Developing Paragraphs with Claims and Evidence
AP® English Language and Composition | Unit 1 | CLE 4.A
Building Effective Body Paragraphs for Argumentative Writing
The Foundation of Argumentative Writing
A well-constructed paragraph is the building block of effective argumentative writing. In AP® English Language and Composition, students must master the ability to develop paragraphs that present clear claims supported by relevant, credible evidence and insightful commentary.
This skill—CLE 4.A—is essential for success on all three free-response questions and forms the foundation of persuasive communication in academic and professional contexts.
What is an Effective Body Paragraph?
The core unit of argumentative writing
Definition
An effective body paragraph is a unified, coherent unit of writing that presents a single focused idea (the claim), supports it with specific evidence, and explains how that evidence proves the claim through thoughtful commentary. Each paragraph should advance the overall argument while maintaining logical connections to the thesis and surrounding paragraphs.
Purpose of Body Paragraphs
- Develop the thesis: Each paragraph advances one aspect of the overall argument
- Present evidence: Provides concrete support for claims through examples, data, or quotations
- Explain connections: Demonstrates how evidence logically supports claims
- Maintain coherence: Creates smooth transitions between ideas
- Persuade the audience: Builds a convincing case through logical reasoning
The Standard Paragraph Structure
Components that create effective arguments
The ACE Formula
Most effective body paragraphs follow the ACE structure (Assertion, Citation, Explanation) or its variations:
- Assertion (Claim/Topic Sentence): States the main point of the paragraph
- Citation (Evidence): Provides specific support from sources or examples
- Explanation (Commentary/Analysis): Explains how evidence proves the claim
Detailed Paragraph Components
1. Topic Sentence (Claim)
The opening sentence that introduces the paragraph's main argument and connects to the thesis
2. Context/Background (Optional)
Brief context or setup that prepares readers for the evidence
3. Evidence
Specific support: quotes, statistics, examples, or data from credible sources
4. Commentary/Analysis (2-3 sentences)
Explains HOW and WHY the evidence supports the claim; this is the most critical component
5. Additional Evidence + Commentary (Optional)
More support and analysis to strengthen the argument
6. Concluding/Transition Sentence
Wraps up the paragraph and connects to the next idea or back to the thesis
Writing Strong Topic Sentences
The foundation of paragraph unity
Characteristics of Effective Topic Sentences
- Makes a specific claim: Goes beyond stating facts to make an arguable assertion
- Connects to thesis: Advances one aspect of the overall argument
- Focuses the paragraph: Limits scope to one main idea
- Establishes direction: Signals what the rest of the paragraph will prove
- Invites support: Requires evidence and explanation to be convincing
Examples: Weak vs. Strong Topic Sentences
❌ Weak: Stating a Fact
"Social media has millions of users worldwide."
Problem: This is an obvious fact that requires no defense.
✓ Strong: Making a Claim
"Social media platforms prioritize engagement over user well-being, leading to increased anxiety and depression among adolescents."
Strength: Makes a specific, debatable claim requiring evidence and analysis.
❌ Weak: Too Broad
"Technology affects society."
Problem: Too vague; one paragraph cannot address this comprehensively.
✓ Strong: Specific and Focused
"Remote learning technology widened educational inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic by disadvantaging students without reliable internet access."
Strength: Specific, focused claim that can be fully developed in one paragraph.
Incorporating Evidence Effectively
Supporting claims with concrete proof
Three Ways to Integrate Evidence
1. Direct Quotation
Use the exact words from a source, enclosed in quotation marks.
Example: According to psychologist Jean Twenge, "Rates of teen depression and suicide have skyrocketed since 2011," coinciding with widespread smartphone adoption.
2. Paraphrasing
Restate the source's ideas in your own words while maintaining the meaning.
Example: Research by Jean Twenge demonstrates a sharp increase in adolescent mental health issues beginning in 2011, the same period when smartphones became ubiquitous.
3. Summarizing
Condense the main points of a longer passage or source.
Example: Multiple studies link the rise of social media use among teenagers to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Embedding Evidence: The Signal Phrase
Always introduce evidence with a signal phrase that identifies the source and smoothly integrates it into your sentence:
- According to [author/source], "..."
- [Author] argues/claims/suggests that...
- Research conducted by [source] reveals that...
- As [author] notes in [source], "..."
- Data from [source] demonstrates that...
Crafting Effective Commentary
The most important part of your paragraph
What is Commentary?
Commentary (also called analysis or explanation) is where you explain how and why your evidence supports your claim. It bridges the gap between evidence and claim, making the logical connection explicit rather than assuming readers will make the leap themselves.
What Commentary Does
- Explains the "so what": Why does this evidence matter?
- Makes connections: How does this evidence prove the claim?
- Interprets evidence: What does this evidence mean in context?
- Shows reasoning: What logical steps connect evidence to claim?
- Demonstrates insight: What deeper understanding does this reveal?
Commentary Sentence Starters
Use these phrases to begin your commentary sentences:
- This evidence demonstrates that...
- This example illustrates how...
- This data suggests that...
- In other words, ...
- This proves that...
- The significance of this is...
- By doing/saying this, [subject] shows...
- Therefore, we can conclude that...
💡 Key Principle:
The ratio of commentary to evidence should typically be 2:1. For every sentence of evidence, you should provide at least two sentences of commentary. Never assume your evidence speaks for itself—always explain the connection.
Complete Annotated Example Paragraph
Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
TOPIC SENTENCE: Social media platforms prioritize engagement over user well-being, leading to increased anxiety and depression among adolescents.
EVIDENCE: According to psychologist Jean Twenge's research published in Clinical Psychological Science, "Rates of teen depression and suicide have skyrocketed since 2011," coinciding with the period when smartphone ownership became widespread and social media use among teens reached saturation.
