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The body of an essay consists of several paragraphs that develop and support the thesis. Each body paragraph develops one point from the thesis statement. These paragraphs all begin with a topic sentence that is supported with specific details, facts, and examples. The body paragraphs of an essay should be arranged in the order that was stated in the thesis statement.

ANALYZING BODY PARAGRAPHS

Look again at the essay John Lennon: A Musician for All Time .

What is the topic sentence of the first body paragraph?

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Does the topic sentence of that paragraph state its main idea?

Is it supported with specific details?

What is the topic of the second body paragraph?

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Does the topic sentence of that paragraph state its main idea?

Does it develop the second point mentioned in the thesis statement?

Is it supported with specific details?

What is the topic of the third body paragraph?

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Does the topic sentence of that paragraph state its main idea?

Does it develop the third point mentioned in the thesis statement?

Is it supported with specific details?