Writing Strong Body Paragraphs

Thesis example: Although Clarisse plays a pivotal role in, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Montag is the most important character because he undergoes rebirth, he rids society of destructive forces, and he is a catalyst for change.

Topic Sentence O Tell the reader what your paragraph is about! Each topic sentence should connect back to a prong you mentioned earlier in your thesis statement.

Example: Guy Montag is a key character due to his rebirth. One of my 3 prongs mentioned in my thesis statement

CONTEXT SENTENCE: Introduce your quotation O Give the reader a glimpse of what is happening in the novel (plot summary) shortly before your quotation.

Example: The initial introduction to Guy Montag in the novel portrays him as a man who is possessed by his profession. As the novel progresses, Guy Montag begins to reflect on his life, and starts to realize his own unhappiness. On account of his new self-awareness, Montag begins to make changes in his life. Plot summary

Cite your quotation O Provide your quotation from the novel. This is your evidence! We are trying to prove that Montag is the most important character!

Example: When Montag starts to utilize his stolen books, he says to Mildred, “We’ll start over again at the beginning”(Bradbury 68). Direct quotation with page number in parentheses.

Analyze your quotation O Explain to the reader the importance of the quotation and how it supports your topic sentence. Analyze how this quotation displays Montag’s importance.

Example: Montag wants to “start over again” in regard to both his books and his life. He wants to rid himself of the self-absorbed and superficial lifestyle that has consumed all those members of the dystopic society. Guy is ready to use books to give him a greater understanding of life. Shows rebirth. Importance of quotation and supports topic sentence.

Concluding Sentence O Wrap up the main idea of your paragraph (bring everything together).

Example: Montag’s desire to begin anew, and search for a life unlike his present one, clearly shows how Guy Montag is the most pivotal character.

What it looks like! Although Clarisse plays a pivotal role in Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Montag is the most important character because he undergoes rebirth, he rids society of destructive forces, and he is a catalyst for change. Guy Montag is a key character due to his rebirth. The initial introduction to Guy Montag in the novel portrays him as a man who is possessed by his profession. As the novel progresses, Guy Montag begins to reflect on his life, and starts to realize his own unhappiness. On account of his new self-awareness, Montag begins to make changes in his life. When Montag starts to utilize his stolen books, he says to Mildred, “We’ll start over again at the beginning” (Bradbury 68). Montag wants to “start over again”, in regard to both his books and his life. He wants to rid himself of the self-absorbed and superficial lifestyle that has consumed all those members of the dystopic society. Guy is ready to use books to give him a greater understanding of life. Montag’s desire to begin anew, and search for a life unlike his present one, clearly shows how Guy Montag is the most pivotal character.