The body paragraphs are the paragraphs that develop the thesis statement.Each of these paragraphs should contain a topic sentence, several developing sentences, and a concluding sentence.The concluding sentence, however, may sometimes be optional.By presenting details, explaining causes, offering reasons, and/or giving examples, you will be able to supply enough specific evidence to persuade your reader that the opinion expressed in your thesis statement makes great sense.
1.The Plan of the Body Paragraphs
To plan the body paragraphs, you should refer back to the introductory paragraph.The main points listed in the thesis statement will constantly serve you as a guide when you write the body paragraphs of your essay.Consider the following thesis statement of the essay:
There are three major differences between New York City and Washington, D.C.: population, business, and traffic.
This thesis statement clearly indicates that there will be three body paragraphs in this essay and they will deal with population, business, and traffic in that order.
In some cases, the three main points in the thesis statement can be put in any order；however, in most cases, the three main points should be logically arranged.Look at the following example:
Filling a car with gas at a self-serve station requires three steps: pulling up to the proper pump, putting the gas in the tank, and paying money to the attendant.
The above thesis statement shows that the order in which the three main points will be discussed is the only logical development, for the second step cannot occur without the first step.Therefore, when you tell your reader how to do or make something, the main points in the thesis statement should be a chronological sequence: one thing leads to another, and then to another.
Once the three main points are in a logical order, you can start to plan the body paragraphs.Look at this example:
The Campus Bookstore is the worst place to buy books because of its unreasonable prices, unqualified employees, and constant book shortages.