Body Paragraphs

1. Body Paragraphs How to Write the Body Paragraphs of an Essay.

2. What will you learn? Learning Objectives: Review what a body paragraph is Learn the four elements of a well-written body paragraph Examine each of the four elements The essay structure that is accepted and expected by American academic institutions: high schools, colleges and educational resources.

3. Body Paragraph Review The body paragraphs are the center of the essay, in between the introduction and conclusion. They provide the support to the thesis and demonstrate the logical procession of the argument (as outlined in the thesis statement). They provide the information, do the explaining, give the evidence and analysis.

4. Sequence of Body Paragraphs The body paragraphs should follow the same sequential order of the argument outlined in the thesis statement (in the introduction). The three-part thesis statement provides the structure for how the argument will proceed in the body paragraphs. The order of the body paragraphs must have a logical rational: cause and effect (causality), strongest evidence first to the weakest (or vice versa), chronological order of events, etc.

5. Four elements and structure of each body paragraph 1. Topic sentence (green) 2. Transition sentence (yellow) 3. Evidence and/or quotation (red) 4. Analysis and/or explanation (red) 5. Conclusion/brief wrap-up (green)

6. Topic Sentence of a Body Paragraph Green Sentences The narrator, who remains calm and objective in the story, survives the invasion. Tells the reader what will be discussed in the paragraph Presents the main idea of the paragraph

7. Transition Sentence of a Body Paragraph Yellow Sentences His thoughtful temperament spares his mind and body from the trauma Develops, narrows and explains how the topic sentence connects to the evidence (red sentences) Allows smooth reading by creating a logical connection, a bridge between ideas

8. Evidence Red Sentences “’Thinking to calm ourselves and pass the time, we attempted to count them (the rats), but we soon gave up. They moved incessantly, never still. Then we tried identifying them, naming them’” (55). Provides a quote/evidence that supports the thesis statement Include a page citation

9. Analysis Red Sentences The activity of counting and naming the rats demonstrates that the narrator feels in control of the situation and undefeated by their onslaught. This strategy helps him maintain balance and objectivity, and proves to be the most beneficial survival tactic. After being rescued and and healed, returns to his job at the lighthouse. Provides deeper detail, explanation or evidence Should explain the quotation/evidence/support Could be many sentences The analysis should explain what the text says, what the author means, and why it matters

10. Conclusion Sentence Green Sentences His methodical way of calming himself helps his endure through crisis and productively carry on with life. Provides a brief wrap-up Tells the reader how and why the body paragraph supports the thesis

11. Body Paragraph One The narrator, who remains calm and objective in the story, survives the invasion. His thoughtful temperament spares his mind and body from the trauma. “’Thinking to calm ourselves and pass the time, we attempted to count them (the rats), but we soon gave up. They moved incessantly, never still. Then we tried identifying them, naming them’” (55). The activity of counting and naming the rats demonstrates that the narrator feels in control of the situation and undefeated by their onslaught. This strategy helps him maintain balance and objectivity, and proves to be the most beneficial survival tactic. After being rescued and healed, he returns to his job at the lighthouse. His methodical way of calming himself helps his endure through crisis and productively carry on with life.

12. Body Paragraph One The narrator, who remains calm and objective in the story, survives the invasion. His thoughtful temperament spares his mind and body from the trauma. “’Thinking to calm ourselves and pass the time, we attempted to count them (the rats), but we soon gave up. They moved incessantly, never still. Then we tried identifying them, naming them’” (55). The activity of counting and naming the rats demonstrates that the narrator feels in control of the situation and undefeated by their onslaught. This strategy helps him maintain balance and objectivity, and proves to be the most beneficial survival tactic. After being rescued and healed, he returns to his job at the lighthouse. His methodical way of calming himself helps his endure through crisis and productively carry on with life.

13. Body Paragraph Two Le Gleo, a Breton, fails to keep a positive mindset and falls victim to the circumstance. As the nine days pass by Le Gleo’s depression gets progressively worse, leading into insanity and despair. “Le Gleo, who was in as bad a state (and so was I for that matter), stared at the chief and me vacantly, started as his gaze swung to the multitude of rats against the glass, then suddenly began laughing horribly: ‘Hee! Hee! The Three Skeletons! Hee! Hee! Three Skeletons are now six skeletons! Six skeletons!” He threw his head back and howled, his eyes glazed, a trickle of saliva running from the corners of his mouth and thinning the blood flowing over his chest” (57). Le Gleo’s lack of hope kept him from maintaining a healthy, objective outlook. As he sinks further and further into his despair his mind misfires, he goes insane and ultimately ends up in an asylum.

14. Body Paragraph Two Le Gleo, a Breton, fails to keep a positive mindset and falls victim to the circumstance. As he nine days pass by Le Gleo’s depression gets progressively worse, leading into insanity and despair.“Le Gleo, who was in as bad a state (and so was I for that matter), stared at the chief and me vacantly, started as his gaze swung to the multitude of rats against the glass, then suddenly began laughing horribly: ‘Hee! Hee! The Three Skeletons! Hee! Hee! Three Skeletons are now six skeletons! Six skeletons!’ He threw his head back and howled, his eyes glazed, a trickle of saliva running from the corners of his mouth and thinning the blood flowing over his chest” (57). Le Gleo’s lack of hope kept him from maintaining a healthy, objective outlook. As he sinks further and further into his despair his mind misfires, he goes insane, and ultimately ends up in an asylum.

15. Body Paragraph Three Itchoua, the Basque head keeper, though more experienced than the other two characters, is the first to give up. On day four of their entrapment he expresses that they are doomed. “’Well – the supply boat came thirteen days ago, and she won’t be back for twenty-nine.’ He pointed at the white metal plate sealing the opening through the granite. ‘If that gives way’ – he shrugged – ‘they can change the name of this place to six skeleton key.’” Itchoua reasons through his knowledge and facts, and he quickly comes to a dreadful conclusion. He ultimately dies of infection from his multiple rat bites.

16. Body Paragraph Three Itchoua, the Basque head keeper, though more experienced than the other two characters, is the first to give up. On day four of their entrapment he expresses that they are doomed.“’Well – the supply boat came thirteen days ago, and she won’t be back for twenty-nine.’ He pointed at the white metal plate sealing the opening through the granite. ‘If that gives way’ – he shrugged – ‘they can change the name of this place to six skeleton key.’” Itchoua reasons through his knowledge and facts, and he quickly comes to a dreadful conclusion. He ultimately dies of infection from his multiple rat bites.