The Body Paragraph

Components

Topic sentenceConcrete detail (s)At least 2 commentary sentencesTransition sentence

Definitions

Topic Sentence MUST support the thesis statement States the main idea of the paragraph

Concrete Detail One of approximately 36 notes you took from one of your 5-8

sources States a HARD fact (uses percentages, numbers, states years,

etc.)Commentary Sentences

Two sentences (per concrete detail) Explains the relation between the concrete detail and the

thesis Can be an “If…then…” statement (i.e. If schools removed

vending machines, then children would be less likely to eat junk food during the school day).

Transition sentence Completes paragraph while previewing the topic of the next

paragraph Connects the previous paragraph to the next one

Sample Body Paragraph #1simple

[Topic sentence]. [Concrete detail #1]. [Commentary 1]. [Commentary 2]. [Transition sentence].

Removing vending machines from schools would help lower childhood obesity percentages. “Schools that have removed vending machines containing junk food have seen a 9% increase in extra-curricular activities and a 15% decrease in clinic visits” (“Fat Kids”). Based on the information above, schools that remove vending machines can expect to see their student populations increase their activity. Educators serious about seeing children make better food choices during the school day will also see a decrease in visits to the clinic. Removing vending machines that sell unhealthy foods is one of several decisions schools can make to help students; they can also require more physical education courses.

Sample Body Paragraph #2complex

[Topic sentence]. [Concrete detail #1]. [Commentary 1]. [Commentary 2]. [Concrete detail #2]. [Commentary 1]. [Commentary 2].[Transition sentence].

Removing vending machines from schools would help lower childhood obesity percentages. “Schools that have removed vending machines containing junk food have seen a 9% increase in extra-curricular activities and a 15% decrease in clinic visits” (“Fat Kids”). Based on the information above, schools that remove vending machines can expect to see their student populations increase their activity. Educators serious about seeing children make better food choices during the school day will also see a decrease in visits to the clinic. Overweight students are six times more likely to make repeat visits to the clinic throughout the school year (McBain 4). Encouraging students to make healthy eating decisions will directly affect their health. The unhealthy foods some vending machines contain provide no nutrition or protection against average injuries. Removing vending machines that sell unhealthy foods is one of several decisions schools can make to help students; they can also require more physical education courses.

Counter Claim/Rebuttals

Papers usually have rebuttals which is a statement that attempts to weaken the opposing view or counter claim by showing that they are unacceptable, weak, not important, or even absurb.

When writing an essay, you usually do not simply lay down your arguments. You also have to address the opposing views or criticism against your thesis. Here are a few ways on how to write a rebuttal in your essay.

How to write a rebuttal

By use of appeal to reason. A typical way of refuting (proving to be wrong) an opposition to your argument, is by showing the fallacies (false

statements) committed by the opposition. For example, "just because the ground is wet does not mean that it rained".

By use of appeal to emotion. This method is typically used when you want to get the feelings of your reader to side with your argument. More commonly, it is done by getting the sympathy of your reader. A classic example is the use of pathos.

How to write a rebuttal

By use of analogies or metaphors. An analogy is like a way of comparing two entirely different things. On the other hand, a metaphor is an expression that refers to suggest a similarity. In your rebuttal, you may compare the opposing to claim to something else in order to show why it is unacceptable or absurd. For example, if your thesis is that “teenage curfew is more effective in two-parent families" and if the opposing claim is that “some people believe that implementing a curfew will only give teenagers a reason to rebel against parental rules and cause them to lie and sneak out", you may provide an analogy by stating that “Just like rules, implementing a curfew, especially for a teenager, will only be effective if both parents are on the same page and apply consequences when it is not followed. Parents who do not enforce a curfew might as well sign over ownership of their car and house as it suggests that they are 100% responsible and independent.”

Your Turn

• Get into groups/squads.• Your teacher will hand you an envelope

containing sentence strips.• As a group/squad, arrange the sentences in a

paragraph.• The sentences are NOT labeled!– It is your responsibility to label them!– Identify the topic sentences, the concrete details, the

commentary, and the transition sentences.– There isn’t necessarily one correct way to arrange

them, so there will be several possible answers!

Writing Conclusion

Purpose of a ConclusionSums up the main purpose of a paper (Thesis)Reviews the main points (subtopics)Reminds reader of how the main points

connect to the “big picture” on the picture (subtopics to thesis) Use your commentary; relate your initial argument to

the evidence

Step 1

Return to the big pictureRestate Thesis (do not repeat)

Step 2

Summarize the way that the main points relate to the the big picture or thesis

Use your commentary for each of your main points to show how your evidence supports your argument

Step 3

Final Thought: leave your reader with a powerful idea

Statement of a new viewHope for the futureSuggest for a changeSuggestion for a further study