So… when we’re planning our body paragraphs, we need to consider the following:

• That our topic sentences LOGICALLY EXTEND from the thesis statement constructed in your introduction.
• That our thesis statement AND topic sentences use the key words/terms from the question to help frame our argument.

You can see from the image about that the thesis statement uses the key terms from the question AND establishes a clear argument.

Above is sample body paragraph to Murderball. Here are my teaching and learning points:

• I’ve tried to use the key terms from the question in my topic sentence, as well as ensuring the topic sentence adds direction and focus.
• I wanted this topic sentence to logically extend from my thesis statement in a logical and explicit way.
• The second sentence engages with the ‘how’ of the question. This means that the body paragraph starts with an engagement with ALL of the key terms of the question.
• There is reference to relevant SWAT codes.
• The body paragraph references specific scenes rather than treating the characters more generally. There is evidence that the text has been analysed and engaged with, rather than merely described.
• The final sentence links back to the topic sentence and thesis statement, thereby trying to construct a cohesive and logical argument extending from the key terms of the question.

Therefore, what I’ve tried to do here is to describe a PROCESS more than anything else. It’s really important that you construct your ideas in tandem with the key terms of the question, but also an argument that is both logical and cohesive. The actual content of this example is largely secondary to the PROCESS.

Please note the sample introduction above. It was written as a response to the following question:

Consider how character construction has contributed to ideas in one studied text. 

Some teaching and learning points to note:

• The global sentence makes reference to the 2017 Me Too movement, therefore placing Murderball into a more contemporary context.
• You’ll also note that Murderball is underlined. This makes it clear to your examiner that you are writing about the text, not the referring to the original name for quad rugby.
• The global sentence uses a key word from the question- ‘construction’- as well as introducing a central idea- ‘masculinity’.
• Your examiner will expect to see you using the key terms from the question throughout your response.
• The second sentence gives information on date the text was released, the genre, who directed and and overview of plot.
• Next sentence refers to the central characters and how they are constructed. Note I’ve used that key term from the question again.
• I then refer to specific SWAT codes to show HOW they are constructed.
• Final sentence is my thesis which establishes the key ideas I’m going to construct my body paragraphs around.