College Composition / Unit 14 CMP 0332 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Evidence, Then Explanation
The idea
A common, reliable structure for a body paragraph moves from claim to evidence to explanation to a link back to the claim.
In practice
Build the paragraph in order. First, the topic sentence states the paragraph's point and connects to the thesis. Second, introduce the first piece of evidence, naming its source when it comes from one. Third, explain what that evidence shows and why it matters. Fourth, add further evidence if the point needs it, each followed by its own explanation. Fifth, close with a sentence that ties the evidence back to the paragraph's point and, where useful, to the thesis. In the anchor's model, a paragraph on retirement benefits states its point, gives three sentences of evidence about how many retirees rely on the program, and ends with two sentences of the writer's own analysis.
Where people slip
The order can vary, but the parts cannot be skipped. A paragraph missing its explanation reads as a list of facts; one missing its evidence reads as unsupported opinion.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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