In one line: Each body paragraph makes one sub-point of your thesis: a topic sentence, short embedded quotes, evaluated analysis of the choices, and a sentence linking back to your overall argument.
The body is where most of your analysis happens — and a repeatable paragraph shape is what lets you write fast and still hit every criterion.
Open with a topic sentence (this paragraph's sub-point). Embed short quotes. Analyse AND evaluate the choices (technique → effect → how well). Close by linking back to the thesis. Then do it again. Same shape, new sub-point, every time.
The paragraph shape
Topic sentence
Open with this paragraph's sub-point — a mini-claim that serves the thesis.
Embed short quotes
Weave a few words of the text into your own sentence — never long block quotes.
Analyse AND evaluate
Technique → effect → how WELL it works (Criterion B — the marks).
Link back
End by tying the point to your thesis — that's what keeps the essay focused.
The key move: Give every body paragraph the same shape — topic sentence → embedded quote → evaluated analysis → link to thesis — and repeat it for each sub-point.
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Why it matters in the exam: Body paragraphs carry Criterion B (analysis & evaluation) and prove Criterion C (each links to the thesis). A consistent shape means you never freeze mid-essay — you always know the next move.
Write a Paper 1 body paragraph on this line (thesis: the writer makes the office feel dehumanising): “Each desk was identical, each screen the same cold blue, each face lit from below like a row of little moons.”
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Watch out: Don't let a paragraph drift across several unrelated points, and don't quote long chunks. One sub-point, short quotes, and a link back — every time.