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Suggested Steps
| Quick Tips | Sample Paragraph
Remember that the core of literary writing is the use of
quotes. My own planning typically starts off with a typed list of
quotes from the work that I can use to support the points I'm
making.
Parts of a
Body Paragraph
- Topic sentence (connects back to thesis and division)
- Definitions/Explanation of topic sentence
- Quotes (intro, quote and explanation -- see below)
- Conclusion
Suggested
steps to
writing a paragraph
- Make a list of words/lines/sentences to use for evidence
- Define any ideas in topic sentence
- Provide context to set up quotes
- Make sure quote is connected to topic sentence
- Explain how a quote is connected to the topic
sentence
- Repeat focus/argument word from topic sentence
to keep readers, uh, focused on your argument
- Revision
- Revise by deletion: take out whatever doesn't fit
with argument
- Revise by addition: explain how a particular word
makes your point; use an analogy to make your argument clearer
- See suggestions in shaded box below for developing arguments
- Proofreading
- check for correct grammar
- transitions between sentences -- repetition of
word from previous sentence?
- double space lines
- cite properly (see "Citing Sources" link for
instructions)
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Quick
Tips for Body Paragraphs
- Make a list of quotes to use for evidence
- Define any ideas in topic sentence
- Provide context
to set up quotes
- Explain how quote is connected to the topic
sentence -- focus on the language used (connotation of specific words,
symbolism of imagery, tone [sarcasm, irony, humor, etc.],
etc.)
- Try using a verb from the following list to
shift into argument
(see Verb List page
for sample sentences using these words)
agree argue
believe charge
claim
comment conclude consider
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criticize declare
describe define
discover
emphasize explain
feels
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illustrate imply indicate
reinforce
reveals
shows
suggests
supports
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Sample sentences might follow these patterns
This ____ suggests that _______
They indicate the ____
This emphasis on finding ______ suggests that
Supporting this idea of the sea as female, the narrator adds _______
The description reinforces the idea that ______
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- Repeat focus/argument word from topic sentence
within your paragraph to keep readers, uh, focused on your
argument(this is an important point that writers often neglect)
- Revise by deletion: take out whatever doesn't
fit with argument
- Revise by addition: explain how a particular
word makes your point; use an analogy to make your argument clearer
- Proofread! (commas, basics done - double space
lines, cite properly, include question, etc.)
Follow these steps, bake at 350° for 2 hours (or
however long it takes you work on the paragraph) and viola' a completed
body paragraph, suitable for company.
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Incorporating Quotes
Three parts to setting up a quote
- introduce quote and provide context so reader can
understand why you're using it -- state the "who said it" and
"where/when" of the quote (a word from the verb list above can really
help);
- "insert quote" ( )<<line number; and
- explain how/why quote proves your point -- focus on
individual words or actions: repetition helps.
The
calming natural imagery in Li Po's poetry conveys
a sense of peace and serenity. When stressed, people are often advised
to
imagine a calm and peaceful scene. Instead of the hustle and
bustle of
urban or village life, most people turn to visions of nature.
In
"The Solitude of Night," the speaker, recalling a night of drunken
revelry, awakens with "blown flowers" on his "lap" (3). The
softness and delicacy of flower petals, which had fallen but not
awakened him, contrast with the apparently raucous
"wine
party" (today this would be a kegger) which opens the poem (1).
Evoking the serenity of languid summer days, the flowers
shift
the
attention of the reader from people -- the party -- to nature.
Instead of celebrating the camaraderie of civilization, the
poem
turns to
natural solitude, a "river" and "moonlight," as the setting
for a contemplative life (7). The emphasis on the natural world in “The
Solitude” suggests that while parties
were a part of Chinese life, nature played the dominant role in the
society.
Breakdown of sentences:
• A main point stated in one sentence: make it
an argument/statement that needs to be backed up -- the topic sentence
The
calming natural imagery in Li Po's poetry conveys a
sense of peace and severity.
• An definition/explanation of any general
words in your main point. In this case, what do you mean by a
"education"? What kind of education?
When
stressed, people are often advised to
imagine a calm and peaceful scene. Instead of the hustle and
bustle of
urban or village life, most people turn to visions of nature.
• Examples or details that support your point
(use descriptions of characters or setting, quotes from the literary
work, commentary by literary critics, etc.). Remember that instead of
just sticking in a quote, you need to provide a context so the reader
can understand -- even before they read the quote -- its purpose in the
paragraph.
In
"The Solitude of Night," the speaker, recalling a night of drunken
revelry,
awakens with "blown flowers" on his "lap" (3).
The softness and delicacy of flower petals, which had fallen
but not
awakened him, contrast with the apparently raucous
"wine
party" (today this would be a kegger) which opens the poem (1).
• The reader cannot read your mind: after each
quote, you have to tell him or her exactly what you want it to
prove/show. Ask the following question in your head "how does this
example prove my point?" and "why is this quote important in this
paragraph?" and then it answer in your essay. This is where you prove
your argument. As a sentence starter, try "This" or a restatement of
your example
Evoking
the serenity of languid summer days, the flowers shift the
attention of the reader from people -- the party -- to nature.
Instead of celebrating the camaraderie of civilization, the
poem turns to
natural solitude, a "river" and "moonlight," as the setting
for a contemplative life (7).
• A sentence or two to sum up.
The
emphasis on the natural world in “The Solitude” suggests that while
parties
were a part of Chinese life, nature played the dominant role in the
society.
You'll be copying and pasting the paragraph into an
email to me. Write the paragraph number in the subject line.
Length? About ½ to ¾ of a page. Additionally, since you
will be citing from the individual works, you must include a works
cited entry.
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© David Bordelon 2015
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