Final answer:
The central idea of an article should be summarized in a topic sentence, supported by synthesized evidence such as quotes, and each paragraph should focus on one main idea. The concluding paragraph recaps the main points and reinforces the thesis statement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea of an article is the core message or main argument that the author seeks to convey. This key concept should be distilled into a topic sentence, often found at the beginning of a paragraph, and informs the reader of what to expect in the subsequent sentences. To adequately support this central idea, one must include various forms of evidence such as direct quotations, paraphrases, summaries from credible sources, and personal analysis. The evidence must not only be presented but also synthesized, meaning that the writer should demonstrate how the different pieces of information are connected and how they collectively back the point made in the topic sentence.
Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that aligns with the overall thesis of the paper. Supporting details should include informative quotes and a thorough explanation of how these quotes support the argument. All claims mentioned in the article should be substantiated with evidence, where ideally one quote per paragraph suffices. A successful article will focus on one main idea per paragraph, with each topic sentence acting as a mini-thesis that contributes to the overall argument. The concluding paragraph should recap the main points of the paper and provide a strong finish that aligns with the argument presented in the thesis statement.