If you have already reviewed the basic paragraph lessons, this body paragraph lesson will feel a lot like a review for you. That is because the body paragraph has the same parts as the basic paragraph.

As a reminder, the basic paragraph has four parts:

1. Single controlling idea
2. Topic sentence
3. Supporting details
4. Concluding sentence

The body paragraph has the same four parts but there a few important additions:

1. The single controlling idea of the body paragraph is not standalone like it is in the basic paragraph. It must tie back to the thesis statement (or controlling idea of the essay) as indicated in the introductory paragraph of the essay
2. The body paragraph only needs one supporting detail instead of two
3. The concluding sentence in the body paragraph must serve not only as a conclusion (as it does in the basic paragraph) but also as a transition to the next paragraph (and next thought).

This means that the four parts of the body paragraph become the following:

1. Single controlling idea that ties back to the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph
2. Topic sentence
3. Supporting detail
4. Concluding and transition sentence

Need More Help?

1. Study other Writing Lessons in the Resource Center.
2. Visit the Online Tutoring Resources in the Resource Center.
3. Contact your Instructor.
4. If you still need help, Schedule a Tutor.