1. Parenthetical Citations
Brainstorm
the topic 2
Research
Question
Outline 3 1
Basic Main Ideas
What’s Your
Thesis
Statement?
Research
ST #2
Details A,B,C
ST #1
Details A,B,C
ST #3
Details A, B, C
Body
Paragraphs
Introductory
& concluding
paragraphs
Remember:
Attach the
Works Cited page!!!
(Noodletools)
Parenthetical Citations

2. The McParagraph sentences: Topic sentence Topic sentence Conclusion
The McParagraph logic:
Topic
sentence
Support sentence 1
Support reason 1
Proof sentence 1
Support sentence 2
Support reason 2
Proof sentence 2
Conclusion
Concluding sentence
The McParagraph
sentences:

3. Topic Sentences Topic sentences state the main idea of the paragraph.
The rest of the paragraph must expand on, describe, or prove what the topic sentence states in some way.
A good topic sentence makes a point and suggests the logical structure of the rest of the paragraph.

4. Topic sentence Now we’ll look at support and proof sentences
Support sentence 1
Proof sentence 1
Support sentence 2
Proof sentence 2
Concluding sentence

5. A topic sentence is the first sentence in your body paragraph.
A support sentence gives a reason in support of the paragraph’s topic sentence.
A proof sentence proves a support sentence by providing a detail or quotation from a source.
A conclusion (one sentence) refers back to the topic, provides a logical closing, and may provide a transition to the next body paragraph.

6. Topic Support Proof Support Proof Sample Paragraph
The political success of Lincoln's speech - had something to do
with timing and luck. A sizable number of Republican leaders
were worried that the front-running candidate, New York Senator
William Henry Seward, was perceived by the Northern electorate
as too close to the unpopular abolitionist movement. He was
disliked personally and politically, as well. Many found him too
brash for politics, and his connection to abolitionists did not help.
“Lincoln’s best ally, in the winter of 1860, was his lack of
association with the abolitionists…” according to Holtzer (32).
Republicans were worried also that Seward had little appeal in the
West. The West was important to the overall election. The reason
for the need to win the western part of the country were many.
What was most important was that it was won, once and for all.
Burris asserts that “Indiana and Illinois Republicans perceived
Seward as an Eastern liberal” (127). The Republican party’s soul-searching and the secret motivations of the sponsors gave Lincoln the opening he needed.
Topic
Support
Proof
Support
Proof