WRITING BODY PARAGRAPHS

5 steps

1. Topic Sentence

• States the main point of the paragraph• Connects to the thesis statement

• remember: NO THESIS, NO ESSAY!• Everything written in the paragraph

should prove this point

2. Supporting details

• Examples that support/ prove your main points

• These should be specific references from the text (i.e. book, article, song, etc.) or specific references to society

3. Blended quote

• Provide a quote from the text to reinforce your supporting detail

• Should be used to show how your example proves your main point (and ultimately your thesis)

• Blend quote to make it “flow”• Don’t forget the citation in MLA

format!

4. Analysis (put a star next to this one!)

• Explain what the quote means and how it supports your thesis

• Should be the largest part of the paragraph because it is the most important connection in your paragraph!

5. Concluding sentence

• Summarizes the main point of the paragraph

• This is also where you can add a transition to your next paragraph.

World’s ugliest dog

Sample paragraph

Thesis: • Vanilla ice cream (topic) • is the best flavor available for

consumption (opinion) • because it is the most versatile flavor

(main point 1), • and it is the basis for all other ice cream

flavors(main point 2).

Steps 1 & 2:• Vanilla ice cream is the best flavor available for

consumption because it is the most versatile flavor. –topic sentence–

• What examples can I use to prove my point?• When considering an ice cream sundae, banana

split, apple crisp, or various other delectable desserts and treat toppings, one does not want to overpower the flavor of these delicious delicacies with a wacky flavored ice cream; vanilla is the perfect choice to enhance other sweets without taking away from their already enjoyable tastes. –supporting details–

Step 3:• Find a quote that shows an example of your

supporting detail. • “It’s become standard, which is good. Vanilla is

a household name. Being the vanguard of ice cream has vanquished its radical sensation.” Benson Brunno –quote to support–

• Now blend that bad boy with your own words to make it part of your essay.• Vanilla has “become standard, which is

good. Vanilla is a household name” and “the vanguard of ice cream” because it is a staple for so many ice cream desserts and ice cream experiments (Brunno). –blended quote–

Notice the bone he added to his ice cream… wouldn’t have happen if it was chocolate ice cream.

Step 4: THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP!

• How does the quote prove my point about vanilla ice cream being so versatile?• Although some would complain that vanilla is too plain

to be completely enjoyable, it is because of its classic, plain sweetness that it can be used so resourcefully and so universally. The simple flavor of vanilla pairs well with just about every topping one would consider adding to ice cream, from chocolate sauce to twinkies to bacon! And it’s not just about adding toppings to the ice cream, it’s about adding ice cream on top of desserts as well. After years of new ice cream flavors, vanilla remains the number one a la mode topping for desserts in the world. –analysis –

Step 5:

• How can I summarize my main point without simply repeating myself?• Besides being the most flexible of all

flavors, vanilla ice cream is also the basis for all other existing ice creams, making it undeniably superior. –concluding sentence AND transition to next main point–

Put it all together! Vanilla ice cream is the best flavor available for consumption

because it is the most versatile flavor. When considering an ice cream sundae, banana split, apple crisp, or various other delectable desserts and treat toppings, one does not want to overpower the flavor of these delicious delicacies with a wacky flavored ice cream; vanilla is the perfect choice to enhance other sweets without taking away from their already enjoyable tastes. Vanilla has “become standard, which is good. Vanilla is a household name” and “the vanguard of ice cream” because it is a staple for so many ice cream desserts and ice cream experiments (Brunno). Although some would complain that vanilla is too plain to be completely enjoyable, it is because of its classic, plain sweetness that it can be used so resourcefully and so universally. The simple flavor of vanilla pairs well with just about every topping one would consider adding to ice cream, from chocolate sauce to twinkies to bacon! And it’s not just about adding toppings to the ice cream, it’s about adding ice cream on top of desserts as well. After years of new ice cream flavors, vanilla remains the number one a la mode topping for desserts in the world. Besides being the most flexible of all flavors, vanilla ice cream is also the basis for all other existing ice creams, making it undeniably superior.