How to write your body paragraphs. is Presenter Name and Title

Step 1: Following the Outline Use the outline to help you see the big picture before you begin drafting. This helps you establish a logical organization to your essay. Remember the structure: Subtopic 1: (Why you are interested in the subject): Subtopic 2: (Support your side 1): Subtopic 3: (Support your side 2): Subtopic 4 (The other side): Subtopic 5 (Refute other side):.

Step 2: Develop a Clear Topic Sentence Topic sentences discuss what each body paragraph is about. Like a thesis, your topic sentences guide each paragraph. Like the relationship between a thesis and a research question, you can turn your subquestions into a topic sentence. EXAMPLE: Topic: Computer programmers should work as a team. Subquestion: Should computer programmers have good interpersonal skills? Topic Sentence: In order to work in a team setting, it is important that computer programmers have good interpersonal skills.

Step 3: Use Evidence with In-Text Citations Once you have developed your topic sentence, you need evidence to support your claims. Like your research question and subquestions helped guide your research, use your research question and subquestions to support your argument in your essay. In essence, your evidence is your an Appeal to an Authority to your reader.

How to do an In-Text Citation There are two ways to weave in an in-text citation in your essay. Summarize the evidence: EX: According to the Microsoft Corporation, 90% of their computer programmers work in a team setting (www.microsoft.com). 2. Include an excerpt of a quote in a sentence: EX: According to the Microsoft Corporation, “as of 2001 90% of Microsoft computer programmers work in a team setting” (www.microsoft.com).

What’s the difference between an in-text citation and a works cited citation? In-Text Citation: A citation you see within the essay. In-Text Citations mention the webpage or author and page number in parenthesis at the end of a sentence. EX: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the next ten years 75% of Special Education teachers will retire in the State of Washington (www.bls.gov). Works Cited Citation: The complete MLA Citation you see in your Works Cited Page in the back of your essay. EX: Bernstein, Mark. "10 Tips on Writing The Living Web." A List Apart: For People Who Make Websites. No. 149 (16 Aug. 2002). 4 May 2006 <http://alistapart.com/articles/writeliving>.

Step 4: Citation Sandwich Set-Up: Explain what the evidence is about and how it relates to your topic sentence. 2. Quote/Evidence: The evidence you are actually using with an in-text citation. 3. Analysis: Explain how this evidence should help persuade your reader to your side of the debate.

Step 5: Use Transitions between paragraphs Transitions help you connect paragraphs together. In a persuasive essay it is essential you use good transitions or you will loose the reader. Transition Words: -In addition –Similarly –Besides -Like –In Comparison –In Contrast -On the other hand… *Check Mr. Sun-K’s website for a list of more transition words.

Structure of Paragraph breakdown Topic Sentence: In western states today, the mountain lion is no longer in danger of extinction. Citation Sandwich: In fact, over the past thirty years, the population has rebounded dramatically. In California, fish and game officials estimate that since 1972 lion numbers have increased from 2,400 to at least 6,000 (Baker, 27). Transition: Similar increases are occurring outside of California.

Can you identify the following: Topic Sentence, Citation Sandwich, Transition? Since 1986, four children have been attacked in California (“Mountain” 7). One of these attacks was serious enough to prompt officials to place Caspers Wilderness Park off-limits to children (Tran B8). In July 1997 alone, two attacks on children, one fatal, occurred in different national parks in Colorado (McPhee A1). This demonstrates the danger of building national parks too close to mountain lion habitats. Take for example 1984, which was particularly deadly year in California for mountain lion attacks.

The Breakdown Since 1986, four children have been attacked in California (“Mountain” 7). One of these attacks was serious enough to prompt officials to place Caspers Wilderness Park off-limits to children (Tran B8). In July 1997 alone, two attacks on children, one fatal, occurred in different national parks in Colorado (McPhee A1). This demonstrates the danger of building national parks too close to mountain lion habitats. Take for example 1984, which was particularly deadly year in California for mountain lion attacks. =Topic Sentence =Citation Sandwich =Transition

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