Components of a body paragraph

Wesley English Language Arts

Topic SentenceTOPs (Topic Sentence) is the main idea

of the paragraph (not a detail)The TOPs is one sentence in lengthIt is the first sentence of a body

paragraphIt is the interpretation or argument

that the entire paragraph will focus on

TAG + Main Idea + SW?

Developing IdeaThe TOPs is followed by a developing

idea.

The developing idea develops the TOPs. It further expands on the idea in the TOPs

The developing idea is 2-4 sentences immediately following the TOPs.

Write out a “How” and “Why” question about your argument and answer it in 2-4 sentences.

Example and QuotationExample from story- The example illustrates the

TOPs in 1-3 sentences.

Quotation- Quotations are taken from the text and cited properly.They are integrated and properly cited.Quotations provide PROOF of the argument or

interpretation.1-3 sentences

Inference or Analysis of Quotation

Inference or Analysis of the Quotation- An analysis of the quote in relation to the TOPs.

It is NOT a summary, it is an analysis.

3-5 sentences

Concluding SentenceThe conclusion is the final sentence of the body

paragraph.

It is NOT a recap of the paragraph.

The conclusion interconnects the main idea of the paragraph with the “so what-ness”?

The conclusion illustrates the significance and consequences of your idea.