Topic sentence – The topic sentence presents the one main idea that focuses and guides the paragraph much like a thesis statement focuses and guides the essay. This should directly support the thesis statement.
Restriction/Explanation – The second part of the body paragraph should restate or explain the topic sentence more specifically, and let the reader the direction the paragraph will go. (Common transitions: In other words, More specifically, In fact)
Illustration – The third part of the body paragraph supports the topic sentence using expert opinion, statistics, examples, evidence, personal experience, and facts. (common transitions: For example, For instance, To illustrate)
Analysis – The fourth part answers the question ‘why are these examples important?’ by interpreting and explaining how the evidence supports the topic sentence. *Though extremely important, students often leave analysis out of body paragraphs, which decreases the effectiveness of the paragraph. Illustrations should not be left without explanation or interpretation.(Common transitions: These examples show…, This is important because…, This means that…)
Concludingsentence – The final section of an effective body paragraph reviews the main ideas in the paragraph and reemphasizes what the evidence and analysis suggest. (Common transitions: So, Ultimately, As a result…)
