Body Paragraphs

Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs should all work to support your thesis by explaining why or how your thesis is true. There are three types of sentences in each body paragraph: topic sentences, supporting sentences, and concluding sentences.

Topic sentences. A topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph. It states the main idea of the paragraph. The topic sentence will contain a topic and an idea about the topic, called a "controlling idea." The controlling idea controls, or limits, the amount of information you will write about the topic in your paragraph.

In many ways, a topic sentence is very similar to a thesis. Remember that the thesis is the main idea of the essay; a topic sentence is the main idea of a body paragraph. Many of the same characteristics apply to topic sentences that apply to theses. The biggest differences will be the location of the sentence and the scope of the ideas.

Supporting sentences. Your body paragraph needs to explain why or how your topic sentence is true. The sentences that explain your topic sentence are called supporting sentences. You can have many types of supporting sentences. Supporting sentences can give examples, explanations, details, descriptions, facts, reasons, etc.

Concluding sentences. The last sentence in a body paragraph is your concluding sentence. Your concluding sentence should end your paragraph logically. Concluding sentences can restate the main idea of your paragraph, state an opinion, make a prediction, give advice, etc. New ideas should not be presented in your concluding sentence.

Example: Body Paragraph

First, creating good habits will help prevent a sleep disorder. Regular habits include a consistent schedule. It is very important to go to bed around the same time every night and wake up around the same time in the morning. When your body has a regular time to sleep, it is easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. If your sleep schedule is not regular, it can be difficult to sleep. A routine around bedtime is another habit that can help improve sleep. Your routine should include activities that do not use screens. You can also do something relaxing to prepare your mind to relax and sleep peacefully. Doing these things consistently will help train your brain to be ready for sleep. These simple routines can also make it easier to sleep at night.

Question 1: Which sentence is the topic sentence?

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Question 2 : Which sentences are the supporting sentences?

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Question 3 : Which sentence is the concluding sentence?

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Exercises

Exercise 1: Write a topic sentence

Using the same thesis statement from the example in introduction, write another topic sentence that could be used to create a second body paragraph in this essay.

Thesis: Some of the best ways to prevent sleep disorders are establishing good sleep habits, doing regular exercise, and making a comfortable bedroom environment.

Topic Sentence:

Now, evaluate your topic sentence. Is it effective? Now, exchange topic sentences with a partner and evaluate your partner's topic sentence.

Criteria - Is the topic sentence effective?	My TS	Partner's TS
1. Is it clearly connected to the thesis statement?
2. Is it a complete sentence?
3. Does it announce the topic?
4. Is it too general?
5. Is it too specific?

Exercise 2: Supporting sentences

Now, you know that there are many types of supporting sentences. Supporting sentences can give examples, explanations, details, descriptions, facts, reasons, etc.

Reading the sentences below and identify their functions

1. "Reading every day can improve your vocabulary."

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2. "For example, after reading science fiction books, I learned dozens of new scientific terms."

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3. "Vocabulary refers to the set of words a person knows and uses."

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4. "According to a 2023 study, students who read for 20 minutes daily score higher on standardized tests."

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5. "The library was filled with tall shelves stacked with colorful books, and the quiet air was filled with the scent of paper and ink."

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Answer:

1. Reason – Explains why reading is helpful.

2. Example – Gives a specific instance of how reading helps.

3. Explanation – Clarifies a key term in the topic.

4. Fact / Statistic – Supports the idea with factual evidence.

5. Description – Uses sensory details to describe a scene.

Exercise 3: Write supporting ideas

Now, writing supporting sentences for the topic sentences below:

Topi sentence 1:

Exercise is good for your health.

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Topic sentence 2:

Reading books is a great hobby.

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Exercise 4: Concluding sentences

Now, you know that concluding sentences can restate the main idea of your paragraph. Restate these topic sentences by using different words, or different structures to make them become concluding sentences. ( TIPS: You can use " in conclusion, to sum up, to conclude, in summary, etc. in your concluding sentences)

Example 1: Exercise is good for your health. ( using synonyms)

=> In conclusion, doing exercise is beneficial for your physical health.

Example 2: Exercise is good for your health. ( change from active voice to passive voice)

=> Your health would be improved by doing exercise

Now, let's practice

Topic sentence 1: "Watching too much TV is not good for kids."

Concluding sentence 1 : ___________________________________________________________________________

Topic sentence 2: Pets can make people happy.

Concluding sentence 2 : ___________________________________________________________________________

Topic sentence 3: School rules are important.

Concluding sentence 3 : ___________________________________________________________________________

Topic sentence 4: Eating healthy food is important.

Concluding sentence 4 : ___________________________________________________________________________