The document discusses the structure of body paragraphs in an essay. It states that body paragraphs develop the main idea of the essay through details and supporting ideas. Body paragraphs should relate to the main idea presented in the introduction. Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence, three supporting details, and a closing statement. An example body paragraph is provided to illustrate this structure. Homework is then assigned to have students start drafting an introduction for their chosen essay topic.

1. The Body
Paragraphs

2. Reflection
“A body, without it’s rightful parts, cannot function
well.”

3. The Body of the Essay
O Supporting paragraphs make up the main
body of your essay. They develop the
main idea of your essay.
O The topic you have chosen must now be
explained and described through details.
O It contains information which supports
your main idea (supporting ideas).

4. The Body Paragraphs: Salient
Points
O You give details to support your main idea.
O Always relate to the main idea (thesis
statement) in the introductory paragraph.

5. The Body Paragraphs: How Do
I Write One?
O Start with a topic sentence that relates to
your main idea.
O Write three supporting details that backs
up your topic sentence.
O Close your paragraph with a closing
statement.

6. The Body of an Essay: Example
O First of all, just getting to the theater presents
difficulties. Leaving a home equipped with a
TV and a video recorder isn't an attractive
idea on a humid, cold, or rainy night. Even if
the weather cooperates, there is still a thirty-
minute drive to the theater down a congested
highway, followed by the hassle of looking for
a parking space. And then there are the lines.
After hooking yourself to the end of a human
chain, you worry about whether there will be
enough tickets, whether you will get seats
together, and whether many people will sneak
into the line ahead of you.

7. The Body Paragraphs: Outline
O Topic Sentence: First of all, just getting to the theater
presents difficulties.
O First supporting Detail: Leaving a home equipped
with a TV and a video recorder isn't an attractive idea
on a humid, cold, or rainy night.
O Second supporting detail: Even if the weather
cooperates, there is still a thirty-minute drive to the
theater down a congested highway, followed by the
hassle of looking for a parking space.
O Third supporting detail: And then there are the lines.

8. The Body Paragraphs: Outline
Body
Paragraph
Topic
Sentence
First Second Third
Supporting Supporting Supporting
Detail Detail Detail

9. Homework
O Activity #1: From the five topics you
brought to class, choose one. State why
you chose that topic in no less than three
sentences.
O Activity #2: Start drafting an introduction
based on the topic you chose. It must
contain at least three to four sentences
long (depending on your length or size). It
must be handwritten and on a separate
sheet of paper (not on your notebook).
Due for Friday.

10. Hints to Help You Through the
Process
O Use the Power Point handouts as an example to
guide yourself through the process!
O Use the essay Mr. Sosa gave you called “The
Hazards of Movie Going” as an example to get
familiarized on how to write an essay.
O Search for examples of essays online (like stated
in one homework), or in textbooks, or even in the
library to know more about essay writing and the
structure of the same.
O Use Spanish/English English/Spanish dictionaries
if you have doubts with words.
O Speak to Mr. Sosa in case of doubts, questions, or
comments. He is always available!