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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 story 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
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. |
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 and" (citation);
- explain how/why quote proves your point -- focus on individual words or actions: repetition helps.
Another rung on the ladder of respectability in Ragged is education. Dick doesn't lack intelligence: his ready wit and cool headedness illustrates his "street smarts." The education he needs is found in the "book smarts" that are essential to rising up in society. Alger makes the connection between education and success clear through the advice of Mr. Whitney. The epitome of the American ideal of "the self-made man," he tells Dick "in order to succeed well, you must manage to get as good an education as you can. Until you do, you cannot get a position in an office or counting-room, even to run errands" (36). Mr. Whitney makes it clear that even entry level positions in "respectable" white collar occupations require schooling, which Dick currently lacks. The rewards of pursuing an education are exemplified by Mr. Whitney himself; he informs Dick that he too was once poor, but rose up the ladder of success because of his "taste for reading and study" (49), two activities that are intimately tied to education. While money is necessary to move up in the world, Alger is intent on showing that if you stack up enough books, you can reach rather high.
Breakdown of sentences:
• A main point stated in one sentence: make it an argument/statement that needs to be backed up -- the topic sentence
Another rung on the ladder of respectability in Ragged is education.
• 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?
Dick doesn't lack intelligence: his ready wit and cool headedness illustrates his "street smarts." The education he needs is found in the "book smarts" that are essential to rising up in society.
• 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.
Alger makes the connection between education and success clear through the advice of Mr. Whitney. The epitome of the American ideal of "the self-made man," he tells Dick "in order to succeed well, you must manage to get as good an education as you can. Until you do, you cannot get a position in an office or counting-room, even to run errands" (36).
• 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
Mr. Whitney makes it clear that even entry level positions in "respectable" white collar occupations require schooling, which Dick currently lacks. The rewards of pursuing an education are exemplified by Mr. Whitney himself; he informs Dick that he too was once poor, but rose up the ladder of success because of his "taste for reading and study" (49), two activities that are intimately tied to education.
• A sentence or two to sum up.
While money is necessary to move up in the world, Alger is intent on showing that if you stack up enough books, you can reach rather high.
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.
© David Bordelon 2009
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