Essay Structure: Body Paragraphs

Overview

Each body paragraph presents one separate reason that supports your thesis. The first paragraph explains your first main point with a topic sentence, explanation, evidence, and a link back to the thesis. The second paragraph follows the same structure with a different supporting idea. The third paragraph adds a final reason, again using a clear topic sentence, explanation, evidence, and a connection to the thesis.

Body Paragraph 1 (First Supporting Point)

This paragraph supports your thesis with your first main reason or idea.

Structure

• Topic sentence (main idea of the paragraph)

• Explanation

• Example or evidence

• Connection back to the thesis

Body Paragraph 2 (Second Supporting Point)

This paragraph supports your thesis with a second, different reason.

Structure

• Topic sentence

• Explanation

• Example or evidence

• Connection to the thesis

Body Paragraph 3 (Third Supporting Point)

This paragraph supports your thesis with a third supporting idea.

Structure

• Topic sentence

• Explanation

• Example or evidence

• Connection to the thesis

See Topic Sentences for a detailed explanation on writing effective topic sentences.

Summary

Body paragraphs serve as the engine of your essay, expanding and strengthening the argument introduced in your thesis. Each one zeroes in on a single, clearly defined point, explaining it, supporting it with evidence, and showing how it advances the overall claim. Together, they build a logical, persuasive progression that guides the reader through your reasoning.