students seeking to gain relevant work experience. In conclusion In summary Therefore As a result In the end

9. Sample Body Paragraph In her essay, Kamenetz effectively employs various rhetorical strategies to further her argument.One strategy that she uses to support her argument is exemplification, specifically the use of numbers and statistical representations.She states, for example, that “…50,000 unpaid interns are employed full time for 12 weeks each summer at an average minimum wage of $5.15 an hour.”The number of unpaid internships at such a meager wage clearly illustrates the reality of the situation and the exploitation of students. In addition, Kamanetz provides data from national surveys that clearly support her argument. The use of exemplification, as a result, helps the audience visualize the magnitude of unpaid interns and its impact on the economy.Without this data, it would be difficult to conceptualize the problem that exists for college students seeking to gain relevant work experience. Topic Sentence TS Explanation Illustration Analysis Concluding Sentence

10. You Try It! • Write a body paragraph to support the following thesis statement: The implementation of stamp cards has led to increased student success at RMS. You will create one main idea/topic sentence to support this thesis and develop it into a solid body paragraph. • You must include at least one illustration and further explain it with your own analysis (concrete detail+your commentary on it) • Your paragraph must include at least five sentences: topic sentence, explanation of topic sentence, illustration, analysis, and concluding sentence. • Sample illustrations you can use for this exercise include fewer office referrals, increased attendance to get stamps, more student/teacher interaction, etc. Think of one good reason the stamp cards are successful, and write a paragraph to explain that one reason.