Body Paragraphs Guide

Body Paragraphs
The term body refers to all paragraphs after the introduction and before
the conclusion. The metaphor that comes to mind most often in describing
this structure is the sandwich: the introductory and concluding paragraphs
represent slices of bread while the body paragraphs are the meat and cheese of
the essay, so to speak. There are three body paragraphs in a five paragraph
persuasive essay. Each body paragraph should focus on one argument, called
the main point. Though I encourage my students to have three body
paragraphs, it is certainly possible to write a successful essay with more or
fewer body paragraphs.
Main Points
A main point is the purpose of the body paragraph. Each body paragraph
should have one clearly stated main point that is expressed in the topic
sentence of the paragraph. The main point should then be developed and
supported with emotional or logical arguments. A five-paragraph persuasive
essay should have three main points and each main points should support the
thesis of the essay.
Topic Sentences
Topic sentences clearly state the purpose of the paragraph. Each body
paragraph should begin with a topic sentence. A topic sentence may or may not
restate your thesis or position but always should state the paragraph’s central
argument. The goals of a persuasive essay are somewhat opposite to that of a
mystery novel: when writing a persuasive essay do not attempt to build

suspense by keeping secrets from the reader. Write topic sentences that are
clear, direct, and upfront about your purpose.
Example
Students should not have to wear school uniforms because they limit
students’ ability to express their individuality.
Notice that this example has two parts: the non-emboldened text restates the
thesis of the essay and the bold text is the main point. The rest of the
paragraph should argue the main point.
Supporting Details
Supporting details are arguments, examples, or descriptions that
justify, explain, and develop main points. My students perennially struggle
with properly supporting their main points. In order to help them, I teach them
to use thought stems to extend and develop their arguments. These thought
stems are something like training wheels for writing: once students learn to
write they won’t need to them; but when they are first learning, students can
learn to better sequence and develop their support by using thought stems.
Persuasive Essay Thought Stems
 What I mean by this is…
 Another way to say this is…
 This connects to my argument because…
 The reason for this is that…
 To put it another way…
 This shows that…

 This is important because…
 For example…
With a little bit of practice, students can use these thought stems to better
explain and support their arguments. I keep a large poster with these thought
stems in my classroom and I title it “The Elabor-8.”
Making the Connection
Making the connection is when the last sentence in a body paragraph
connects the support back to the main point. My students generally do
pretty well at coming up with main points and creating support, but they often
fail to connect the two. That is to say, they put the support next to the main
point but don’t clearly explain the relation between the two or how they
connect. The analogy I use to explain this is that of the prosecutor in a criminal
case: the attorney doesn’t just say, “There were some blood drops in the
defendants car,” and then end his argument. Having evidence is not enough.
The prosecutor must explain what the evidence shows. Likewise, writers need to
explain what their evidence shows to make the connection. Don’t make the
readers draw their own conclusions; that’s your job.
Example
We should not have to wear school uniforms because they limit our ability to
express our individuality. What I mean by this is that students have the right to
express who they are and how they are feeling. One of the most important
ways they do this is through dress. This is how we show the world who we are,
particularly in an environment where we are forced to be quiet for 90% of the
day. Our fashion makes a unique statement. If students are forced to wear
uniforms, their ability to express themselves will be severely limited.
Schools should promote student expression not restrict it. Because of
this we should not have to wear uniforms.
This paragraph begins well by clearly stating the position on the topic and the
main point of the paragraph. The paragraph is well developed with logical
arguments, and then it closes strongly. But imagine if it ended without the parts
in bold? This is how many of my students write: they state their point, they
support it with some evidence, and then they move on with the essay. Bringing
the argument back to the topic sentence is an essential and often overlooked
step. By connecting the support to the main point, writers help readers make
the connection. This is entirely essential to writing excellent paragraphs.

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Body Paragraphs

this structure is the sandwich: the introductory and concluding paragraphs

the main point. Though I encourage my students to have three body

paragraphs, it is certainly possible to write a successful essay with more or

fewer body paragraphs.

supported with emotional or logical arguments. A five-paragraph persuasive

thesis of the essay.

argument. The goals of a persuasive essay are somewhat opposite to that of a

mystery novel: when writing a persuasive essay do not attempt to build

clear, direct, and upfront about your purpose.

students’ ability to express their individuality.

paragraph should argue the main point.

Supporting details are arguments, examples, or descriptions that

justify, explain, and develop main points. My students perennially struggle

Persuasive Essay Thought Stems

 What I mean by this is…

 Another way to say this is…

 This connects to my argument because…

 The reason for this is that…

 To put it another way…

 This shows that…

stems in my classroom and I title it “The Elabor-8.”

Making the Connection

Making the connection is when the last sentence in a body paragraph

connects the support back to the main point. My students generally do

readers draw their own conclusions; that’s your job.

particularly in an environment where we are forced to be quiet for 90% of the

Schools should promote student expression not restrict it. Because of

this we should not have to wear uniforms.

the connection. This is entirely essential to writing excellent paragraphs.

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