This textbook is retiring after Summer 2026.
As discussed in Paragraphing & Drawing Conclusions in Academic Essays, the structure of body paragraphs in academic writing typically follows a common formula.
A body paragraph for an academic essay typically includes three main parts:
Topic Sentence: the main idea for that paragraph
Evidence (or further examples): evidence or examples to support your point
Discussion: analysis, interpretation, and/or further explanation that connects the ideas of the paragraph together
It may help to remember this as T-E-D, or TED.
As you begin writing your essay, the first step is to determine the main points you want to make. This stage is known as prewriting. The type of essay you're writing will influence what kind of prewriting and brainstorming you need to do. For rhetorical or genre analysis papers, you'll typically start by reviewing samples of the text or media. For a reading response, your first step is to carefully read the assigned reading. Once you've completed this initial work and identified the focus of your paper, you can begin brainstorming specific sub-topics. For more information on different prewriting strategies, see Prewriting.
Each body paragraph should focus on a single main idea or subpoint related to your thesis, or the overall point of your paper. This means that everything you include in the paragraph—such as examples, explanations, or analysis—should support that one idea. Begin with a topic sentence to let your reader know what the paragraph will be about. Then include evidence to support that point. Depending on the type of essay, this evidence could be specific examples, personal observations, information from an assigned reading, or something else. Finally, provide a discussion of the subpoint that connects the evidence back to the main idea of the paragraph. This discussion might include additional analysis, interpretation, or explanation of the subpoint.
The following example paragraphs are for a paper analyzing the audience in fliers of local parks.
The flier for Lake Hill City Park uses language that suggests its intended audience is primarily people who live in the area. It references familiar locations and uses collective language, like "we" and "our," that helps connect to the local community. For example, it mentions “walking trails connecting to Main Street” and “scenic views of Lake Pine,” which are places local residents would likely recognize. This helps present the park as part of their local community. The flier also includes phrases like “our neighborhood getaway,” which makes the message feel like it’s coming from within the community rather than from an outsider. These choices help create a sense of community ownership and belonging. By focusing on local details and using community-oriented language, the flier effectively appeals to the local audience and encourages them to engage with the park.
In the example above, the first two sentences serve as the topic sentence, explaining the subpoint, or main idea of the paragraph—that the flier uses specific language to address a local audience. Two examples from the flier are included as evidence to support this point. After the first example, a short analysis is included, which serves as part of the discussion in the paragraph. Then the second example is included with a short analysis. Finally, a longer discussion ties the two examples together and wraps up the main point.
Below is the same paragraph color-coded for the different parts of the paragraph.
Yellow = topic sentence(s), Blue = evidence, Green = discussion
The flier for Lake Hill City Park uses language that suggests its intended audience is primarily people who live in the area. It references familiar locations and uses collective language, like "we" and "our," that helps connect to the local community. For example, it mentions “walking trails connecting to Main Street” and “scenic views of Lake Hill,” which are places local residents would likely recognize. This helps present the park as part of their local community. The flier also includes phrases like “our neighborhood getaway,” which makes the message feel like it’s coming from within the community rather than from an outsider. These choices help create a sense of community ownership and belonging. By focusing on local details and using community-oriented language, the flier effectively appeals to the local audience and encourages them to engage with the park.
Here's an additional paragraph from the same example paper:
A different flier for another local park, Beechwood Park, appears to write to a more specific audience—families and parents—by focusing on family-friendly activities and community events. The flier highlights events like “Saturday Morning Storytime” and “Family Picnic Day,” which are clearly designed with children and families in mind. Additionally, it includes two photos: one of kids playing on a playground and another of families sitting together on picnic blankets. These images reinforce the idea that the park is a fun and safe space for children and show it as a place for family enjoyment. By focusing on activities that bring people together, the flier effectively appeals to its audience and encourages them to view the park as part of their regular family recreation.