Instructions

In this unit, we discussed the creation of body paragraphs for your research paper. You should have a good idea of what your revised thesis statement will look like, the points that you want to include, and the evidence you will use to support those points.

Let’s take just a moment and think about the process so far. Feel free to use this writing as a reflection upon what you have experienced so far in the course. You might want to consider some of the questions below, but you are not required to answer them. Remember, as always, that this writing should be a positive and constructive experience for you. The idea is that you reflect upon the process so that you understand it, understand yourself as a new student writer, and understand the challenges and successes you experience.

What do you think is your strongest point? What do you think is your weakest? Do you think the scope of your project is narrowed down efficiently? How are you feeling about the process? What do you think about the structure of the body paragraphs? Does the structure seem too restrictive or helpful and guiding? Looking back on some of the materials that you have read, can you see the structures that we have discussed in the course so far? Do you see differences between academic and public sources in terms of how the paragraphs are constructed?

Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.

Unit VI Assignment

Instructions

Body of Research Paper

Follow the directions below for the completion of the body paragraphs draft assignment for Unit VI. If you have questions, please email your professor for assistance.

Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to continue drafting your academic argumentative research paper.

Description: In this assignment, you will write three to four body paragraphs according to the form that is explained in “Lesson 3: The Body Paragraphs.” The following requirements must be included in the assignment:

• Body Paragraphs: You will construct three to four paragraphs comprised of five to seven sentences each. Each paragraph should be between 150-200 words. At a minimum, this portion of the paper should be around 450-600 words (for three to four paragraphs); a body section of this length will meet the minimum requirements of the assignment. The following components must be included in each body paragraph (in the following order).
  • Sentence 1: Point/reason sentence: This topic sentence will contain one of your reasons.
  • Sentence 2: Explanation: In this sentence, you provide information that further develops or explains Sentence 1.
  • Sentence 3: Illustration: This sentence introduces evidence that supports the reason that is presented in Sentence 1.
  • Sentence 4: Explanation of the illustration: Because the evidence does not necessarily stand on its own, you need to provide explanation so that the reader will understand how you interpreted the evidence to come to your reason.
  • Sentences 5-6: Second illustration and explanation (optional): You may choose to include a second piece of evidence that is then followed by an explanation.
  • Last Sentence: Transition: In this sentence, you will signal to the reader that you will be moving on to another point in the next paragraph. You do this to ease the movement from one point to another.
• Be sure to include the introduction and literature review you have already created and revised.
• Use APA conventions to cite and reference all sources used to support your argument.

Example: Click here to access an example paper with body paragraphs. This is a real student example. It is not a perfect example for all grammar, syntax, or APA, though it is in very good shape. The goal of viewing this example should be to see the overall structure and content.

You may also seek out the guidance of the Success Center; the specialists are always there to assist you with your writing and comprehension.