STEP 7: BODY PARAGRAPHS

Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence. A topic sentence has the same function for the paragraph that the thesis has for the whole essay: it clearly defines exactly what that paragraph will be about. This helps you identify what information to include in the paragraph and also ensures that the information connects directly to your thesis statement. 

This is the fifth entry in a series concerning the writing process. You can review the entire series at this link. 

In order to write a topic sentence, you will need to use your outline. Look at the ideas that will be addressed in each body paragraph and write a sentence that encompasses all of them and supports the thesis statement. In fact, your outline may already include your topic sentences if the formatting requires it. Once you have the topic sentence in place, it is the measure by which you make sure all the information in the paragraph is where it should be. If it doesn’t connect to the topic sentence, you either need to alter the topic sentence, or move the information.