Question

in a historical essay, how are body paragraphs related to the introduction paragraph?

a. the introduction paragraph summarizes the evidence, and each body paragraph describes an opinion about that evidence.

b. the introduction paragraph makes a clear claim, and each body paragraph offers counterclaims in response.

c. the introduction paragraph presents the overall thesis, and each body paragraph provides evidence to support the thesis.

d. the introduction paragraph describes the list of sources, and each body paragraph explains why that source is important.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Introductions don't summarize evidence (that's for conclusions), and body paragraphs support the thesis with evidence, not just opinions about evidence. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Body paragraphs support the thesis (from the introduction), not offer counterclaims. Counterclaims are usually in a separate section or paragraph. Eliminate B.
• Option C: In a historical essay, the introduction presents the thesis (overall argument), and each body paragraph provides evidence (like historical facts, data, examples) to support that thesis. This matches essay structure.
• Option D: Introductions don't describe sources (that's for a bibliography or works cited), and body paragraphs focus on supporting the thesis, not explaining source importance (unless it's a source analysis essay, which is less common for historical essays). Eliminate D.

Answer:

C. The introduction paragraph presents the overall thesis, and each body paragraph provides evidence to support the thesis.