Research Paper Tips: Body Paragraphs (10th Grade World Lit)

Follow your Formal Outline to make sure your Body paragraphs include the following:

1. 1st Sentence: Main Point - This is what the paragraph is about and it should directly tie back to one of the points in your thesis. Basically, you're telling your reader what to expect right as they begin the paragraph.
2. Next 2-3 sentences: Background Information - You've found some great quotes and examples from your research, but before you bring them into your essay, you need to set the scene for your reader. What important details from the book does your reader need to know in order to understand your evidence? Briefly plot points that are important and relevant to the main point of the paragraph! Be specific with your details.
3. Next sentence: Bring in your Evidence: Use a Lead-in to Bring in a Direct Quote or Paraphrase a Source - Now it's time to start bringing in your evidence. Bring in a direct quote using one of the Lead-Ins on your Lead-In/Paraphrase Reference Sheet or paraphrase one of your sources to make it fit your paragraph better. Remember to CITE your quote/paraphrased source.
   
   **QUOTE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT:**
   
   • You MUST use ALL THREE of your sources (your novel and 2 online articles) at least 1 time&nbsp throughout your entire essay.
   • You MUST use evidence 2 times in each paragraph, either by using a direct quote from your source or by paraphrasing a source.
   • You MUST use at least 3 direct quotes, one in each of your body paragraphs, throughout your essay.
   • You MUST cite your quote/paraphrased source
4. Next 2-3 sentences: Commentary - You've brought your quote/source into your paragraph, but now you need to explain it. What does it reveal about the main point of this paragraph? Why is it important to the topic you are writing about? Even if this connection seems obvious to you, it might not be as clear to your reader. Avoid phrases like "This quote says/shows" - the quote is not saying or showing your reader anything - that's your job.
5. Next 3-4 sentences: Repeat Numbers 3 and 4 to bring in and explain your second piece of evidence.
6. Last sentence: Concluding Sentence - End your paragraph with a sentence that wraps up the main point of this paragraph and that transitions to your next body paragraph/main point.

Repeat Steps 1-6 for your second and third body paragraphs.

The following is the example for Life of Pi that I showed in class. Please note that it does NOT connect to my sample intro paragraph because the main point of this paragraph is not one of the reasons that I have listed in my Thesis Statement.

Pi is able to survive on the ocean for so long because he is able to find and conserve sources of drinking water to help him keep up his strength. When Pi takes an inventory of the supplies on the boat, he comes across cans of water. He also finds a manual written by the British Royal Navy. Pi reads and learns from survival tips, which include “Do not drink urine. Or sea water. Or bird blood” (Martel 166). When Pi sees this advice, he makes sure to follow it, even though he soon becomes very thirsty and on the verge of dehydration. He almost gives in to this desperation to drink his urine, but luckily, before he reaches his breaking point, a storm comes and he is able to collect fresh drinking water. Pi knows that even though rainwater might contain harmful chemicals, collecting the fresh rainwater can help him conserve his resources (“Rainwater Collection”). He uses his fast thinking to use a waterproof tarp to collect and store the water he needs in order to stay alive. Pi uses his knowledge of safe hydration methods to stay alive while floating on the undrinkable saltwater ocean. He also relies on his instincts to develop a practical way to put this knowledge to use.