When writing paragraphs in the body of your essay, remember that each paragraph should develop a single point, idea or argument. An effective paragraph will generally include:
- clear topic sentence
- further background and explanation
- evidence and examples, drawing on both primary and secondary sources
- analysis of the evidence and examples to draw out their significance
- explanation of how the examples and evidence support the paragraph’s central claim
- link the main idea of this paragraph to the main point of the next paragraph or section.
Example
Example | Explanation |
|---|
|
The British highly valued their alliance with the Cherokee as they were very well aware that having Indian allies was crucial to their continued survival and prosperity in the southeast in the face of French competition.
|
This topic sentence clearly states the central point of the paragraph.
|
|
One of the largest and most formidable tribes of the American southeast, the Cherokee had been allied with the British since the Yamasee War of 1715-1717.[3] As defeating the French meant forging and maintaining alliances with the Indians that were as prosperous as those between the French and their
Indian allies, a successful and ongoing alliance with the Cherokee was invaluable.
|
The next two sentences give further background and explanation.
|
|
The Cherokee supported the British militarily, peaking in 1758 with the contribution of seven hundred warriors to the British cause.[10] The Cherokee were also involved in successful trading relationships with the southern colonies, in particular South Carolina.[4] The value that the British attached
to the relationship is reflected in the correspondence of key British officials. In 1754, James Glen, the Governor of South Carolina, proclaimed that the Cherokee were the “key of Carolina.”[9] The importance of the relationship with the Cherokee was relayed to the highest levels of government. In 1758,
General John Forbes wrote to William Pitt, the virtual prime minister, that “our greatest Dependence is upon them.”[6] The correspondence of military officers and politicians also reveals British anxiety about the potential consequences of a breakdown in the relationship. George Washington, for example,
suggested that losing the support of the Cherokee “might be of the most fatal consequence to this part of the Continent.”[7] General John Forbes commented in a 1758 letter to General James Abercromby that the British should thus make sure to “provide everything that can keep them steady to our Interest.”[5]
|
The bulk of the paragraph provides the evidence and examples to support the central claim. Note that in this revised version of the paragraph there is a stronger explanation of the significance of the primary source quotes. Note also that the secondary sources are used more effectively to support the
author's analysis of the primary sources.)
|
|
The words of Glen, Forbes and Washington highlight the dependency of the British on their Indian allies and the crucial role that the alliance played in the battle for supremacy in North America.
|
This sentence explains how the examples provided validate the paragraph’s central claim.
|
|
During the Seven Years’ War, however, the British –Cherokee relationship would be put to the ultimate test.
|
The final sentence links the paragraph to the main point of the next paragraph or section.
|
[3] Leonard J. Sadosky, Revolutionary Negotiations: Indians, Empires, and Diplomats in the Founding of America (Charlottesville, Virginia: University of Virginia Press, 2010), 17.
[10] Fred Anderson, 457
[4] John R. Maass, The French and Indian War in North Carolina: The Spreading Flames of War (Charleston, South Carolina: The History Press, 2013), 81.
[9] James Glen in Matthew C. Ward, “Understanding Native American Alliances,” in The Seven Years’ War: Global Views, ed. by Mark Danley and Patrick Speelman (Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2012), 55.
[6] ‘Forbes to Pitt May 1 1758’ in Writings of General John Forbes, 77-78. [7] ‘George Washington to Major Francis Halkett 11 May 1758’ Accessed 4th June 2015 http://founders.archives.gov/?q=cherokee%20Author%3A%22Washington%2C%20George%22&s=1511311112&r=72
[5] ‘Forbes to Abercromby April 22 1758’ in Writings of General John Forbes Relating to his Service in America ed. by Alfred Procter James (Menasha, Wisconsin: The Collegiate press, 1938), 69.
