How to Write a Strong Body Paragraph

TL;DR

Every body paragraph needs: a topic sentence (your point), evidence (a quote or fact), explanation (why the evidence matters), and a link back to your thesis. Don't just drop quotes — explain them. This PEEL structure works for every essay type.

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The PEEL Structure

P — Point (Topic Sentence)

State the main idea of this paragraph. This should be a claim that supports your thesis, not a fact or a quote.

E — Evidence

Provide a specific quote, statistic, example, or fact that supports your point. Integrate it smoothly into your sentence.

E — Explanation

This is the most important part and the one students skip most often. EXPLAIN:

• What does the evidence mean?
• How does it support your point?
• Why does it matter?

Your explanation should be 2-3 sentences minimum. This is where your analysis lives.

L — Link

Connect back to your thesis. One sentence showing how this paragraph's argument fits into your overall essay.

Example Body Paragraph

Point: "Social media platforms damage teenage self-image by promoting unrealistic beauty standards."

Evidence: "According to a 2024 study published in JAMA Pediatrics, teenagers who spent more than two hours daily on Instagram reported 30% higher rates of body dissatisfaction than those who used the platform less frequently (Chen et al. 127)."

Explanation: "This correlation is particularly concerning because Instagram's algorithm specifically prioritizes content featuring idealized body types, creating an echo chamber of unrealistic standards. When teenagers see a constant stream of filtered, edited images, they internalize these artificial standards as achievable goals, leading to dissatisfaction with their own natural appearance. The platform's design doesn't merely reflect existing beauty standards — it actively amplifies them."

Link: "This manipulation of self-perception represents one of the most direct ways that social media undermines teen mental health."

Common Body Paragraph Mistakes

1. No topic sentence — Starting with evidence instead of a claim
2. Quote dumping — Dropping a quote without explanation
3. Too many ideas — Each paragraph should cover ONE point
4. No analysis — Stating facts without explaining significance
5. No transitions — Paragraphs should flow into each other

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Gradily helps you develop your evidence, strengthen your analysis, and write body paragraphs that earn top marks.

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Strong body paragraphs are the engine of every great essay. Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link. Master this structure and your essays will improve immediately. 💪