Essay Writing:Essay Writing:Body Paragraphs:Body Paragraphs:

Topic Sentences, Concrete Detail, Topic Sentences, Concrete Detail, Commentary, and Concluding SentencesCommentary, and Concluding Sentences

What is a topic sentence?What is a topic sentence?

The first sentence in a body paragraphThe first sentence in a body paragraph

Must have a subject and an opinion Must have a subject and an opinion Acts like the thesis of a body paragraphActs like the thesis of a body paragraph

Like a thesis, organizes and states the Like a thesis, organizes and states the focus of your body paragraphfocus of your body paragraph

SamplesSamples

Thesis: My favorite season is summer.Thesis: My favorite season is summer.

TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine.change in my daily routine.

Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.sport.

TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me.for me.

PracticePractice

Write a topic sentence for each of the theses.Write a topic sentence for each of the theses.1.1. Pep assemblies are a good idea.Pep assemblies are a good idea.

1.1. ____________________________________________________________

2.2. People should drink more water.People should drink more water.1.1. ________________________________________________________

Now, turn your three reasons into complete Now, turn your three reasons into complete topic sentences:topic sentences:

1.1. __________________________________________________________________2.2. __________________________________________________________________3.3. __________________________________________________________________

What are Concrete Details (CDs)?What are Concrete Details (CDs)?

Specific details that form the backbone of Specific details that form the backbone of your body paragraphsyour body paragraphsMay include: facts, specifics, examples, May include: facts, specifics, examples, descriptions, illustrations, support, proof, descriptions, illustrations, support, proof, evidence, quotations, paraphrasing, or plot evidence, quotations, paraphrasing, or plot referencesreferencesRatio:Ratio: You need to write two sentences of You need to write two sentences of commentary (opinion, analysis, reflection, commentary (opinion, analysis, reflection, etc) for every concrete detail (quote, etc). etc) for every concrete detail (quote, etc).

Concrete Details (cont’d)Concrete Details (cont’d)

Often, writers use transitional phrases to Often, writers use transitional phrases to introduce concrete details (cds).introduce concrete details (cds). For example, In addition, Furthermore, Also, For example, In addition, Furthermore, Also,

Similarly, For Instance, MoreoverSimilarly, For Instance, Moreover

SamplesSamples

Thesis: My favorite season is summer.Thesis: My favorite season is summer.

TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine.daily routine.

CD: CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and stay up For example, I have time to sleep in and stay up late.late.

Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.

TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me.TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me.

CD: CD: For instance, I have fun because I am good at For instance, I have fun because I am good at throwing and catching the Frisbee.throwing and catching the Frisbee.

PracticePractice

Write a concrete detail for each of the theses and Write a concrete detail for each of the theses and topic sentences.topic sentences.

1.1. Saturday is my favorite day of the week.Saturday is my favorite day of the week.1.1. I have a more relaxed scheduleI have a more relaxed schedule

1.1. For example, _____________________________________For example, _____________________________________

2.2. Fast food is unhealthy.Fast food is unhealthy.1.1. Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain.Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain.

1.1. For instance, _____________________________________For instance, _____________________________________

Now, write 2 concrete details for each of your Now, write 2 concrete details for each of your reasons (follow the format you copied down earlier).reasons (follow the format you copied down earlier).

What is Commentary (CM)?What is Commentary (CM)?

Your opinion or comment about somethingYour opinion or comment about something

Found throughout an essayFound throughout an essay

NOT concrete detailNOT concrete detail

May include: opinion, insight, analysis, May include: opinion, insight, analysis, interpretation, inference, personal response, interpretation, inference, personal response, feelings, evaluation, explication, and reflection.feelings, evaluation, explication, and reflection.

Reminder: There are 2 sentences of Reminder: There are 2 sentences of commentary for each concrete detail.commentary for each concrete detail.

SamplesSamples

Thesis: My favorite season is summer.Thesis: My favorite season is summer.

TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine.in my daily routine.

CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and stay up late.stay up late.

CM: There are no emotional and physical CM: There are no emotional and physical demands on me.demands on me.

CM: Because there is less stress in my life, I CM: Because there is less stress in my life, I feel more peaceful. feel more peaceful.

SamplesSamples

Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.

TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me.me.

CD: For instance, I have fun because I am good CD: For instance, I have fun because I am good at throwing and catching the Frisbee.at throwing and catching the Frisbee.

CM: I can’t enjoy something I’m not good at for CM: I can’t enjoy something I’m not good at for long.long.

CM: Furthermore, I feel better about myself CM: Furthermore, I feel better about myself when I do things well. when I do things well.

PracticePractice

Add a sentence of commentary to each of the Add a sentence of commentary to each of the items from the previous practice.items from the previous practice.

1.1. Saturday is my favorite day of the week.Saturday is my favorite day of the week.1.1. I have a more relaxed scheduleI have a more relaxed schedule

1.1. ____________________________________________________________________________

2.2. Fast food is unhealthy.Fast food is unhealthy.1.1. Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain.Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain.

1.1. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Now, write commentary for your concrete Now, write commentary for your concrete details. details.

What is a Concluding Sentence (CS)?What is a Concluding Sentence (CS)?

Last sentence in a body paragraphLast sentence in a body paragraph

Gives a finished feeling to the paragraphGives a finished feeling to the paragraph

Is ALL commentaryIs ALL commentary

Does NOT repeat key wordsDoes NOT repeat key words

SamplesSamples

Thesis: My favorite season is summer.Thesis: My favorite season is summer.TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change TS: The biggest reason is the relaxed change in my daily routine.in my daily routine.CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and CD: For example, I have time to sleep in and stay up late.stay up late.CM: There are no emotional and physical CM: There are no emotional and physical demands on me.demands on me.CM: I can recharge my batteries for awhile.CM: I can recharge my batteries for awhile.CS: Not having any commitments lets me CS: Not having any commitments lets me unwind.unwind.

SamplesSamplesThesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.Thesis: Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite sport.TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for TS: I love this sport because it is enjoyable for me.me.CD: For instance, I have fun because I am CD: For instance, I have fun because I am good at throwing and catching the Frisbee.good at throwing and catching the Frisbee.CM: I can’t enjoy something I’m not good at for CM: I can’t enjoy something I’m not good at for long.long.CM: It makes me feel good to be able to do CM: It makes me feel good to be able to do something well.something well.CS: Being a helpful part of a team lets me enjoy CS: Being a helpful part of a team lets me enjoy participating in a sport.participating in a sport.

PracticePractice

Add a concluding sentence to each of the items Add a concluding sentence to each of the items from the previous practice, including your own.from the previous practice, including your own.

1.1.Saturday is my favorite day of the week.Saturday is my favorite day of the week.1.1. I have a more relaxed scheduleI have a more relaxed schedule

1.1.____________________________________________________________________________

2.2.Fast food is unhealthy.Fast food is unhealthy.1.1. Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain.Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain.

1.1.____________________________________________________________________________________

Now, write concluding sentences for each of Now, write concluding sentences for each of your body paragraphs.your body paragraphs.