English 9 / Unit 8: Writing Essays
8.3 Body Paragraphs
Notes
Each body paragraph develops one point that supports the thesis.
- Topic sentence: states the paragraph's main point.
- Evidence: quotations, facts or examples.
- Commentary (analysis): explains how the evidence supports the point. Aim for more commentary than quotation.
- Concluding or transition sentence: wraps up and links to the next idea.
- Many teachers call this CER (claim, evidence, reasoning) or TEA (topic, evidence, analysis).
- Transitions: furthermore, for example, however, as a result, in addition.
Practice
What is the role of commentary in a body paragraph?
Commentary connects evidence to the claim.
A paragraph begins, "Another reason students need recess is that it improves focus." This sentence is the:
It states the paragraph's main point.
Which transition best adds another supporting example?
"In addition" signals another point in the same direction.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 8 test.