Developmental paragraphs, which range in number in the typical student essay from about two to four, are the heart of the essay, for their function is to explain, illustrate, or prove the thesis statement. Keep in mind these points about the developmental paragraphs.

  1. Each developmental paragraph discusses one aspect of the main topic. If, for example, you were asked to write a paper about the effects of smoking cigarettes on a person’s health, then each paragraph would have as its topic an effect.
  2. The controlling idea in the developmental paragraph should echo the central idea in the thesis statement. If your thesis statement about the effects of smoking cigarettes is “Cigarette smoking is a destructive habit”, then the controlling idea in each paragraph should have something to do with the destructiveness of the effects.
  3. The developmental paragraphs should have coherence and unity. The order of your paragraphs should not be random. There are various ways to order the sentences in a paragraph. Similarly, there are various ways to order your paragraphs. The same principles apply as you have learned before. Just as your sentences need to flow smoothly, the train of thought at the end of one paragraph should be picked up at the beginning of the next paragraph. This can be achieved through the use of transitions.

You have learned how to come up with a restricted topic sentence. The same technique can be used to arrive at a thesis statement; you need simply to remember that the thesis statement is more general than a topic sentence. After all, each developmental paragraph does discuss an aspect of the main topic expressed in the thesis statement. Once you have decided on a thesis statement, you need to break it down logically into topics for your paragraph. These topics are, in essence, supporting points for your thesis statement. Let us say, for example, that you wanted to write about the beautiful sights in your country. After you have taken considerable notes on the topic, you might come up with this thesis statement: “My country has some of the most beautiful sights in the world.” The main topic of the essay is “sights in my country”, and the central idea is “beautiful”. The main topic then needs to be broken down into topics for paragraphs – perhaps two to four. Logically, the topics would be “sights”, with one sight perhaps discussed per paragraph, and the controlling idea for each of these topics should be something akin to “beautiful”, such as “charming”, “lovely”, “enchanting”, “glorious”, etc. This breakdown can be illustrated as follows for an essay about beautiful sights in Mexico.

Thesis statement: Mexico has some of the most beautiful sights in the world.

Paragraph 1 – beach at Progresso, Paragraph 2 – Aztec ruins, Paragraph 3 – monument

Just how you break down your thesis into topics depends on your thesis statement. There are several principles for logically breaking down your thesis. You can break it into topics according to causes, effects (benefits, advantages, disadvantages, results), steps in a process, types (kinds, categories, classes), examples, points of comparison and contrast, and reasons. These are the basic principles, and those that are covered in depth in your Academic English course.

One way to break your thesis statement down logically into topics is to turn your thesis statement into a question, keeping in mind what your topic and central idea are. The answers to this question might help you come up with possible topics for your developmental paragraphs. They can also help you determine a strategy for organizing your essay. Here are some thesis statements and possible breakdowns into topics for the developmental paragraphs. Notice the key words are repeated.

  1. Thesis statement: My reasons for coming to Binus University center around the good services in provides.

Question: What are those services?

Answers: Binus University provides a superior program in my major. Binus University has high quality academic resources. Binus University offers quality student services. Binus University has recreational activities.

            The central idea in the thesis statement is services, so this was a logical basis for the breakdown. Each paragraph would discuss a different service that is attractive to the writer.

  1. Thesis statement: In order to make a good impression at a job interview, you should prepare well for the interview.

Question: What should you do to prepare for the interview?

Answers: Plan your answers to the possible questions in the interview. Plan and prepare what you are going to wear to the interview. Make sure you arrive on time for the interview.

  1. Thesis statement: Watching television is not a waste of time.

Question: Why isn’t it a waste of time?

Answers: Watching television is a valuable educational tool. Watching television cheers us up. Watching TV provides something for our family to discuss.

  1. Thesis statement: Hong Kong and Singapore are more alike than people think.

Question: In what ways are they alike?

Answers: Hong Kong and Singapore have similar architecture. Hong Kong and Singapore both have English as a secondary language. Hong Kong and Singapore are both port cities.

In this breakdown, the writer selects points of similarity to develop the thesis.

  1. Thesis statement: Students should be allowed to manage the bookstore.

Question: Why should they be allowed to manage it?

Answers: Because it would benefit the students if they manage the bookstore. Because the bookstore would benefit if students manage it. Because the school would benefit if students manage the bookstore.