The Body Paragraph

When it comes to body paragraphs--as with everything else in your essay--it really is all about the thesis!  That's because you've got to know what you're trying to prove before you can prove it!

So, first start with the thesis and outline.  DO NOT start writing paragraphs until you have an outline.  In fact, if you don't have an outline written right now, stop reading this! 

When you have a solid outline, it's time to write your body paragraphs.  Follow the steps below to ensure that your paragraphs do their part in supporting the thesis.

1. Start with number one on your outline.
2. Write that reason out in a complete sentence.  This becomes your topic sentence.  
3. Then choose one (or more) of the following ways to prove your thesis:
1. Share an anecdote (a little story) that proves the topic sentence.
2. Explain your topic sentence.
3. Provide statistics and other facts that PROVE your topic sentence.  
4. When you finish explaining and proving your topic sentence, tell how your evidence proves the topic sentence, which ultimately proves your thesis.
5. Finally, repeat steps 2-4 for each of your 3 reasons.

Here's an example outline with the first reason filled out:

Teens should limit their time playing videogames.
                   1.  By limiting videogames, teens will improve their performance in school.  In fact, my little brother, Alex, used to play Modern Warfare for four hours every day! When he brought home a report card full of failing grades, my mother decided to limit his time playing games.  Every day, Alex was required to finish his homework before he turned on the Playstation, and he wasn't allowed to play for more than an hour.  I remember how much he struggled when his friend, Shane, called to ask him to get online and he had to say no, because he was writing an essay for his English class,  It was worth it though.  Of course, his grades skyrocketed as a result of limiting his videogames!  
                   2.  So they will be more physically fit
                   3.  So they can spend time with their families


When you have filled in your 3 reasons, it's time to write your introduction!

Outlining Your Thesis

A basic essay outline looks like this:

                Thesis
                    1.
                    2.
                    3.

The numbers will be filled in with ideas that support your thesis.

Sample

              Teens should limit their time playing videogames.
                   1.  So they will do better in school
                   2.  So they will be more physically fit
                   3.  So they can spend time with their families

Once you have written your outline, it's time to fill it in!  Click here to read about writing body paragraphs.

Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the sentence that states the main point of your essay.  It is usually the last sentence in the introduction AND the first sentence in the conclusion.

An effective thesis statement is:

• The main idea of your essay
• Every word, sentence, and paragraph should support your thesis, so make sure that your thesis is complete!
• A statement (not a question)
• Not a thesis:  Should students get paid to go to school?
• Thesis Statement:  Students should not  be paid to go to school.
• A complete sentence
• Not a thesis:  Videogames
• Thesis Statement:  Students should limit their time playing videogames.
• Specific
• Not a thesis:  People should not have to feel bad about themselves.
• Thesis Statement:  Magazine editors should be required to include positive images of a diversity of races and body types in their magazines.
• An opinion
• NOT a thesis:  Drugs are dangerous
• Thesis Statement:  Harper High School should educate students on the dangers of drugs
• Confident
• NEVER say "I think" or "In my opinion" in an essay.  Instead, say your thesis like you mean it!
• NOT a thesis:  I think women should be paid the same as men for equal work.
• Thesis Statement:  Women should be paid the same as men for equal work.

Once you have a solid thesis statement, it's time to outline!

Don't Take That Tone With Me!

Tone is the writer's attitude that shows up in their writing. 

Some possible tones are fun, serious, solemn, sarcastic, objective, enthusiastic, humorous, hostile, disapproving, personal, impersonal.  

Tone in Your Essay

In your writing, try to maintain one tone by choosing words and examples that support your main idea's tone.  For example, if you're writing about how bad the animal abuse problem is, you would probably want a solemn (serious) tone.  In that case, you should probably leave out the funny examples about your dog.  Try instead to keep the same solemn tone by telling a solemn story about the animal that you saw being abused.

Match Your Figurative Language to Your Overall Tone

Remember that your choice of figurative language should also 'match' your tone.  In the example above, you wouldn't want to compare the way the girl was hitting the dog to the way you beat cake batter, because beating a dog is serious, while beating cake batter is fun and light.

The Mighty Thesis!

Imagine a sentence so powerful that it controls every word, every detail, even every anecdote that surrounds it.  Well, my friends, the mighty Thesis is just that awesome. 

Mind you, some sentences will try to disguise themselves as Thesis.  However. I will teach you some strategies for knowing the real thing.

Description of Thesis:
+He is strong and confident
+He has an opinion
+He is a complete sentence. (Don't let Fragment fool you.  He's an impostor.)
+He maintains complete control over everything around him.
+He refuses to share his power

In class, we will practice identifying impostors.  Only Thesis should have control of your essay!