AP ENG- Body Paragraphs

Body Paragraphs

Essay Writing

TAKE NOTES ON THE NEXT FEW SLIDES

DO NOT COPY IT WORD FOR WORD
DO TAKE THE GIST OF WHAT THE STATEMENT IS SAYING
TITLE: ESSAY TERMINOLOGY

The Basic Terminology 

• Thesis Statement:  Your position and the essay’s controlling idea.  Needs to include a “because.”  For example, “Writing a persuasive essay is not very difficult, because the outline of the writing process is understandable.

• Topic Sentence:  The controlling idea of a paragraph that supports the thesis statement.

Basic Terminology Continued

• Transition Word:  Starts the concrete detail sentence.  Include one of the following:  For example, For instance, In addition, Additionally.

• Transition Lead In: A phrase used to start your concrete detail using a transition word. “For example, in her ground breaking book, Dr. Pen states...”

Basic Terminology Continued

• Concrete Detail:  A quote from the story that supports the thesis and the topic sentence

• Commentary: Your explanation of how the concrete detail supports the topic sentence.

• Closing Sentence: Closes the paragraph and transitions to the next paragraph. Includes one of the transition phrases: Given these points, as has been noted, for the most part, on the whole.

• Ratio: 1 concrete detail to 2 commentary for expository and persuasive essays.

USE YOUR NOTES TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS

Fill in the Blank

Your position and the essay’s controlling idea. Needs to include a “because.” For example, “Writing a persuasive essay is not very difficult, because the outline of the writing process is understandable.

Fill in the Blank

The controlling idea of a paragraph that supports the thesis statement.

Fill in the Blank

Starts the concrete detail sentence. Include one of the following: For example, For instance, In addition, Additionally.

Fill in the Blank

A phrase used to start your concrete detail using a transition word. “For example, in her ground breaking book, Dr. Pen states...”

Fill in the Blank

A quote from the story that supports the thesis and the topic sentence

Fill in the Blank

Your explanation of how the concrete detail supports the topic sentence.

Fill in the Blank

Closes the paragraph and transitions to the next paragraph. Includes one of the transition phrases: Given these points, as has been noted, for the most part, on the whole.

​TEA

​In order to create a body paragraph, we follow the TEA method. This stands for the following:

​

• ​Topic: Introduces your reason.

• ​Evidence: Uses an example to prove your reason.

• ​Analysis: Explain how your example shows you

Fill in the Blank

We use the ___ Method for developing body paragraphs.

​T - Topic Sentences

• The 1st topic sentences are where we explain our first reason and how it relates to our topic.

• ​It is 1-2 sentences long.

• ​It should AQA (Answer the Question Asked).

• ​The topic is our glass. It is necessary for TEA, but it is still empty. We need more after the thesis!

Fill in the Blank

The topic is our _____. It is necessary for TEA, but it is empty.

Multiple Choice

How long is the Topic Section of the body paragraph?

• 1-2 sentences

• 2-3 sentences

• 3-4 sentences

• 4-5 sentences

Fill in the Blank

The 1st Topic Sentences introduce your _____ reason.

​T - Topic Sentences

• Example:

• ​Essay Thesis: In order to overcome challenges, one needs teamwork and resilience.

• ​1st Body Paragraph Topic Sentence:

• To begin, teamwork is necessary in order to overcome challenges. Without teamwork, life's difficulties are harder to face.

​T - Topic Sentences

How to build the body paragraph topic:

• Transition

• Topic + 1st Reason

• Explanation​​

• ​1st Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: To begin, teamwork is necessary in order to overcome challenges. Without teamwork, life's difficulties are harder to face.

Fill in the Blank

Type the Body Paragraph Topic sentences using the second reason of this Thesis Statement.

"In order to overcome challenges, one needs teamwork and resilience."

(1st Sentence: Transition + Topic and reason. 2nd Sentence: Explain the reason)

Fill in the Blank

Type the Body Paragraph Topic sentences using the first reason of this Thesis Statement.

"In order to be a hero, one needs bravery and knowledge."

(1st Sentence: Transition + Topic and reason. 2nd Sentence: Explain the reason)

Fill in the Blank

Type the Body Paragraph Topic sentences using the second reason of this Thesis Statement.

"In order to be a hero, one needs bravery and knowledge."

(1st Sentence: Transition + Topic and reason. 2nd Sentence: Explain the reason)

Poll

How well do you feel you understand how to compose topic sentences for body paragraphs?

• 1 - I don't really get what they're supposed to do

• 2 - I kind of understand it, but not fully.

• 3 - I understand it, but I'm not sure I know how to explain it to someone else.

• 4 - I understand it very well; I could explain it to others.

​LET'S REVIEW WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED SO FAR

Fill in the Blank

A typical essay has ___ paragraphs.

​Introduction

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

Conclusion​

Reorder

What is the correct order of an essay?

• Introduction

• Body Paragraph 1

• Body Paragraph 2

• Body Paragraph 3

• Conclusion

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

1. Hook (attention getter)

2. ​Background (bridge)

3. Thesis​

​

​Opening Paragraph

​Parts of an Introduction Paragraph

Multiple Choice

True or False: Introduction paragraphs have three parts.

• True

• False

1. ​Restate the thesis (use different words)

2. Summarize claims from essay

3. ​Wrap Up (relate topic to larger ideas)

​Conclusion Paragraph

​

Reorder

Put the parts of a conclusion paragraph into the correct order.

• Restate thesis claim

• Summarize main points of essay

• Wrap Up

1

2

3

• 1
• 2
• 3

Match

Match the type of paragraph with its correct parts.

• Introduction Paragraph

• Body Paragraph

• Conclusion Paragraph

hook, background, thesis

topic sentence, evidence and explanation, conclusion sentence

restate thesis claim, summarize key points, wrap up

• hook, background, thesis

• topic sentence, evidence and explanation, conclusion sentence

• restate thesis claim, summarize key points, wrap up

Multiple Choice

Where is the thesis placed in an essay?

• at the end of the introduction paragraph

• the first line of the essay

• by itself after the first paragraph

• the start of the first body paragraph

Multiple Choice

True or False: The thesis statement is the most important sentence in an essay.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

What role does word choice play in an essay?

• Setting the tone
• Citing sources
• Lengthening the essay
• Formatting

Multiple Choice

What should be avoided in language in an essay?

• Formal language
• Biased connotations
• Personal opinions
• Emotional language
• Slang

Multiple Choice

What is the effect of using phrases like "in my opinion" in an essay?

• Strengthens the argument
• Adds clarity
• Weakens the voice
• Increases word count

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of vivid verbs and adjectives in an essay?

• To confuse the reader
• To lengthen the essay
• To strengthen the writer's voice
• To simplify the content

Multiple Choice

What is a key element in developing body paragraphs?

• Using complex vocabulary
• Including supporting details and examples
• Keeping paragraphs short
• Using only facts

Multiple Choice

What should each sentence in a unified body paragraph do?

• Support the main idea
• Introduce a new idea
• Contrast the main idea
• Repeat the introduction

Multiple Choice

How can coherence be achieved in body paragraphs?

• By using many examples
• By ordering sentences logically
• By repeating key points
• By focusing on a single aspect

Multiple Choice

What should be avoided in academic essay writing?

• Formal language
• Slang
• Detailed examples
• Varied sentence structure

Multiple Choice

What is the effect of using "assignment language" like "This essay will show"?

• Increases professionalism
• Makes the essay more persuasive
• Diminishes the essay's impact
• Enhances reader engagement