- Make a list of quotes to use for evidence
- Define any ideas in topic sentence
- Provide context to set up quotes
- Explain how quote is connected to the topic sentence -- focus on the language used (connotation of specific words, symbolism of imagery, tone [sarcasm, irony, humor, etc.], etc.)
- Repeat focus/argument word from topic sentence within your paragraph to keep readers, uh, focused on your argument(this is an important point that writers often neglect)
- Revise by deletion: take out whatever doesn’t fit with argument
- Revise by addition: explain how a particular word makes your point; use an analogy to make your argument clearer
- Proofread! (commas, basics done - double space lines, cite properly, include question, etc.)
Follow these steps, bake at 350° for 2 hours (or however long it takes you work on the paragraph) and viola' a completed body paragraph, suitable for company.