One of the most common difficulties that language-major students encounter in academic writing is the inability to develop ideas fully in body paragraphs. While many students can produce grammatically correct sentences and express clear opinions, their paragraphs often lack depth, clarity, and logical progression. This section demonstrates how a body paragraph can be effectively developed through explanation, example, and analysis, using a concrete illustration.

Step 1: Writing a Clear Topic Sentence

A strong body paragraph begins with a clear topic sentence that directly addresses the essay question and signals the main idea of the paragraph.

Example topic sentence:

One major reason why online shopping has become increasingly popular is its convenience.

This sentence is effective because it:

• Identifies one clear cause (convenience)
• Directly answers the question about why online shopping is popular
• Leaves room for further development

At this stage, the paragraph is still incomplete, but the direction is clear.

 

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Step 2: Explaining the Idea

After stating the main idea, the writer needs to explain what the idea means and why it is important.

Example explanation:

Convenience plays a crucial role in modern consumers’ purchasing decisions, as many people lead busy lives and have limited time for traditional shopping.

This explanation deepens the topic sentence by:

• Clarifying why convenience matters
• Linking the idea to real-life circumstances

Without this step, the topic sentence would remain a general statement with little analytical value.

 

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Step 3: Providing a Concrete Example

To make the idea more convincing, the writer should include a specific and realistic example.

Example:

For instance, office workers can browse products, compare prices, and place orders using their smartphones during short breaks or after working hours, without the need to travel to physical stores.

This example:

• Illustrates how convenience works in practice
• Makes the argument easier to understand
• Avoids overly personal anecdotes

Examples like this help readers visualize the idea and strengthen the paragraph’s persuasiveness.

 

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Step 4: Analyzing the Example

A common mistake among students is to stop after giving an example. However, effective idea development requires analysis, which explains how the example supports the main point.

Example analysis:

As a result, online shopping fits more easily into people’s daily routines, making it a more attractive option than in-store shopping, which often requires fixed opening hours and time-consuming travel.

This sentence:

• Connects the example back to the main idea
• Compares online and traditional shopping
• Reinforces the argument logically

At this point, the paragraph demonstrates depth and coherence.

 

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Step 5: Linking Back to the Question

An effective body paragraph often ends by reinforcing its relevance to the essay question or preparing for the next idea.

Example concluding sentence:

This high level of convenience therefore explains why an increasing number of consumers prefer online shopping over traditional retail methods.

This final sentence:

• Summarizes the paragraph’s main idea
• Clearly answers the “why” part of the question
• Creates a sense of completeness

Complete Sample Body Paragraph

• Below is the full paragraph with all the elements combined:

One major reason why online shopping has become increasingly popular is its convenience. Convenience plays a crucial role in modern consumers’ purchasing decisions, as many people lead busy lives and have limited time for traditional shopping. For instance, office workers can browse products, compare prices, and place orders using their smartphones during short breaks or after working hours, without the need to travel to physical stores. As a result, online shopping fits more easily into people’s daily routines, making it a more attractive option than in-store shopping, which often requires fixed opening hours and time-consuming travel. This high level of convenience therefore explains why an increasing number of consumers prefer online shopping over traditional retail methods.