1. The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic.

2. The Topic Sentence
The topic of a paragraph is stated in one sentence. This is called the topic sentence.

3. The rest of the paragraph consists of sentences that develop or explain the main idea.
Through the centuries, rats have managed to survive all our efforts to destroy them. And, “try to destroy them” is certainly what we have done. We have poisoned them and trapped them. We have fumigated, flooded, and burned them. We have tried germ warfare. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Entwetok atoll in the Pacific after World War II. Rats are an absolutely resilient creature. It seems to be a battle mankind is destined to lose. Rats seem to be telling us that they are here to stay. In spite of all our efforts, these enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructible of pests.
concluding
sentence

4. Unity in the Paragraph main idea
Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea expressed in the topic sentence.
main idea
sentence
sentence
sentence
sentence

5. The concluding or clincher sentence
Restate the topic sentence in different words.
A clincher sentence or concluding sentence clinches the point made in the paragraph.
It summarizes the paragraph.

6. Coherence in a Paragraph
Stick to the point: The ideas have a clear and logical relation to each other.
Put details or examples or incidents in logical order. 4 3 2
chronological 1
in relation to each other
in order of importance

7. Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph
chronological order
first
meanwhile
later
afterwards
finally
objects in relation to one another
next to
in front of
beside
between
behind
in order of importance
however
furthermore
as a result
in fact
yet
Transition words

8. The Literary Analysis Always include the title and
author in your opening paragraph
Always consider audience
Write in the present tense
Literature is considered to exist in the present
Use academic writing
Academic writing is not for expression of personality.
A good paragraph has sentences
It takes time and space to develop an idea worth talking about.

9. Common Mistakes to Correct
Italicize a major work (ie: novel, play), and put quotes around a short story, chapter, or poem).
Gracefully enter and exit from quotes and reference the literature.
NO!
“In chapter two it says…”
“The text states...”
“This quote tells the reader...”
Yes!
Billy reveals his attitude when he says, “….” (71).
“That is significant because...”

10. Common Mistakes to Correct
Two no-no’s for working with textual citations:
NO!
He says, “Among the things Billy could not change were the past, the present, and the future” (77) after explaining the framed prayer on Pilgrim’s wall.
Yes!
He says, “Among the things Billy could not change were the past, the present, and the future” (77). After attempting to explain the framed prayer on Pilgrim’s wall, he continues to...

14. Thesis Statement
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech utilizes rhetorical devices to demonstrate the need for equality in the United States.
TS1
TS2
TS3

15. Thesis Statement and Essay Organization
Thesis: Hemingway and Plath both use point of view and symbolism to argue that becoming a mother is an individual experience that should be free of societal expectations.
TS1: In each of these works, the father reflects the societal norms and plays a role in a woman’s feelings about motherhood.
TS2: Plath does not mention the father overtly; however, the point of view and the symbolism lead the reader to understand his influence on the speaker’s views of motherhood.