Body Paragraphs
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Elements of Body ParagraphsEach well-written body paragraph should strive for the following:
NOTE: Transitional Words/Phrases are underlined in the example below. Notice that there are transitions in the topic sentence and two of the three points. |
Two Presentation Files on Body Paragraphs
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This sample paragraph is color-coded to show each of the required elements listed above.
Finally, HGTC is a great choice for high school graduates because it offers multiple options for education. The nicest option, I believe, is choice students have among the different campus locations. Tech offers three campuses to choose from. There is one in Conway, one in Myrtle Beach and one in Georgetown. This is nice because students are able to attend the school that is closest to their homes and, therefore, save time and gas money. Along with multiple campuses, Tech also offers different class dates and times. Some classes are offered in the morning, but then there is often the same class offered again in the afternoon. This allows students who work at one time of day to attend classes during the other. For instance, my work scheduled requires me to work in the morning on Mondays and Wednesdays, but on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I am forced to work in the afternoon. Because of HGTC’s class time options, I am able to attend class all week long. Lastly, if you aren’t able to make it to a campus, Tech offers online courses. These courses are completely online, so even if you work all day, you can accomplish course work in the evenings after the normal school day has ended. Because these online courses have wonderful materials created by the professors, a dedicated student can get as much out of these classes as he or she can get out of a face-to-face class.
1. Topic SentencesA topic sentence is the first sentence of each body paragraph. In its most basic state, a topic sentence will let your readers know the topic of that body paragraph. (NOTE: Each of your thesis reasons become the topic of each of the three body paragraphs.)
These sentences are important because they serve two purposes:
In order to be effective, a topic sentence must contain a transitional word or phrase and a restatement of the thesis reason you intend to discuss in the body paragraph. You might also remind readers of your thesis claim and/or your previous reason(s). Here are a few examples of the many ways that you might format your topic sentences. Remember, one is not any better than the rest, but by using different formats, your paper won't sound as redundant. EXAMPLES Topic Sentence That States the Reason Only
Topic Sentence That States the Reason and a Reminder of the Thesis Claim.
Topic Sentence That States the Reason and a Reminder of the Previous Paragraph's Topic
Topic Sentence That States the Reason, a Reminder of the Thesis Claim and a Reminder of the Previous Paragraph's Topic
TransitionsThese words and phrases help provide logical links between body paragraphs and points within body paragraphs. Below is wonderful cheat sheet you can use as you plan your papers this semester.
(Note: the "Transitions That Help Show a Similarity" and "Transitions That Help Add Information" will be the ones you'll use most for basic argumentative papers.)
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2. Supporting PointsFor the purposes of this guide, which is designed to help you format a college-level paper and, at the same time, learn to develop your ideas, you ought to always attempt to come up with 3 very clear points of support for each thesis reason (topic sentence claim).
For instance, let's say this is your paper's thesis. HGTC is a great choice for high school graduates because the have great facilities, superb professors and multiple options for educations. Your first topic sentence would sound like this. First, HGTC is a wonderful choice because it has stellar facilities. However, it's not enough to simply say that. There are many people who might not have the same opinion as you or who are unfamiliar with HGTC, and therefore, you'll want offer those people some very clear points that will show them exactly why you feel the say you do. Here are three points that will show your readers what you mean when you say "great facilities." Point 1: the classroom Point 2: the library Point 3: the coffeeshops NOTE: See below for ways to develop each of these points with explanations and examples. Here are a few more examples. Topic Sentence: Another reasons my car is the best gift I've ever received is because it has a wonderful interior. Point 1: the comfortable leather seats Point 2: the leather dash and door panels Point 3: the amazing stereo Topic Sentence: Myrtle Beach is also a bad place to live because of the traffic problems. Point 1: limited numbers of main roads Point 2: tourists who aren't paying attention to the roads Point 3: many drunk drivers Topic Sentence: The final problem with living in an apartment is the lack of privacy. Point 1: The walls are often thin. Point 2: Your neighbors can easily see when you come and go. Point 3: Apartment windows often face common areas or parking lots. NOTE: See below for ways to develop each of these points with explanations and examples. 3. Explanations and Examples
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paragraph_development.pdf |