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Preperation and Writing: Page 5 of 5

1.4 How to Write a Main Body Paragraph

This section will take you through the main elements of a main body paragraph within an English essay.

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1. Write the topic sentence:

 1.1. Explain the point that you are making within the paragraph. 

 1.2. Write the sentence in a short, clear, and concise manner. 

 1.3. Elaborate on the topic sentence in the second sentence of the                              paragraph. 

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2. Quote from the literary text​:

 2.1. Show where the point that you are making is within the text.

 2.2. Give a short quotation or paraphrase that supports the claim that                          you are making. 

 2.3. Ensure that you explain how the quote supports your argument.

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3. Introduce a secondary source​:

 3.1. Use a secondary source to support the claim that you are making                          within the paragraph.​

 3.2. Link the point that the author of the secondary source is making to                        the point that you are making. ​

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4. Use the theory:

 4.1. Use the theory to tie the point back to the thesis statement of the                          essay.

 4.2. Quote or paraphrase from the theory.

 4.3. Explain the quote or paraphrase so the reader understands the                            relevance of the theory. 

Summary of how to write a main body paragraph
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