Writing Body Paragraphs

Good Body Paragraphs Are organized Stick to one topic Contain lots of details and examples that support the topic sentence.

Body Paragraph Structure Topic Sentence Details and Examples (two-three) Clincher/Closing sentence

Topic Sentence What is the topic sentence? The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. What does it do? It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

Topic Sentence How do I write one? Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about. Start with your first thesis point.

Example Canada is one of the best countries in the world because of the individual benefits for every citizen.

Details What are supporting sentences? They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph. What do they do? They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write them? You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.

There are specific reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Secondly, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live.

Closing Sentence What is the closing sentence? The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph. What does it do? It restates the main idea of your paragraph.

How do I write one? Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result of the benefits provided to her citizens, Canada is a desirable place to live.

The topic sentence Your topic sentence explains exactly what the paragraph is going to cover. It is focused and to-the-point. It states an idea that you plan to prove with the details in your paragraph. Example: Rube Goldberg did not start his life thinking he was going to become a great inventor.

The examples and details Aim for two-three Be sure that each example and detail helps to prove your topic sentence.

The Closing/Clincher sentence After you have included two-three examples and details, you should wrap up your paragraph with a clincher. This sentence ties your ideas up neatly and reminds your reader of your paragraph’s main point. OR

Transition Paragraphs Not every paragraph is going to be a new idea. Some Paragraphs will continue information from the previous one. Transitions -