COMMENTARY 1: This correlation is significant because it demonstrates a clear temporal relationship between the rise of social media use and declining mental health among young people.
COMMENTARY 2: The timing suggests that constant exposure to curated, idealized versions of others' lives creates unrealistic social comparisons, leading teens to feel inadequate and anxious about their own lives.
ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE: Furthermore, a 2018 study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that Instagram and Snapchat—platforms heavily focused on image sharing—had the most negative impact on young people's mental health, particularly regarding body image and fear of missing out.
COMMENTARY 3: This research reveals that the visual, performance-based nature of these platforms amplifies social pressure and fuels destructive comparison habits.
CONCLUDING SENTENCE: Ultimately, these findings illustrate that social media's design—which prioritizes addictive engagement over user welfare—poses serious risks to adolescent psychological development.
Analysis of the Example
- The topic sentence makes a specific, arguable claim
- The evidence is introduced with a signal phrase and properly cited
- Commentary outnumbers evidence (3 commentary sentences for 2 evidence sentences)
- Commentary explains HOW the evidence proves the claim, not just what it says
- The concluding sentence ties back to the main claim and potentially the thesis
Common Paragraph-Writing Mistakes
❌ Evidence Without Commentary
Providing a quote or statistic without explaining its significance. Remember: evidence never speaks for itself. Always explain the "so what."
❌ Plot Summary Instead of Analysis
Simply retelling what a source says without analyzing WHY it matters or HOW it proves your claim. Move from summary to significance.
❌ Weak or Missing Topic Sentence
Starting with evidence or background instead of a clear claim. Readers need to know the paragraph's purpose immediately.
❌ Dropped Quotes
Inserting a quotation without introducing it or integrating it grammatically into your sentence. Always use signal phrases.
❌ Circular Reasoning
Commentary that simply restates the claim without adding new insight. "This proves my point because it shows I'm right" is not analysis.
❌ Lack of Unity
Including multiple unrelated ideas in one paragraph. Each paragraph should develop ONE main point.
❌ Missing Transitions
Abrupt jumps between ideas without logical connectors. Use transitional words and phrases to guide readers.
Practice Strategies for Developing Strong Paragraphs
The "Color-Coding" Method
Highlight or color-code your paragraphs to visualize the balance:
- Orange: Topic sentence/claim
- Blue: Evidence
- Pink: Commentary/analysis
- Green: Concluding/transition sentence
Goal: Your paragraph should have MORE pink than blue!
Additional Practice Techniques
- Reverse outlining: Take a completed paragraph and create an outline to check structure
- Peer review: Exchange paragraphs and identify claims, evidence, and commentary
- The "So What?" test: After each piece of evidence, ask yourself "So what?" until you've fully explained significance
- Model analysis: Study high-scoring AP essays to see effective paragraph construction
- Template practice: Use paragraph templates initially, then work toward more sophisticated variations
Paragraph Templates
Frameworks to guide your writing
Basic Template
[Topic Sentence: State your claim that supports your thesis].
[Context (optional): Provide necessary background for your evidence].
According to [Source/Author], "[Evidence/Quotation]."
[Commentary 1: Explain what this evidence means].
[Commentary 2: Explain how this proves your claim].
[Concluding Sentence: Connect back to thesis or transition to next point].
Advanced Template (Multiple Pieces of Evidence)
[Topic Sentence: State your claim].
[Evidence 1 with signal phrase].
[Commentary for Evidence 1: Explain significance—2 sentences].
[Evidence 2 with signal phrase].
[Commentary for Evidence 2: Explain significance—2 sentences].
[Concluding Sentence: Synthesize ideas and connect to thesis].
Applying CLE 4.A to the AP® Exam
Rhetorical Analysis Essay (Q1)
Each body paragraph should:
- Make a claim about a rhetorical choice the writer makes
- Provide evidence from the passage (quotes or specific examples)
- Include commentary explaining how that choice contributes to the writer's purpose
Argument Essay (Q3)
Each body paragraph should:
- Present a claim that supports your thesis position
- Offer evidence from outside sources, personal experience, or logical reasoning
- Provide commentary that explains how your evidence proves your claim
Synthesis Essay (Q2)
Each body paragraph should:
- State a claim that advances your position on the issue
- Synthesize evidence from multiple provided sources
- Include commentary that integrates sources and explains their relationship to your argument
Scoring Considerations
The AP scoring rubrics emphasize evidence AND commentary. High-scoring essays don't just include evidence—they explain how that evidence supports the line of reasoning. Essays that list examples without analysis or fail to connect evidence to claims earn lower scores.
Quick Reference: Paragraph Checklist
Before submitting your essay, check each body paragraph for:
✓ Clear Topic Sentence
States a specific, debatable claim
✓ Relevant Evidence
Specific examples, quotes, or data
✓ Signal Phrases
Properly introduces all evidence
✓ Sufficient Commentary
At least 2:1 ratio to evidence
✓ Clear Connections
Explains HOW evidence proves claim
✓ Unity and Focus
All sentences support one main idea
✓ Smooth Transitions
Connects to surrounding paragraphs
✓ Ties to Thesis
Advances the overall argument
Mastering Paragraph Development
Developing effective paragraphs with clear claims, relevant evidence, and thoughtful commentary is the cornerstone of successful argumentative writing in AP® English Language and Composition. This skill extends far beyond the AP exam—it's essential for college-level writing and professional communication.
By consistently practicing the ACE structure, ensuring sufficient commentary, and making explicit connections between evidence and claims, students develop the analytical depth and rhetorical sophistication necessary for high-level persuasive writing. Remember: never let your evidence speak for itself—always explain the "so what."
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This resource is designed to support AP® English Language and Composition students in mastering effective paragraph construction.