ANALYSIS STRUCTURE Point Proof (with context) Explanation Link

Thesis Let’s say you are trying to prove that Atticus is a good parent… Your thesis might look like this: Thesis: Atticus Finch is a good father to Jem and Scout because he is a wise and compassionate teacher.

Topic Sentence State the topic for the paragraph It should be a supporting argument for your thesis. Atticus helps his children understand that sometimes people act poorly out of ignorance.

Point Make a claim Make a statement that is a part of the argument to support your thesis Example: For example, Scout’s first reaction to insults at school is to fight, but Atticus instructs her not to react with violence.

Proof You can provide any of the following: a quotation from the source a paraphrase of the quotation (put it into your own words) a summary of the information Example: “You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ‘em get your goat” (76).

Context Be clear about the timing/people/events that surround the evidence Who? What? Where? When? Example: When Cecil Jacobs teases Scout about her father defending a black man, she wants to fight him, but she later asks Atticus about it. He responds by telling her that he is defending Tom Robinson, but reminds Scout, “You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ‘em get your goat” (76).

Explanation What does the evidence mean? Do I need to explain anything about it so my audience understands it before I comment about its importance? Example: Scout deals with her aggravation by fighting, but Atticus explains to her that fighting is not a proper way to solve problems.

Link I ask myself, “so what?” How is my evidence important to my point and thesis? Why is my evidence important to my point and thesis? Link back to your main argument (of the paragraph and of the thesis) Example: Though Scout makes a poor choice at school out of ignorance, Atticus turns it into a positive learning opportunity where he can teach his daughter how to better respond with an alternative to violence.