Body paragraphs are the building blocks of your essay where you develop your argument. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea and provide evidence with analysis.
The PIE Structure
- P — Point (Topic Sentence): State your main claim
- I — Information (Evidence): Support with facts, quotes, or examples
- E — Explanation (Analysis): Explain how evidence supports your argument
Example
Topic Sentence: "Social media algorithms exploit psychological vulnerabilities to maximize engagement."
Evidence: "Research shows platforms use 'variable ratio reinforcement'—the same mechanism found in gambling—to keep users scrolling (Lembke, 2021)."
Analysis: "This deliberate design choice shows platforms prioritize profit over user well-being, supporting the need for regulation."
Essential Components
- Topic sentence — introduces the paragraph's main idea
- Context — provides background for evidence
- Evidence — supports your claim
- Analysis — explains significance
- Transition — connects to next paragraph
A strong body paragraph is like a mini-essay with its own claim, evidence, and analysis.
Quick Tips
- Start with a clear topic sentence
- Include multiple types of evidence
- Always explain why evidence matters
- Link back to your thesis