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Paragraph Structure

Composition

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What do you recall?

Turn to a person or two sitting near you and discuss the components you consider necessary in a well-written, quality body paragraph. Discuss the structure/order of a paragraph.

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Be prepared to discuss your ideas with the class (You may want to record them).

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* No need to include any language about mechanics (spelling, punctuation, grammar, capitalization, etc.).

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TIQA + C

TIQA is an acronym to help you remember the structure of a body paragraph. TIQA should be repeated 3 times in a body paragraph and followed with a C.

T - Topic sentence/transitional word

I - Introduce quote/evidence

Q - Quote/evidence

A - Analyze quote/evidence

C - Clincher sentence

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TIQA x 3 + C

T - topic sentence

I - introduce quotation (lead-in sentence)

Q- give quotation (integrated)

A - analyze quotation (commentary)

T - transition

I - introduce next quotation (lead-in sentence)

Q - give quotation (integrated)

A - analyze quotation (commentary)

T - transition

I - introduce next quotation (lead-in sentence)

Q - give quotation (integrated)

A - analyze quotation (commentary)

C- Clincher

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Body Paragraph Requirements

  • A well-developed paragraph must be a minimum of 11-12 sentences.
  • Paragraphs must be unified around one main theme or idea.
  • Paragraphs must have a minimum of three supporting reasons.

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Topic Sentences

A topic sentence should:

    • be the first sentence of a body paragraph.
    • directly support (act as a reason for) the thesis.
    • be a conclusion the reader will reach after reading the rest of the paragraph.
    • be similar to, but worded differently, than the clincher.
    • be comprehensive – cover all the content of the paragraph.
    • act like a mini thesis statement – argue a point that supports the main point (thesis) of the essay.

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Transitional Words & Phrases

Transitional words:

    • connect ideas and sentences to each other (therefore, however, for example).
    • indicate structure and organization
    • must be used to signal new points in a logical flow (first, second, next, finally).
    • appear throughout every body paragraph.
    • are not used to start a topic sentence.
    • must be used appropriately; not all transitions make sense in the context of your sentences. Choose wisely.

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Introduction Sentences

Introduction sentences:

    • prepare for supporting details.
    • gives brief background/context of the evidence/quote
    • explains what is going on in the quote

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Quotes or Evidence

Supporting evidence can appear in the form of:

    • facts
    • statistics
    • analogies (stories)
    • examples
    • expert opinions or testimony

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Analysis

  • Every supporting detail must be followed by 1-2 sentences of analysis (your interpretation of the material).
  • Analysis answers So What? by directly explaining how the evidence supports the topic sentence and thesis
  • Analysis should never begin with:
      • This shows…
      • That is why…
      • This means…
      • This explains…
      • This quote shows…
      • In the previous quote…

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Clincher

A clincher:

  • concludes or summarizes the main point of the paragraph.
  • restates the topic sentences in different words.
  • directly supports the thesis.
  • should not preview the next paragraph.

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Outline of a Paragraph

I. Topic sentence

A. Transition, Introduce supporting detail #1

1. Quote/evidence with page #

2. Analysis of quote

B. Transition, Introduce supporting detail #2

1. Quote/evidence with page #

2. Analysis of quote

C. Transition, Introduce supporting detail #3

1. Quote/evidence with page #

2. Analysis of quote

D. Transition, clincher sentence