Traditional* Paragraph and Essay Structure *These rules for paragraph and essay structure are very useful and will give you a good foundation for this class and most other writing situations; however, there are many other ways to compose arguments. Learning this as a foundation will help your master many more complex styles in the future.

Topic: what is this paragraph about Topic: what is this paragraph about? What opinion are you trying to express? Evidence: explain your point logically, offer specific examples, offer relevant and reliable data (usually quotes). Connection: explain how/why your evidence supports or validates your opinion.

Topic: It’s been hard to be a Lakers fan for a few years, but things are looking up. Evidence: My favorite LA sports team, The Lakers, used to be an unstoppable dynasty, but they haven’t had a winning record since the 2012-13 season. However, they have started to win more in the early part of 2018, winning 12 of their last 16 games. They also just completed a trade with Cleveland for Isiah Thomas, who Lakers’ Coach Luke Walton called "one of the best point guards in our league.” Once Lonzo Ball gets healthy, the Lakers will have a deeper team that can put up some serious points. Connection: This makes me hopeful for the rest of the season, and even more excited for next year: purp and yellow 4eva!!!

Intro: Body: Body: Body: Conclusion: This basic format is also the way to organize a traditional essay: Topic Evidence Connection Intro: Topic Focus Thesis Body: Topic Evidence Connection Body: Topic Evidence Connection Body: Topic Evidence Connection Conclusion: Thesis Summary Future