Academic Paragraph Formula

Student Success Criteria: I can arrange complex ideas, concepts, information so that each new element builds on that which precedes
it to create a unified whole. I can develop a topic with well-chosen and relevant facts, concrete details, quotations and examples.

In writing, there is a specific formula for how to construct the basic academic paragraph. You
can use the template below to help you internalize the basic academic paragraph formula.

Academic Paragraph/Body Paragraph Formula

1. Topic sentence
2. Supporting detail
3. Textual Evidence (quote can be direct quote or indirect quote)
4. Commentary/explanation of Evidence
5. Commentary/explanation of Evidence
6. Supporting detail
7. Textual Evidence (quote can be direct quote or indirect quote)
8. Commentary/explanation of Evidence
9. Commentary/explanation of Evidence
10. Summary/Concluding sentence (Sum up your pt. draw a conclusion)
 Academic Paragraph/Body Paragraph Example Template
Using a template as you construct a paragraph helps you to ensure all the correct types of sentences are included
in your writing.
Type of sentence in Sentence
a Paragraph

Humans are a major threat to animal and plant species globally.

Topic Sentence

The extinction rates have steadily increased as more ecosystems are tainted by the
Supporting Detail touch of humans.

“The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s report on the biodiversity crisis
Textual Evidence estimated that extinction threatens up to a million animal and plant species known and
unknown” (Newsela Staff 2).

Endangered species play an intricate role in global biodiversity.

Commentary
Explanation of
Evidence
The loss of a species results in far-reaching ramifications at all levels of the
Commentary ecosystem.
Explanation of
Evidence
Warning alarms of animal and plant extinction have been sounded by naturalists for
Supporting Detail years.

E.O. Wilson a prominent naturalist views humans as the first species in the
Textual Evidence history of life to develop into a geophysical force (Newsela Staff 3).

Humans are a force like no other in nature resulting in profound negative changes to
Commentary Earth.
Explanation of
Evidence
Writers choice to only have one sentence as commentary/explanation of evidence
Commentary
Explanation of
Evidence
Humans are dramatically speeding up the process of extinction on a global level and at
Summary/ this current rate countless species will be lost forever.
Concluding Sentence

Sample Final Paragraph

This is what your paragraph will look like when it is pulled together

Humans are a major threat to animal and plant species globally. The extinction rates have steadily

increased as more ecosystems are tainted by the touch of humans. “The International Union for Conservation of

Nature’s report on the biodiversity crisis estimated that extinction threatens up to a million animal and plant

species known and unknown” (Newsela Staff 2). Endangered species play an intricate role in global

biodiversity. The loss of a species results in far-reaching ramifications at all levels of the ecosystem. Warning

alarms of animal and plant extinction have been sounded by naturalists for years. E.O. Wilson a prominent

naturalist views humans as the first species in the history of life to develop into a geophysical force (Newsela

Staff 3). Humans are a force like no other in nature resulting in profound negative changes to Earth. Humans are

dramatically speeding up the process of extinction on a global level and at this current rate countless species

will be lost forever.

Type of sentence in Sentence
a Paragraph

Topic Sentence

Supporting Detail

Textual Evidence

Commentary
Explanation of
Evidence

Commentary
Explanation of
Evidence

Supporting Detail

Textual Evidence

Commentary
Explanation of
Evidence

Commentary
Explanation of
Evidence

Summary/
Concluding Sentence