Pasco Hernando Community College Tutorial Series Academic Essays

Important Note: Although there are some variations, the approach taken in these tutorials is generally accepted. If you have a question about what is expected for a particular assignment, contact your instructor.

Essay Organization Position of Body Paragraphs in Essay Introduction Paragraph Get reader’s attention, gives background, gives thesis statement Body Paragraphs Paragraphs which prove the thesis between the Introductory Paragraph and the Concluding Paragraph. The number of body paragraphs depends upon length of paper Concluding Paragraph Sum up proof and restate thesis. Some instructors ask for a statement drawing an implication about the information presented instead of or in addition to a restatement of thesis.

What is a body paragraph? A body paragraph is a paragraph between the introduction and concluding paragraphs. begins with a topic sentence stating a reason your thesis is right and has sentences that support the topic sentence. is limited to supporting the topic sentence of the paragraph: one point of proof of the thesis. a body paragraph should contain no other information except proof of the thesis.

How many body paragraphs should there be? The number of paragraphs depends upon the length of the essay. An essay must have an introduction paragraph, a body paragraph, and a concluding paragraph. In a 500-word essay, there are generally two to four body paragraphs (four to six total paragraphs). A 1000-word research essay (research paper) could have approximately six body paragraphs (eight total paragraphs)

How many proof paragraphs…? Each body (proof) paragraph should focus on one reason your thesis is right: one proof. The number of paragraphs is determined by how many separate proof points you have – how many reasons you have that your thesis is right.

How many proof paragraphs…? In essays longer than five hundred words, you might have two paragraphs focusing on the same proof point if you have a lot of supporting details. Still, a paragraph focuses on only one proof point.

How many paragraphs…? If proof points are used in a thesis, the number body paragraphs will be the same as the number of proof points. For example, the following thesis has three proof points: Modern technology has most improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility. There will be three body (proof) paragraphs.

Body paragraphs must follow a thesis that includes proof points Thesis: Modern technology has most improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility. There will be one body paragraph discussing how modern technology has improved our lives through convenience. There will be one body paragraph discussing how modern technology has improved our lives through efficiency. There will be one body paragraph discussing how modern technology has improved our lives through accessibility.

Body paragraphs must have a Topic Sentence Here is the topic sentence for the first body paragraph: Almost every aspect of our lives have been improved through convenience provided by modern technology. Here is the topic sentence for the second body paragraph: Not only has technology improved our lives through convenience, it has almost improved our lives through efficiency. Here is the topic sentence for the third body paragraph: Modern technology has given us many expanded options for a better life through the accessibility it has created.

The topic sentence must be followed by supporting details Almost every aspect of our lives have been improved through convenience provided by modern technology. From the alarm clock in the morning to the entertainment center at night, everyday life is improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. Cars or public transportation bring people to work where computers work at the push of a button. At home, there’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences. Topic Sentence

The topic sentence must be followed by supporting details Not only has technology improved our lives through convenience, it has improved our lives through efficiency. The time saved with machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. Nowadays, people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives thanks to the efficiency of modern technology.

The topic sentence must be followed by supporting details Accessibility to a wide range of options has been expanded through modern technology. Never before could people cross a continent or an ocean in an afternoon. Travel is not the only way technology has created accessibility. Software which types from voice commands has made using computers more accessible for school or work. People with special needs have many new options thanks to modern technology such as special chairs or text readers. Actually, those people who need hearing aids as a result of normal aging have access to continued communication and enjoyment of entertainment they did not previously have. There are many ways technology has improved lives through increased accessibility.

To review The body paragraphs of your essay is where you give your support for the thesis. Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that is directly related to and supports the thesis statement. Each body paragraph should also give details and explanations that further support the poof point for that paragraph.