Body Paragraph #1 Controlling Idea:

Topic Sentence /
Controlling Idea #1
This is your body paragraph's
thesis statement. Like the
thesis statement, it should
make a claim that others could
argue against.

Explain Controlling Idea

Here you want to provide any
necessary background
information necessary to
explain or support your
controlling idea.

Examples / Textual
Evidence
Provide specific examples or
textual evidence that support
your controlling idea and your
development sentences.

Explain the Examples /

Evidence
Explain how the examples and
evidence connect to the topic
sentence or controlling idea.
Connect the evidence to the
topic sentence.

Conclude the paragraph

Tie up loose ends / remind
reader of connection to thesis
statement / or transition into
the next paragraph
Body Paragraph #2 Controlling Idea:

Topic Sentence /
Controlling Idea #1
This is your body paragraph's
thesis statement. Like the
thesis statement, it should
make a claim that others could
argue against.

Explain Controlling Idea

Here you want to provide any
necessary background
information necessary to
explain or support your
controlling idea.

Examples / Textual
Evidence
Provide specific examples or
textual evidence that support
your controlling idea and your
development sentences.

Explain the Examples /

Evidence
Explain how the examples and
evidence connect to the topic
sentence or controlling idea.
Connect the evidence to the
topic sentence.

Conclude the paragraph

Tie up loose ends / remind
reader of connection to thesis
statement / or transition into
the next paragraph
Body Paragraph #3 Controlling Idea:

Topic Sentence /
Controlling Idea #1
This is your body paragraph's
thesis statement. Like the
thesis statement, it should
make a claim that others could
argue against.

Explain Controlling Idea

Here you want to provide any
necessary background
information necessary to
explain or support your
controlling idea.

Examples / Textual
Evidence
Provide specific examples or
textual evidence that support
your controlling idea and your
development sentences.

Explain the Examples /

Evidence
Explain how the examples and
evidence connect to the topic
sentence or controlling idea.
Connect the evidence to the
topic sentence.

Conclude the paragraph

Tie up loose ends / remind
reader of connection to thesis
statement / or transition into
the next paragraph
Conclusion

Updated thesis
statement
Contrary to popular belief, this
should not simply be a rehash
of your thesis statement. It
should express your thesis
statement in light of the
evidence presented in your
body paragraphs.

Synthesize
Your goal here is to pull all the
ideas together and show how
they are connected.

So what?
Answer the question, “so
what?” Explain your essay’s
relevance beyond the specific
topic of the essay. Consider
proposing a course of action.
Aim to connect with the reader
in your final sentence.