Flow, Length, and Content of a Typical Body-paragraph

For a break-down as to the flow, length, and content of a typical body-paragraph, see the explanation below:

1. Topic Sentence:
• 1 SENTENCE (only)
• YOU: presented your argument sub-point (in the topic sentence of the body-paragraph), 
2. Developing Content:
• 1+ SENTENCES
• YOU: fully developed the topic sub-point,
3. Describing C/E Relationships:
• 1+ SENTENCES
• YOU: described the issue through cause/effect relationships, 
4. Supporting Sentence:
• 1 SENTENCE (with integrated source)
• OUTSIDE: supported the argument sub-point through at least one scholarly source, 
5. Explanation of Source:
• 1+ SENTENCES
• YOU: explained the significance of the scholarly source's declaration, and then 
6. Closing Sentence:
• 1+ SENTENCES
• YOU: wrapped up the body-paragraph in a final, summative sentence for the paragraph that directly relates back to the topic sentence of that body-paragraph.

This represents 1 body-paragraph that is explaining 1 sub-point from your THESIS.  You will need at least 3 more like this, as well as a counter-argument body-paragraph.  Also, remember that YOU are leading the argument, not your sources.  You must FIRST develop, explain, and argue the viewpoint clearly, and only AFTERWARDS will source material be used to DEFEND what you have already asserted.  This establishes YOU as the writer, and the sources are only there to lend credibility to what YOU have argued.