1. The ACE Paragraph
Getting Started

2. The ACE Paragraph Outline
This is an outline for a single paragraph of explanation, argument, persuasion, or analysis.
Remember that your writing requires all the parts of a good argument or explanation: a statement of your main point, an introduction to your evidence, the specific evidence itself, and an explanation of how the evidence supports your main point.

3. I. TOPIC SENTENCE: States both the topic of the paragraph and the main point you want to make about the topic.
I. Summer vacation is always great, but this year was really special.

4. A. Introduce the first reason or example that supports your main point.
A. This summer got off to a super start when I became the proud owner of my first car -- a 2005 Acura Integra!

5. 1. Provide a specific example or detail as evidence or support.
1. My grandparents promised to pay for the cost of my first car and insurance for a year if I had all “A’s” last semester and a fulltime job this summer.

6. 2. Explain how the quote or example supports your main point.
2. It was really cool to be able to drive my friends around on weekends.

7. B. Transition to another reason or example that supports your main point.
B. Another highlight of my summer was the trip my youth group took to San Antonio.

8. 1. Provide a specific example or detail as evidence or support.
1. After holding fundraiser like bake sales and garage sales for a year, we raised enough money to charter busses for a week trip to Texas.

9. 2. Explain how the quote or example supports your main point.
2. We had a great time at the Alamo, Sea World, and on the Riverwalk; at night, we slept at a local church and went to their services.

10. C. Transition to a third reason or example that supports your main point.
C. At the end of the summer, I was really excited because my parents let me stay at home when they went out of town.

11. 1. Provide a specific example or detail as evidence or support.
1. In the past, my parents have either hired a babysitter or sent me to my grandparents when they went out of town.

12. 2. Explain how the quote or example supports your main point.
2. This time, they let my friend Susie come over for the weekend—with her parents permission. We didn’t even have any parties while they were gone.

13. D. Write a concluding sentence (or two) that explains how all three of the examples above support your topic sentence.
D. After having such a great summer earning money, getting my first car, having a blast on vacation, I know this is going to be a great school year. The best part of the summer was earning my parents’ trust and knowing they think I’m responsible enough to stay home alone. YEAH!!!