Body Paragraphs

Reminders • Letter Format with professional tone! • Introduction: claim/thesis and scenario

• 2 Body Paragraphs:

– Par. #1 defends your claim – Par. #2 explains your opponent’s counter-

argument AND refutes it

• Conclusion (we will discuss this Friday)

Reminders • Letter Format with professional tone! • Introduction: claim/thesis and scenario

• 2 Body Paragraphs:

– Par. #1 defends your claim – Par. #2 explains your opponent’s counter-

argument AND refutes it

• Conclusion (we will discuss this Friday)

Basic Body Paragraph Structure • Topic Sentence

• Evidence (with citation)

• Explanation/Warrant

• *Repeat Evidence & Explanation*

• Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentence • TS ≠ repeating claim from intro

• Mini claim about your book

• Should be a definitive statements you are going to prove within this ONE body paragraph

Evidence Sentences • Facts from the book or research articles

– Quotes, paraphrases, summaries

• MUST INTRODUCE EVIDENCE! Don’t leave your quote hanging. Weave it directly

into your own sentence.

• Make sure all evidence supports TS

Explanation/Warrant • Every single piece of evidence must be

followed by an explanation!

• Remember our simple formula:

1 sentence comment on quote

+

1 sentence connection to claim

Explanation/Warrant • Yes, you can copy and paste from your

outline.

• Just be very careful – your paragraph needs to clearly flow!

• All evidence and explanations must clearly tie back to your TS.

Concluding Sentence • Final statement that lets reader know

paragraph is complete

• Transitions can help signal closing to the reader (“In conclusion” = over it)

Let’s look at my model…