Mastering the Art of Argumentative Writing with Effective Body Paragraphs

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What are Body Paragraphs?
3. Parts of a Body Paragraph
4. Importance of Body Paragraphs
5. Tips for Writing Effective Body Paragraphs
   • 5.1. Writing a Clear Topic Sentence
   • 5.2. Providing Explanation and Evidence
   • 5.3. Writing a Concluding Sentence
   • 5.4. Using Evidence Effectively
   • 5.5. Using Transitions to Improve Flow
6. Example of a Body Paragraph Analysis
7. Conclusion
8. References

Article

Introduction

Welcome back to our argumentative writing unit! In this lesson, we will be diving into the importance of body paragraphs, which are the meat and muscle of your paper. Body paragraphs play a crucial role in presenting key arguments that support your thesis statement, ensuring that your argument is well-developed and supported with evidence. Let's explore what body paragraphs are and how to write them effectively.

What are Body Paragraphs?

Body paragraphs are typically three paragraphs that explain the key arguments in your thesis statement. Each key argument should be covered in its own paragraph. Body paragraphs serve as the building blocks of your argument, providing the necessary evidence and analysis to support your claims. Without well-constructed body paragraphs, your argument would lack depth and fail to convince your readers.

Parts of a Body Paragraph

A body paragraph consists of several elements that contribute to its structure and effectiveness. These elements include:

1. Topic Sentence

The topic sentence is the first sentence of a body paragraph and serves as a mini-thesis statement for that particular paragraph. It clearly states the key argument or main idea that will be discussed in the paragraph. The topic sentence should be focused and specific.

2. Explanation and Evidence

After the topic sentence, the body paragraph should provide an explanation and supporting evidence for the key argument. This is where You present facts, statistics, quotes, or examples that strengthen your argument. It is essential to analyze and interpret the evidence, demonstrating its relevance to the topic sentence and your overall argument.

3. Concluding Sentence

The concluding sentence is the final sentence of the body paragraph. It summarizes the main points discussed in the paragraph and smoothly transitions the reader to the next paragraph or idea. Avoid simply restating the topic sentence; instead, emphasize the main point of the paragraph and its connection to the broader argument.

Importance of Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs are essential as they provide the necessary support and evidence to develop your argument. They allow you to present detailed explanations and Relevant evidence to convince your readers of your viewpoint. Without well-constructed body paragraphs, your argument would be shallow and lack the necessary depth to be persuasive.

Tips for Writing Effective Body Paragraphs

To ensure that your body paragraphs are effective and engaging, consider the following tips:

5.1. Writing a Clear Topic Sentence

Craft a topic sentence that clearly presents the key argument or main idea for the paragraph. It should be focused and specific to guide the reader's understanding of the paragraph's purpose.

5.2. Providing Explanation and Evidence

After the topic sentence, provide an in-depth explanation of the argument and support it with relevant evidence. Take the time to analyze and interpret the evidence, highlighting its significance to your overall argument.

5.3. Writing a Concluding Sentence

End the body paragraph with a concluding sentence that summarizes the main points discussed and smoothly transitions to the next paragraph. Avoid simply restating the topic sentence; instead, emphasize the main point and its relation to the broader argument.

5.4. Using Evidence Effectively

When presenting evidence, use an introductory phrase or sentence to provide Context. Include one to two solid pieces of evidence per body paragraph, ensuring that each piece directly supports the key argument. After presenting the evidence, explain its relevance to the topic sentence and the overall argument.

5.5. Using Transitions to Improve Flow

To enhance the flow and coherence of your argument, use transitions between sentences and paragraphs. These can be single words, quick phrases, or full sentences that guide the reader through the logical progression of your ideas. Common transition words and phrases include "however," "moreover," "in contrast," and "on the other HAND."

Example of a Body Paragraph Analysis

Let's examine an example of a body paragraph to understand how these elements come together:

College athletes should be paid because they bring in a considerable amount of revenue for their colleges and universities in the NCAA. According to Bloomberg.com, the NCAA reported over $1.06 billion in revenue in 2017, making it clear that organizations profit unfairly from the work and likeness of college athletes. The fact that top NCAA executives earn hefty salaries, with one earning over $2.7 million in 2018, further demonstrates the exploitation of athletes. Without the contributions of college athletes, organizations like the NCAA and universities would not be profitable. Therefore, it is only fair that they receive proper compensation for funding their own paychecks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, body paragraphs are vital components of an argumentative essay. They provide the necessary evidence and analysis to support key arguments and develop a well-rounded and persuasive argument. By following the tips listed above, you can ensure that your body paragraphs are clear, coherent, and effective in presenting your viewpoint. Remember to craft strong topic sentences, provide thorough explanations and evidence, and use transitions to enhance the flow of your argument. With well-constructed body paragraphs, your argument will be compelling and convincing.

References

• Bloomberg.com
• NCAA Official Website