Body Paragraph

If the thesis is the major argument of the paper, the body paragraphs represent the sub arguments.

The components of a body paragraph are:

Topic sentence: Also called the claim. MUST be arguable/opinion and support the major argument/thesis.
Evidence: Also called a concrete detail (CD). In a literary essay, evidence is in the form of a properly cited quote.
Commentary (CM): This is your logic. It explains how the quote supports the topic sentence and therefore the thesis. Give your logic. Explain your reasoning. Should never be a simple rephrasing of the quote. Should not contain plot summary.

Generally, these components are repeated for the two-chunk structure — TS +CD + CM (minimum 2 sentences plus transition to next chunk) + CD + CM (minimum 2 sentences plus capping commentary)

See the student-written example from Lord of the Flies, below.

Topic Sentence/claim

Concrete Detail/Evidence

Commentary (minimum 2 sentences)

transition

Concrete Detail/Proof

Commentary (minimum 2 sentences) + Concluding sentence /capping commentary

Jack is the antagonist of the novel and is characterized as cruel and power-hungry and perhaps the reason their society disintegrates; however, Golding initially portrays him as a respectable boy who prefers a structured life. When all the boys meet for the first time, Jack says, “We’ll have rules! ... Lots of rules! Then when anyone breaks ‘em-” (Golding 33). Jack was first characterized as dignified and structured, but Golding allowed the id side of him to overpower the rest as Jack strives for power. As soon as Jack got a taste of power and decision-making, he couldn’t help but crave more. Rules are a motif commonly associated with Ralph and the conch, yet Jack wanted rules at the beginning of the novel, too. As the story progresses, however, Golding characterizes Jack as tyrannical and vicious. It even comes to the point where Jack is willing to kill Ralph. When the two are fighting, Golding writes, “Jack made a rush and stabbed at Ralph’s chest with his spear. Ralph sensed the position of the weapon from the glimpse he caught of Jack’s arm and put the thrust aside with his own butt” (177). Jack has become so crazed by the power he has gained that he no longer values rules, let alone life. The violence portrayed in this quote displays Jack’s overwhelming need for power and the lengths he will go to gain it. Golding purposely creates this change in Jack’s character to emphasize how one is easily influenced by the power his position as chief holds. Jack’s new, violent persona gives him the tool of fear to bolster his leadership but also creates fear that leads to unnecessary conflict and ultimately the destruction of their society.

Note the following elements that make this an A-level paragraph.

The topic sentence makes a claim and the claim uses literary language. The claim is arguable, meaning, it is not a statement of fact and it points toward a larger argument.

The concrete details have smooth lead-ins which give context giving both the speaker and context of the quote. Additionally, both are properly cited. The quotes clearly prove/support the TS and are not simply there for summary or plot explanation.

The commentary, in both cases, explains how the quotes support the topic sentence as well as the significance of the quotes to the main argument. The commentary is NOT plot summary.

Note how the final sentence is commentary which caps the paragraph and also points toward the "so, what?" main point (destruction of society).

Note to Upper-grade students

The above example follows the Jane Schaffer method of TS+CD+CM, etc. As you evolve as a writer, you may be ready to stylistically innovate and move away from this structure. Awesome. Just be careful not to summarize.