The Writing Process
Body Paragraphs
What is a body paragraph?
A body paragraph is a paragraph that helps
support the thesis statement.
 All body paragraphs must have unity and
coherence.

– Unity means that one paragraph is about ONLY ONE
main topic. That is, all the sentences -- the topic,
supporting sentences, the detail sentences, and
(sometimes) the concluding sentence -- are all telling
the reader about ONE main topic.
– Coherence means all the ideas in a paragraph flow
smoothly from one sentence to the next sentence.
With coherence, the reader has an easy time
understanding the ideas that you wish to express.
What makes up a body paragraph?

Body paragraphs are made up of…
– A topic sentence
– An introduction to support
– Support, quote, evidence
– An analysis of support
How to construct a body
paragraph?

In order to construct a body paragraph,
follow the T.I.Q.A method.
–Topic Sentence
–Introduce Quote (or evidence)
–Quote (or evidence)
–Analyze quote (or evidence)
What is a topic sentence?


A topic sentence is one that defines and states the topic
of the paragraph.
Your topic sentence should come from the thesis
statement.
– Thesis statement: In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Montresor is
successful in getting his revenge because of his vengeful nature,
his ability to use reverse psychology and manipulation to get
people to do what he wants, and his intelligent choices.
– Topic Sentence: In order to be successful in his murder,
Montresor uses reverse psychology and manipulation to lure
Fortunato to his death.

Much like a thesis statement, a topic sentence has a
topic and limiting idea.
Introducing the Quote or Evidence
One of the most misunderstood ideas
when writing is introducing the quote or
evidence into the essay.
 YOU CAN NOT JUST PLUG A QUOTE IN
WITHOUT CONTEXT!

– Example: As Montresor and Fortunato make
their way down to the depths of the
catacombs, Montresor verbally taunts
Fortunato that he will get his rival Luchesi to
drink the amontillado because he is too ill.
Quoting or Providing Evidence
When quoting from a piece of literature,
you must be precise.
 The quote should look exactly as it is
found in the text.

– When quoting, you MUST provide the page
number.
 Example: “we will go back; your health is
precious” (89).

If you cannot use a quote, be as specific
as possible.
Analyze the Quote or Evidence
This is the most important part of the
entire body paragraph.
 The analysis should explain to the reader
the importance of the quote and how it
supports your topic sentence.

– The analysis should NOT be shorter than the
quote provided.
– Avoid the phrase “This quote shows…” as it
sounds too artificial and boring.
Analyze the Quote or Evidence

Quote: “‘Come,’ I said, with decision, ‘we will go back; your health is
precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy,
as once I was. You are a man to be missed. For me it is no matter.
We will go back; you will be ill, and I cannot be responsible. Besides,
there is Luchesi’“ (89).

Analysis: By acting as though he actually cares for
Fortunato’s health and merely mentioning the name of his
rival Luchesi, Montresor manipulates Fortunato to
continue on. Montresor has no concern for Fortunato’s
health, but lures him into a sense of security by saying
that he does as a friend naturally would. In addition,
Montresor knows full well of the rivalry between Fortunato
and Luchesi. By mentioning his name, Montresor is
challenging Fortunato’s pride and expertise of wine as
Fortunato would not want his bitter rival to one up him.