1. Paragraphs

2. All body paragraphs should be at least 8 sentences long
Topic Sentence: the first sentence of the paragraph; indicates the topic/main idea of the paragraph.
Evidence: at least 2 quotes (or details) that prove your topic sentence
Explanation: at least 2 sentences of analysis for EACH quote. The analysis should explain how the evidence proves the topic sentence
Concluding Sentence: gives a finished feel to the paragraph. May refer back to the topic sentence and/or transition to the next paragraph.
These are guidelines, not a formula

3. TLQ
“TLQ” stands for
Transition
Lead-in
Quote

4. TLQ: T stands for TRANSITION Here are some examples of transitions…
For example, For instance, Another example is In addition, Moreover, Furthermore, Also, Next, Equally important, First, Second, Finally, Further, To begin, Similarly, Likewise, To illustrate,

5. TLQ: L stands for Lead-in
Lead-ins provide context for the quotes
Lead-ins remind the reader what is happening in the story when the quote appears

6. TLQ: Which Lead-in is best?
For example, “Maybe tomorra. Le’s wait till tomorra” (Steinbeck 47).
For example, Candy says, “Maybe tomorra. Le’s wait till tomorra” (Steinbeck 47).
For example, on page 47 Candy says, “Maybe tomorra. Le’s wait till tomorra” (Steinbeck 47).
For example, when Carlson pressures Candy to let him shoot his dog, Candy says, “Maybe tomorra. Le’s wait till tomorra” (Steinbeck 47).

7. TLQ: Which Lead-in is best?
For instance, on page 49 it says, “Then he rolled slowly over and faced the wall and lay silent” (Steinbeck 49).
For instance, after Carlson shoots Candy’s old dog, Candy “rolled slowly over and faced the wall and lay silent” (Steinbeck 49).
For instance, “Then he rolled slowly over and faced the wall and lay silent” (Steinbeck 49).
For instance, when Carlson shoots Candy’s old dog, it says “Then he rolled slowly over and faced the wall and lay silent” (Steinbeck 49).

8. TLQ: Q stands for Quote
A quote is anything taken word-for-word from the text; it is not necessarily dialogue
Pick the most compelling quotes – the ones that prove the point made in the topic sentence
Zero in on the most important words. Do not quote large chunks of text
Use ellipses if necessary to cut down the length of quotes and focus on what is most important
Most of the paragraph should be analysis, not quotes

9. Which Quote is better?
Moreover, when Lennie tells Curley’s wife that he isn’t supposed to talk to her, she responds, “Ain’t I got a right to talk to nobody?” (Steinbeck 87).
Moreover, when Lennie tells Curley’s wife that he isn’t supposed to talk to her, she responds, “What’s the matter with me? Ain’t I got a right to talk to nobody? Whatta they think I am, anyways? You’re a nice guy. I don’t know why I can’t talk to you. I ain’t doin’ no harm to you” (Steinbeck 87).

10. Which Quote is better?
Furthermore, “’An’ live off the fatta the lan’’ Lennie shouted. ‘An have rabbits. Go on George! Tell about what we’re gonna have in the garden and about the rabbits in the cages and about the rain in the winter and the stove, and how thick the cream is on the milk like you can hardly cut it. Tell about it George” (Steinbeck 14). This shows George and Lennie’s desire to be their own bosses and to reach the American Dream.
Furthermore, George and Lennie’s goal to “live off the fatta the lan’” (Steinbeck 14) demonstrates their desire to be their own bosses and to reach the American Dream.