What is the correct order of components in a body paragraph to support the thesis?

• A. Topic sentence, evidence, analysis
• B. Evidence, topic sentence, analysis
• C. Analysis, topic sentence, evidence
• D. Topic sentence, analysis, evidence

Answer: (A)

Start with the main claim the paragraph will prove. A topic sentence does this by naming the point you’re about to support, which keeps the paragraph connected to the overall thesis. Then bring in concrete evidence—facts, quotes, data, or examples—that backs up that claim. Finally, explain what the evidence means and how it supports the claim, showing the relevance to the thesis and tying the paragraph together.

This order—topic sentence, then evidence, then analysis—creates a clear, logical progression. If you lead with evidence, the reader may not know what you’re trying to prove yet; starting with analysis before you’ve shown any support can feel unsubstantiated. So the sequence that best supports the thesis is to state the point first, provide evidence for it, and then interpret that evidence.