Read the following thesis statement. Then use the supporting details provided to write an expository body paragraph. It should contain a topic sentence that reflects the thesis statement, support the topic sentence with evidence, and provide a concluding statement that reorients the reader to the paragraph's main idea. Passage Thesis Statement: Summer reading is a valuable way to increase classroom performance because it helps students retain important skills from year to year.

Source 1: A study conducted by Northern State University shows that the retention of critical reading skills is up to 25 percent higher in students who participate in the school's summer reading program.

Source 2: A poll conducted by the Easthampton School District revealed that students who read books over the summer felt "better mentally prepared" for the upcoming school year than those who did not read.

Source 3: Education expert Janna Knopp pointed out that "the brain isn't technically a muscle, but it might as well be. We need to exercise it, or it gets weak. It's no surprise that students who take up summer reading are in better shape when school starts up." Read the assignment carefully and make sure you answer each part of the question or questions. After you've written your response, go back and read it again to make sure your thoughts are clear.

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