How to Construct a Body Paragraph… Assertion, Citation, Explanation (ACE)

Why evidence? Once you have your thesis (your overall argument), you need to look in your articles to find evidence that helps strengthen your thesis and any assertion you make that relates to your thesis.

In order to use evidence effectively… You need to integrate it smoothly into your paper by following this pattern in your body paragraphs: State your claim (topic sentence) Give your evidence (quoted or paraphrased information from your research articles) Comment on the evidence to show HOW it supports the claim.

Weak example: Today, we are too self-centered. Most families no longer sit down to eat together, preferring instead to eat on the go while rushing to the next appointment (Gleick). Everything is about what we want. Why is it weak? The evidence isn’t really related to the claim. What does the claim about self-centeredness have to do with families eating together? The writer doesn’t explain the connection.

Stronger example: Today, Americans are too self-centered. Even our families don’t matter as much anymore as they once did. Other people and activities take precedence. In fact, the evidence shows that most American families no longer eat together, preferring instead to eat on the go while rushing to the next appointment (Gleick). Sit-down meals are a time to share and connect with others; however, that connection has become less valued, as families begin to prize individual activities over shared time, promoting self-centeredness over group identity.

Assertion/Citation/Explanation (ACE) Today, Americans are too self-centered. Even our families don’t matter as much anymore as they once did. Other people and activities take precedence. In fact, the evidence shows that most American families no longer eat together, preferring instead to eat on the go while rushing to the next appointment (Gleick). Sit-down meals are a time to share and connect with others; however, that connection has become less valued, as families begin to prize individual activities over shared time, promoting self-centeredness over group identity.

How do I do the explanations/commentary? Use these starters as a crutch to begin: “This shows that…” “This proves that…” “This demonstrates that…” “This is important to point out because…” After you’ve written your first draft, go back and take the “crutches” out.

For example… My bedroom is the place where I like to relax and let go of the day’s worries. For example, I can play any music I want. This shows that in my room I don’t have to be concerned about the sound bothering other family members. This also shows that being able to listen to my songs in the privacy of my own room helps me unwind and take my mind away from daily problems.

Eventually it would be this: My bedroom is the place where I like to relax and let go of the day’s worries. For example, I can play any music I want. In my room I don’t have to be concerned about the sound bothering other family members. Being able to listen to my songs in the privacy of my own room helps me unwind and take my mind away from daily problems.

Discussing the significance of your evidence develops and expands your paper!!!! …just one more thing to always keep in mind….

EVERYTHING needs to relate back to and provide support for your thesis statement!!

Example from a past paper… Intro Paragraph: Poverty is an ongoing issue in society today, especially in the black community. But what is being done to stop the increase in poverty? Over the years, government programs have been created to decrease and put an end to poverty. But they are not working. Government programs to combat poverty in the black community are not effective enough in healthcare, welfare, and education.

Her 2nd body paragraph: Another way the government has tried to end poverty is through the welfare system. Welfare is an issue in poverty that needs to be fixed. “Government welfare programs have created an intergenerational class of permanently poor people who engage in self-destructive behaviors because the government is there to bail them out” (Magnet 23). Welfare is being used as a crutch for people in the black community. They are using welfare as a way to not move on and fend for themselves. They depend too much on welfare.