Elements of a Body Paragraph – Organizing Your Paragraphs
1. Topic sentence & Transition:
-this sentence should forecast what this paragraph will be about
-it should also connect to (or transition from) the previous body paragraph
Transitions should show:
a. what the previous paragraph was about (visible in your transition)
b. what your thesis is
c. what this paragraph will be about
See samples below1
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2. Position: Sentence(s) to position the reader
-what does the reader need to know before you start detailing information?
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3. Evidence: Sentences to supply the reader with explanation/evidence
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4. Conclusion sentence: This sentence sums up the paragraph and explains why it is important to your thesis
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1
Sample transition starters:
In addition to…
Beyond…
Accompanying….
________ is not the only … ; _______ is equally important
Other than _______, ________ also…
As important as ______ is in a _________ , it is just as important…
_________ aside, ________ also is…
Although ______ is important, ________ is
In the same way that ____________, ____________ also is…
1. Topic sentence & Transition:
-this sentence should forecast what this paragraph will be about
-it should also connect to (or transition from) the previous body paragraph
Transitions should show:
a. what the previous paragraph was about (visible in your transition)
b. what your thesis is
c. what this paragraph will be about
See samples below1
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. Position: Sentence(s) to position the reader
-what does the reader need to know before you start detailing information?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. Evidence: Sentences to supply the reader with explanation/evidence
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. Conclusion sentence: This sentence sums up the paragraph and explains why it is important to your thesis
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
1
Sample transition starters:
In addition to…
Beyond…
Accompanying….
________ is not the only … ; _______ is equally important
Other than _______, ________ also…
As important as ______ is in a _________ , it is just as important…
_________ aside, ________ also is…
Although ______ is important, ________ is
In the same way that ____________, ____________ also is…
