The body paragraphs in an essay should develop the topic, prove points, and have a consistent pattern. A paragraph contains a topic sentence stating the main idea, supporting sentences with details and examples, and optionally a concluding sentence summarizing the key points. Topic sentences should be complete sentences that are neither too broad nor narrow in scope. Supporting sentences explain, prove, or expand on the topic sentence with facts, examples, statistics or quotations. A concluding sentence restates the main idea or summarizes the key points of the paragraph.

1. Body Paragraphs

2. Basic Essay Structure
Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Conclusion
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3. Body
The body paragraphs in an essay should:
Develop your topic
Prove your points
Have a pattern (e.g. chronological order,
comparison/contrast, or a combination of
both)
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4. Paragraph Structure
A Paragraph is:
A group of related sentences that discuss one
(and usually only one) main idea. A paragraph
can be as short as one sentence or as long as
ten sentences or more. The length of a
paragraph is not important, it should be long
enough to develop the main idea clearly.
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5. Paragraph Structure
Three Parts of a Paragraph
Topic sentence
Supporting sentences
Concluding sentence (if necessary)
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6. Paragraph Structure
Topic Sentence
Topic (states the topic)
Controlling idea (controls or limits the topic
to a specific area)
Gold, (topic) a precious metal, is known for two
important characteristics. (controlling idea)

7. Paragraph Structure
Writing Topic Sentences
A topic sentence must be a complete sentence,
with a subject and a verb.
A topic sentence should neither be too general
nor too specific.
A topic sentence should not have unrelated
controlling ideas.

8. Paragraph Structure
Supporting Sentences
Explain or prove the topic sentence
Are specific and factual
Can be examples, statistics, or quotations

9. Paragraph Structure
Concluding Sentence
Signals the end of the paragraph.
Leaves the reader with the most important
ideas. It can do this in two ways:
• By summarizing the main points of the
paragraph.
• By repeating the topic sentences in different
words.
A paragraph doesn’t always need a concluding

10. Paragraph Structure
End-of-Paragraph Signals Followed by a
comma
Finally, Lastly,
In Brief, Therefore,
In conclusion, Thus,
Indeed, To sum up,
In short,

11. Paragraph Structure
End-of-Paragraph Signals NOT Followed by a
comma
The evidence suggests that …
There can be no doubt that …
These examples show that …
We can see that …!
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