What typically composes the body paragraph of an essay?

The body paragraph of an essay is primarily composed of a main idea accompanied by supporting details and examples. The main idea serves as the focal point or claim that the writer wants to convey, while the supporting details elaborate on this idea by adding evidence, explanations, or relevant examples. This structure enables the writer to effectively argue their point and provides the reader with a clear understanding of the topic being discussed.

In contrast, other components of an essay, such as a conclusion and summary of findings, are typically found at the end of the essay, serving to wrap up the discussion and reiterate key points. A thesis statement is generally located in the introductory section, outlining the main argument of the essay, while references often appear as citations or bibliographical information, allowing readers to locate the sources used for supporting the arguments presented. The introduction itself is dedicated to introducing the topic rather than providing details or examples, making option B the essential characteristic of body paragraphs.