Body Paragraph:
* Purpose: To develop and support a specific point or sub-argument related to the overall thesis statement.
* Content: Contains evidence (facts, examples, statistics, expert opinions, etc.) to support the main idea of the paragraph. It often includes analysis and explanation to connect the evidence to the argument.
* Structure: Typically follows a pattern like:
* Topic Sentence: Introduces the main point of the paragraph.
* Supporting Sentences: Provide evidence and analysis.
* Concluding Sentence: Summarizes the key idea of the paragraph and transitions smoothly to the next paragraph.
Paragraph Conclusion:
* Purpose: To wrap up the main point of the body paragraph and provide a sense of closure.
* Content: Restates the main idea of the paragraph in a concise and memorable way. It may also offer a brief transition to the next paragraph, linking the current argument to the overall thesis.
* Structure: Often a single sentence that summarizes the paragraph's argument. It can be a rephrased version of the topic sentence, or it can offer a concluding statement that reinforces the paragraph's main point.
Key Differences:
* Scope: A body paragraph is a broader unit, while a paragraph conclusion is a specific ending.
* Function: A body paragraph develops an argument, while a paragraph conclusion summarizes and concludes that argument.
* Content: A body paragraph contains evidence and analysis, while a conclusion focuses on restatement and transition.
Example:
Body Paragraph:
> *The invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionized the spread of knowledge.* [Topic sentence] *Before the printing press, books were copied by hand, a slow and laborious process that limited their availability to a select few.* [Supporting sentence] *The printing press allowed books to be produced much more quickly and efficiently, making them accessible to a wider audience.* [Supporting sentence] *This increased access to information led to a surge in literacy and a flowering of intellectual and cultural activity.* [Supporting sentence] *The printing press, therefore, played a pivotal role in shaping the Renaissance and the subsequent Enlightenment.* [Concluding sentence]
Paragraph Conclusion:
> *In essence, the printing press's ability to mass-produce books dramatically altered the dissemination of knowledge, fostering intellectual growth and societal change.*
In summary: While a body paragraph builds an argument, its conclusion provides a concise summary and sets the stage for the next step in the overall argument.