After the introduction of the essay is written the body of the essay is structured to support each idea or statement made in the introduction. Usually, body paragraphs will either clarify why an argument is valid or they will explore counterarguments to reflect that the author is aware of these arguments and can answer or discuss the counterargument. The writer is expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter that is well researched, well developed and well reasoned. In this way the writer works to establish the trust of the reader.
In high school the formula for an essay used to be five parts: an introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs and a conclusion paragraph. Though this formula is functional and has some reasonable attributes, a good essay will often go beyond the formula both in length and structure. On the positive side, making three arguments about a subject in support of the thesis is often sufficient to establish the value of the viewpoint. Part of a successful argument depends on keeping the reader engaged in the subject matter, and short and succinct paragraphs are one way to contribute to that likelihood.
The objective of the essay should not be overlooked while attention is being given to formulas and structure. The objective is to engage the attention of the reader in a subject, detail or viewpoint that the writer is passionately interested in and wants to share with others. Some subjects have speculative support material, but this doesn't mean they shouldn't be examined, discussed and argued about. In fact, subjects that are controversial or unusual are often excellent topics, particularly if the writer has an unusual idea or viewpoint about the subject.
The objective of the essay is not to win the argument or prove that your opinion is right; the objective is to engage others in thinking about the subject in as powerful and interesting a manner as possible. Sharing your passion, your viewpoint, your idea about what could be true is the foundation of the exceptional essay. Your body paragraphs should explore the subject vividly and with the best possible detail so that the subject comes alive to the reader. The body paragraph is where you lead the reader into the heart of the subject, removing the confusing obstructions to help the reader glimpse, for a moment, something at the center of the subject she never imagined might be true. It is in the suggestion of what might be true that the reader's imagination is fueled and the essay is truly successful.