HOW DO I WRITE BODY OR SUPPORT PARAGRAPHS?
Body or support paragraphs should specifically support the thesis or main point of the paper. Support paragraphs should not vaguely or loosely discuss the topic of the paper. Each body paragraph should be unified, meaning that nothing in the paragraph strays off the main point of the paragraph.
Good body paragraphs contain the following:
1. Clearly state the topic of the paragraph.
2. Clearly link the topic of the paragraph back
to the thesis statement.
3. Make a smooth transition between the previous
paragraph and the present paragraph.
Generally the topic sentence comes at the beginning of
each body paragraph.
Discussion, Support, or Elaboration of the Point Made
in the Topic Sentence
Some of the weaknesses found in English 101 and English
102 papers occur in the development of body or support paragraphs.
Usually students do not explain or discuss their topic sentence in enough
detail within a body paragraph for the reader to really understand the
significance of the issue. Discussion and explanation are crucial
to a well-developed body paragraph.
Concrete Examples, Statistics, or Facts
Good writers always include concrete evidence to support
the topic sentence and the explanation and development. They follow
any generalization with a concrete, specific example.
A Concluding Sentence that Restates the Main Point
of the Paragraph
It is very easy to wander off topic in a paragraph, and
a concluding statement that restates the topic or point of the paragraph
keeps the reader focused on your argument or discussion.