Aim: How can we develop effective body paragraphs?

GOAL!

Now, you give it a try

Often in body paragraphs, students tend to add ideas to do not belong to the main idea of the body paragraph. Your job is to first eliminate those sentences and then identify, rewrite the each sentence on a strip and make sure that it is in order.

Let's review the sample together

Below is an example of a well-constructed body paragraph that uses all of the parts of a body paragraph mentioned above to demonstrate the thematic significance of a beloved character.

These parts are labeled. Notice how all the parts combine to express the author‟s point effectively.

[Topic Sentence] In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J.K. Rowling suggests through her portrayal of Hagrid that appearance can be misleading. [Supporting Details] Although he is one of the most loved characters in the Harry Potter universe, his initial confrontation with Harry strikes intimidation in the young boy‟s heart. The narrator notes that Hagrid‟s face is “almost completely hidden by a long, shaggy mane of hair and a wild, tangled beard,” and his eyes, “glint[ing] like black beetles,” peer down at Harry (Rowling 46). [Explanation] Harry‟s anxiety seeps through the page as he is confronted by an intimidating figure, and because this description paints such a scary picture, the reader might expect Hagrid to be a rather frightening person as the book progresses. [Significance] This initial description, however, is contrasted by Hagrid‟s true character. Besides serving as a trusted informant to Dumbledore and a crucial ally to Harry and his friends, Hagrid displays an immense compassion for animals, an affection so powerful it sometimes reduces the giant to tears. [Conclusion/Transition] Hagrid‟s humble actions and earnest compassion show that appearances can be misleading, a theme that many characters mirror in the book.

Aim: How can we develop effective body paragraphs?

Parts of a Body Paragraph

How do these parts relate back to TEA

?

Topic Sentence

Supporting Details

Explanation (if needed)

Significance

Conclusion/Transition

Steps (think T.E.A)

1. Topic-Begin with a clear topic sentence that logically supports the thesis statement.

2. Evidence- Support the argument by providing facts, examples, quotations, or statistics that develop or support the central claim of the paragraph.

3. Analysis-explain the significance of each fact, example, quote, or statistic/draw a clear conclusion that is relevant to the thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs

HW: Noredink (Due Tuesday)

These three parts answer three questions for the reader: What‟s your point? Can you give an example? How does your example establish your point? If you answer these three questions, you will have also established a conclusion with which to end the paragraph.

Body Paragraphs

What is the point of a body paragraph in an essay?

Body paragraphs allow a writer to expand on ideas and provide audiences with support for a chosen topic or argument. Under most circumstances, body paragraphs can be divided into three basic parts: a topic sentence, an illustration, and an explanation.