1. State, support, explain
Paragraph Structure

2. Analytical Writing
Makes a claim and supports that claim with logical commentary/argument
Used to closely examine a text
Uses direct quotes or paraphrase
Provides ample evidence for the claim

3. TAG When referring to a text, you must include a TAG: T = Title
Quotation marks for a short story or article
Underline novels
A= Author
Use the author’s full name in TAG
If referenced again, use the author’s last name
G= Genre
Fiction? Non-Fiction? Article? Short Story?

4. State Topic Sentence (May be more than one sentence)
State your opinion and include a TAG
LEAVE OUT “I” OR “I THINK”
This is where you write a concise response to the prompt.
The short story, “Salvador Late or Early,” by Sandra Cisneros uses rich imagery to paint a picture of how poor and unfortunate Salvador’s family and living circumstances are.

5. Support Include a “juicy” quote Use a signal phrase
Juicy???? You can squeeze your own interpretation out of it.
Stay away from quotes that state facts, look for something that has layers of meaning
Find all possible quotes before you start writing!
Use a signal phrase
Your words attached to the quote that explain the speaker and the context.
Sandra Cisneros describes Salvador as waking his younger brothers and “feed[ing] them milk and cornflakes from a tin cup.”

6. Explain THE HEART OF YOUR WRITING
Explain your quote: DO NOT RESTATE THE QUOTE!!!
Show your own original thinking and interpretation
Some helpful transitions:
Clearly
Through this quote the reader can assume (or can see)
The author describes
The author implies
Or, just start writing the explanation!
The sensory imagery evoked with the cornflakes and the tin cup reminds the reader that the family cannot afford to have even the simplest of household supplies such as bowls for cereal. The fact that Cisneros has them eat out of a tin contributes to the emotional impact because it makes the reader visualize a simple old rusty tin instead of a real bowl. Additionally, cornflakes are one of the least expensive (and least nutritious) breakfast items available which leads the reader to assume that this is the best breakfast that Salvador can provide for his brothers.

7. Concluding Thought Bring your paragraph to a close.
Tie up any lose ends.
If you choose to restate your topic, you must do so using unique phrasing to avoid repetition.
Try to end with a text to world connection/statement, a broad truth, a universal application or idea.
Salvador is likely not the only boy in this society who struggles to care not only for himself, but for his brothers as well. Poverty is huge issue in our society and Cisneros does a wonderful job at pointing it out in a way that melts the heart of the reader.

8. Transition Words
Do not forget transitions when moving from one thought to the next or when including more than one piece of support:
First
Although
However
In addition
Another
Moreover

9. FAQ’S Do paragraphs need a title?
Yes, they must be unique to the prompt
“Tin Cups and Cornflakes”
How many sentences does it have to be?
Depends on how much support you have
Each piece of support needs at least two sentences of explanation (if you can’t write that much, you have chosen a weak quote)
Typical paragraphs are between 8-10 sentences.

10. SSE Prompt
Select one piece of figurative language from “Salvador Late or Early” and analyze its meaning, as well as its importance in expressing the overall message of the story.