1. The 8.2 Structure What is an 8.2 ?
An 8-sentence paragraph that provides a structure that allows the writer to prove a stated assertion, or position, with textual evidence.

2. The 8.2 Structure Assertion/Thesis - topic, position, and reason(s)
Context and Evidence – embedded or noted
Commentary – How was your evidence used?
Commentary – Why is it effective (to prove your assertion)
Transition, Context, and Evidence – This should be different from #2 – but still should support your assertion/thesis
Commentary – How does your evidence prove your assertion?
Commentary – Why is it effective in proving assertion?
Concluding Statement – Wrap up thoughts, reword assertion/thesis

3. Sentence 1: The ASSERTION
ASSERTION/THESIS – Answer the question directly, providing your topic, position, and your REASONS/IDEAS for your position. The rest of the paragraph will prove how these reasons support this position.
Question: How does Harper Lee convey the theme of racism in To Kill a Mockingbird.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee conveys the theme of racism through characterization and conflict.
Point our how the example addresses the prompt specifically. Ask students how the reasons set up the organization of the paragraph – what’s the first quote going to be about? What is the second quote going to be related to? What does the commentary have to prove?

4. Sentence 1: The ASSERTION
ASSERTION/THESIS – Answer the question directly, providing your topic, position, and your REASONS/IDEAS for your position. The rest of the paragraph will prove how these reasons support this position.
Question: What perception does the narrator have on imperialism in “The White Man’s Burden”?
In “The White Man’s Burden,” the narrator provides a negative perception of imperialism as established through strong diction.
Point our how the example addresses the prompt specifically. Ask students how the reasons set up the organization of the paragraph – what’s the first quote going to be about? What is the second quote going to be related to? What does the commentary have to prove?

5. Sentence 1: The ASSERTION
ASSERTION/THESIS – Answer the question directly, providing your topic, position, and your REASONS/IDEA for your position. The rest of the paragraph will prove how these reasons support this position.
Question: How does the author of “The Stereotype Myth” promote his argument that people fall victims to socialization?
The author of “The Stereotype Myth argues that people are victims of socialization through his use of a sarcastic tone and a historical allusions.
Point our how the example addresses the prompt specifically. Ask students how the reasons set up the organization of the paragraph – what’s the first quote going to be about? What is the second quote going to be related to? What does the commentary have to prove?

6. Sentence 1: The ASSERTION
ASSERTION/THESIS – Answer the question directly, providing your topic, position, and your REASONS/IDEA for your position. The rest of the paragraph will prove how these reasons support this position.
Question: How does figurative language enhance the message of “The Road not Taken”?
The use of metaphors in “The Road not Taken” allows the author to effectively promote his message of duty.
Point our how the example addresses the prompt specifically. What do the two quotes used in this paragraph going to be about? What does the commentary have to prove?

7. Sentence 2: EVIDENCE
EVIDENCE – Provide evidence of your how your reasons support your position. Ways to embed textual evidence:
Metaphors promote a sense of duty in __________ when the narrator _______________.
Racism is first noted when the narrator describes Jim as _____________.
A sarcastic tone is established in _________ when _____________________.
Your textual evidence must support the topic/position/reason assertion statement

8. Sentences 3 & 4: COMMENTARY
COMMENTARY – Explain how the QUOTES/DETAILS you selected support your Position your thesis. How is the evidence connected to your position?
This is the hardest part because it is your original thought. It’s also the most important part because this is where you convince me to see your point.
Example Commentary: This example depicts Jim as a weak and inferior character in his society. Through this description, the reader is able to see how characterization is used to promote the theme of racism

9. Writing a 4.1
Assertion/Thesis Sentence
Evidence sentence
Commentary sentence
This is what we have discussed so far - the first “chunk” of analytical writing, a 4.1 (4 sentences, 1 quote). We’ll be working on the skills necessary for analysis in the first chunk before we write a complete 8.2.
Here’s what a finished 8.2 includes:
Assertion
Evidence
Commentary
Transition and Evidence
Conclusion

10. Analyzing a Complete 4.1 Assertion/ Thesis Context and Evidence
Commentary
Stephen Crane displays his negative image of war through his character development. In the beginning of the novel, Henry Fleming is described as a “youthful soldier with temporary but sublime absence of selfishness” (42). In this characterization, the author is focusing on the malice of young soldiers. Fleming, although youthful, already has a taint of traits that helps the writer promote his negative view of war.

11. Sentence 1: Topic Sentence: this is a mini-thesis for your paragraph
It should tie in to your essay main thesis if this paragraph is part of a larger essay
Sentence 2: Textual Evidence #1: this is a quote or paraphrase, a direct reference to specific evidence.
Embed Direct Quotation by providing context or introducing quote
Example: In the beginning of the novel, Henry Fleming is described as a “youthful soldier with temporary but sublime absence of selfishness” (42)
Sentence 3-4: Commentary/Analysis of Evidence: this is your discussion of the quote, connecting it to your topic sentence. Elaborate on significance of quote or idea
Sentence 5 Textual Evidence #2: this is a quote or paraphrase, a direct reference to specific evidence.
Sentence 6 and 7 : Commentary/Analysis of Evidence: this is your discussion of the quote, connecting it to your topic sentence. Elaborate on significance of quote or idea
Sentence 8: Closing Statement: Close up your discussion on this topic and begin transition to next paragraph, if relevant.
8.2 Basic Format REVIEW

12. Analyzing a Complete 8.2 Assertion/ Thesis Context and Evidence
Stephen Crane displays his negative image of war through his character development. In the beginning of the novel, Henry Fleming is described as a “youthful soldier with temporary but sublime absence of selfishness” (42). In this characterization, the author is focusing on the malice of young soldiers. Fleming, although youthful, already has a taint of traits that helps the writer promote his negative view of war. Furthermore, Crane later describes Jim as “a curious and profound dignity in the firm lines of his awful face” (112). Through Jim, the reader can further see the disgust found in soldiers and war. Once again, the author is focusing on the negative traits of a character to convey his true opinion on the Civil War. It is clear, therefore, that Crane uses characterization to portray his negative opinion of war, an opinion further crystalized with his word choice.
Assertion/ Thesis
Context and Evidence
Commentary
Transition, Context, and Evidence
Concluding Statement

13. Due to the rising popularity of designer pets, some geneticists have begun to speculate on the possibility of more eccentric options in the field of companion animals. Dynamic Genetics, the leader in the designer pet market feels that “some of our clients have more discerning tastes, and the introduction or reintroduction of various species could have both mainstream and scientific value” (Larson 78). Their argument is that bringing back species such as the dodo-bird could create new avenues in scientific research. DG has also speculated that the personalization of pets might create more responsible pet owners, a claim many feel is dubious at best. Anna Objektor, a representative of PETA, extends this argument when she asks, “Why should we think that someone who can’t take care of a dog can take care of something the world hasn’t seen in hundreds or millions of years?”(Miller 89). She and others like her feel that pet-engineering only increases the risk that animals will be abandoned. These animals may, after all, be subject to an environment their species is not biologically equipped to handle. Despite the initial novelty of using genetic engineering to create designer pets, the irresponsible use of genetic research will have lasting repercussions for both pet owners and scientists in various fields.
Sentence 1: Topic Sentence
Sentence 2: Textual Evidence #1
Sentence 3-4: Commentary/ Analysis of Evidence #1
Sentence 5: Textual Evidence #2
Sentence 6-7: Commentary/ Analysis of Evidence #2
Sentence 8: Closing Statement