The term body refers to all paragraphs after the introduction and before the conclusion. There are three body paragraphs in a five paragraph persuasive essay. Each body paragraph should focus on one argument, called the main point.
A main point is the purpose of the body paragraph. Each body paragraph should have one clearly stated main point that is expressed in the topic sentence of the paragraph. The main point should then be developed and supported with emotional or logical arguments.
Topic sentences clearly state the purpose of the paragraph. Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that should state the paragraph’s central argument. The goal of a persuasive essay is to Write topic sentences that are clear, direct, and upfront about your purpose.
Example
Students should not have to wear school uniforms because they limit students’ ability to express their individuality.
Supporting details are arguments, examples, or descriptions that justify, explain, and develop main points. Use thought stems to extend and develop your arguments.
Persuasive Essay Thought Stems
What I mean by this is…
Another way to say this is…
This connects to my argument because…
The reason for this is that…
To put it another way…
This shows that…
This is important because…
For example…
Making the connection is when the last sentence in a body paragraph connects the support back to the main point. The analogy to explain this is that of the prosecutor in a criminal case: the attorney doesn’t just say, “There were some blood drops in the defendants car,” and then end his argument. Having evidence is not enough. The prosecutor must explain what the evidence shows. Likewise, writers need to explain what their evidence shows to make the connection. Don’t make the readers draw their own conclusions; that’s your job.
Example
We should not have to wear school uniforms because they limit our ability to express our individuality. What I mean by this is that students have the right to express who they are and how they are feeling. One of the most important ways they do this is through dress. This is how we show the world who we are, particularly in an environment where we are forced to be quiet for 90% of the day. Our fashion makes a unique statement. If students are forced to wear uniforms, their ability to express themselves will be severely limited. Schools should promote student expression not restrict it. Because of this we should not have to wear uniforms.