Body Paragraphs

1
Body Paragraphs

• Between your introduction and your conclusion
  lies the body paragraphs of your essay. A
  paragraph is a cluster of information that
  supports the essays main point.
• Aim for paragraphs that are clearly focused,
  well developed, organized, coherent and neither
  too long or too short for easy reading (Hacker,
  24).

2
Topic Sentences (Hacker C4)

• Its often a good idea to state the main point of
  a paragraph in a topic sentence.
• You dont always need a topic sentence and it
  doesnt have to come at the beginning.
• Check the paragraph whats the point?

3
Paragraphs Hacker C4-b

• The occasional short paragraph is OK.
• Lots of short paragraphs suggest inadequate
  development.
• Remember to stick to the point.
• Do you need more evidenceor does the evidence
  suggest something else?

4
Patterns of Organization Hacker C4-b

• When you read, think how the author has
  structured a paragraph.
• Paragraphs display patterns of organization
  examples and illustrations, narration,
  description, process, comparison and contrast,
  analogy, cause and effect.
• A paragraph is a method or way of developing an
  idea.

5
Make Paragraphs Coherent Hacker C4-d

• If you cant see a bump, gap or shift then all is
  OK.
• Try to link your ideas clearly have sentences
  that serve to support or develop the main point
  of the paragraph.

6
Reasons for a New Paragraph

• Its the introduction or the conclusion.
• Signal a new idea.
• Emphasize a point.
• Highlight a contrast.
• Provide readers with a pause.
• Break up dense text.

7
Reasons for Combining ParagraphsHacker C4-e

• To clarify the essays organization.
• To connect closely related ideas.
• To bind together text that looks too choppy.