How to Write a Paragraph (Responding to Literature) English 9

What’s the Focus? Analyzing to dig deep into thought and pick apart the text NOT a plot summary

Introduction Sentence Writers must introduce readers to a piece of evidence with an introduction sentence. Make a claim. DO NOT include quote. Example: #8 Miss Strangeworth is a static character who possesses a flawed sense of morality and is unaware of the evil within herself.

Topic sentence – main idea using key word from question TEEL Topic sentence – main idea using key word from question Example: #8 Miss Strangeworth is a static character who possesses a flawed sense of morality and is unaware of the evil within herself.

TEEL Elaboration: This sentence or these sentences tell the reader more about the topic of the paragraph.

TEEL Evidence/Examples: This sentence or these sentences help you make convincing arguments. Evidence from the novel can be used powerfully to support your topic sentence. Use direct or indirect quotes.

TEEL Link back to question (words like therefore, due to this, thus)

Transitions Transitions are words and sentences that create flow signal new points (evidence) make connections. Examples of transitions: First Therefore As a result Finally This paragraph will include three transitional words/phrases minimum

Quotes (Evidence) Use dialogue or narration from the story to illustrate each character trait (quote). Explain the context of each quote (what is happening in the story). Use quotation marks around quoted words and put the page number in parentheses after each quote. Follow citations with a period. When his brother threatens to leave Doodle in the attic, Doodle pleads with him and demands, “Don’t leave me, Brother!” (26).

Quotation Integration Quotes must be smoothly integrated into a sentence. Think of it this way: If you removed the punctuation marks around the quoted words, the reader should not be able to tell where your words end and the quote begins. Also, quote only the most important words from the original sentence, not the entire sentence (unless absolutely necessary for the purpose of clarity). Write a sentence of your own, smoothly combining the quoted word(s) into your sentence.

Smooth Integration Original quote: “Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if needs be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure” (49). Smoothly integrated quote: Zaroff has a bizarre view of morality. He believes that it is perfectly acceptable for him to kill people he considers to be “scum” because he is “strong” and that the lives of weaker people should be “taken by the strong” (49).

Analysis It’s not enough to provide a quote. You have to explain or analyze why that quotes proves your claim in the topic sentence(Refer back to your thesis - prove it). After every quotation, write another 1-2 sentences that answer So What? You may not use the verbs shows, proves, tells, etc. when commenting on a quote

Clincher Paragraphs must end with a closing sentence known as a clincher. Clinchers draw a conclusion about the character. Clinchers persuasively restate the thesis in different words!

Misc. Tips. Avoid linking verbs: is, am, are, was, were, be, been, being Never reference your writing: This paragraph will tell you… This example proves… The quote demonstrates… Do NOT use 1st or 2nd person pronouns. Avoid contractions. don’t, hasn’t, it’s Use present tense verbs to discuss events of a story.

Misc. Tips Cont’d Avoid cliches. “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Avoid vague nouns and pronouns things this/that it Speak in a formal, adult tone. Avoid gonna, lol, wanna, etc.