How to Write The Body Paragraphs for a Five-body Paragraph Illustration Essay

In a previous article, I discuss the five-body paragraph illustration essay.  In that article, I discuss the objectives of this type of essay, and I provide instructions on how to write the thesis statement for this type of essay.  In this article, I discuss the body paragraphs of the five-body paragraph illustration essay.  This article will teach students how to write three-body paragraphs that support the thesis statement for this type of essay.  Moreover, this article will provide sample body paragraphs for the illustration essay.

Instructions for Writing the Three-Body Paragraphs:

Step 1:  Be sure to take time to look over your thesis statement.  For this type of essay, your thesis statement will state something you either like or dislike and provide three reasons that illustrate why you like or dislike it. 

Step 2:  Take time to think about the three reasons in your thesis.  Think about what you want to say about these three things.  Each reason from your thesis gets its own paragraph.

Step 3:  Body paragraph one will discuss your first reason from your thesis.  This paragraph should start with two to three sentences that explain your first reason. Your explanation should explain why you either like or dislike the topic that you are writing about. Next, write three to four sentences that provide a clear and specific example that supports your explanation.  Finally, write one closing sentence to seal off your paragraph.

Step 4: Body paragraph two will discuss your second reason from your thesis.  This paragraph should also start with two to three sentences that explain your second reason. Your explanation should explain why you either like or dislike the topic that you are writing about.  Next, write three to four sentences that provide a clear and specific example that supports your explanation.  Finally, write one closing sentence to seal off this second paragraph.

Step 5: Body paragraph three will discuss your third reason from your thesis.  This paragraph should also start with two to three sentences that explain your third reason.  Again, just like body one and two, your explanation should explain why you either like or dislike the topic that you are writing about.  Next, write three to four sentences that provide a clear and specific example that supports your third explanation.  Finally, write one closing sentence to seal off this second paragraph.

Step 6:  Make sure that all of your body paragraphs have an explanation, have a clear and specific example, and have a closing sentence.

Sample Body Paragraphs That Support the Thesis Statement:

Note: No matter what your topic is, your body paragraphs and thesis statement should look similar to the following samples.

Sample Thesis Statement:  I love to walk on the beach because it is great exercise; it relaxes me, and it rejuvenates me.

Sample Body Paragraph 1:  First of all, I love to walk on the beach because it is great exercise.  Exercise helps keep you healthy and lose weight.  For instance, a long time ago, I did not exercise, and I was overweight. However, after I started walking for one hour everyday on the beach, I lost 10 pounds in one month.  I used to weigh 260, pounds, but after a year of walking on the beach, I now weigh 175 pounds. I love walking on the beach because it helped me and continues to help me lose weight.

Sample Body Paragraph 2:  Secondly, I love walking on the beach because it relaxes me because of the sound of the waves, the soft sand on my feet, and the beautiful scenery.  When I am relaxed, I feel more calm and focused during the day.  For example, I work a lot, and being over worked can be stressful.  However, when I walk on the beach in the mornings, the sound of the ocean, the soft sand on my feet, and the beautiful scenery take my mind off of every worry.  The ocean makes me feel at peace.  As a result, I am able to be calm all day at work.  The ocean is a relaxing element.

Sample Body Paragraph 3:  Finally, I love walking on the beach because it rejuvenates me.  Every night I come home tired and feel used up from work, and I wake up in the mornings feeling the same way.  Yet, when I walk on the beach in the mornings, the sounds and scenery clear my mind, which means all my thoughts from the previous day get erased.  When my mind is clear, I feel like a new person.  I only feel like a new person when I walk on the beach.  The ocean is a place that rejuvenates the mind, body, and spirit. 

Notice how all the body paragraphs contain explanations, specific examples, and closing sentences.  Also, notice how the body paragraphs 100% support the thesis statement.