Body Paragraphs:
* Develop the argument: Each body paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of your main argument, providing evidence and analysis to support your claims. They are like bricks in a wall, each contributing to the overall structure.
* Establish logical connections: The body paragraphs should flow logically from one to the next, building upon the ideas presented in previous paragraphs. Transitions between paragraphs are crucial to guide the reader through your argument.
* Provide evidence: Each body paragraph must include specific historical evidence to support its claim. This evidence can be primary sources (letters, diaries, government documents), secondary sources (scholarly books, articles), or factual data.
* Analyze evidence: Don't simply present evidence; analyze it. Explain its significance to your argument, connecting it back to your thesis statement.
Conclusion Paragraph:
* Restates the argument: The conclusion summarizes your main points and restates your thesis in a new and more emphatic way. It should not introduce any new information.
* Provides a broader perspective: The conclusion takes the reader beyond the specifics of your essay and places your argument in a larger historical context. It can offer insights into the significance of your topic, its relevance to broader themes, or potential future implications.
* Offers a final thought or reflection: The conclusion can leave the reader with a thought-provoking question, a sense of closure, or a call to action.
In essence:
* Body paragraphs provide the foundation of your essay, building your argument through evidence and analysis.
* The conclusion acts as the roof, pulling everything together and offering a lasting impression.
Imagine a house. The body paragraphs are the walls, each supporting a different aspect of the argument. The conclusion is the roof, which ties everything together and protects the structure. Both are essential for a strong and well-built essay.