Writing Strong Body Paragraphs English I Honors

Is Katniss Everdeen a heroic character? Prompt Is Katniss Everdeen a heroic character?

Thesis Statement Although Katniss Everdeen makes a number of reckless decisions in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, she is ultimately a heroine as evidenced through her rebellious spirit, her courageous actions, and her nurturing abilities.

TS  Topic Sentence (1 sentence) Introduces the main idea and argument This main idea should chronologically correspond to one of the three prongs previewed in the thesis statement This sentence previews your entire paragraph.

Topic Sentence Example: Katniss Everdeen’s heroism is displayed through her rebellious sprit. MAIN IDEA CORRESPONDING PRONG

CS  Context Sentences (1-2 sentences) Establishes context for a specific textual reference.

Context Sentences Example: Early in the text, Katniss runs through the woods and practices her archery skills illegally in order to catch her own food. Furthermore, she speaks out against the capital’s prescribed rules during the games in order to be herself and rebel. THIS EXAMPLE WILL INTRODUCE THE TEXTUAL REFERENCE THAT FOLLOWS…IT INTRODUCES THE QUOTE!

Q Quote/Evidence (1-2 sentences) A piece of text that clearly reinforces the example utilized as the primary support. Include only what is necessary for the topic. Use “quotations marks” around the words from the quote. Include a proper citation.

Quote Example: “I want to do something, right here, right now, to shame them, to make them accountable, to show the Capitol that whatever they do or force us to do there is a part of every tribute they can't own. That Rue was more than a piece in their Games…and so am I” (Collins 184). AUTHOR AND PAGE NUMBER FOR FIRST CITATION. PAGE NUMBER ONLY FOR SUBSEQUENT QUOTES.

A  Analysis (2-3 sentences) This section of the paragraph develops the writer’s original ideas. Analysis uses one of the three Is. The analysis creates a link between the quote and the argument of the topic sentence.

Analysis Example: Katniss’ disagreement with the capital demonstrates that she heroically rebels against the conventions of her society’s oppressive traditions and follows her own moral conscience. Through Katniss’ rebellion, Collins implies the noblest hero is one who is willing to sacrifice her own safety and advocate for personal freedom. PAY ATTENTION TO THE BOLDED WORDS. NOTICE HOW THEY SUPPORT THE ARGUMENT AND OFFER ORIGINAL ANALYTICAL THOUGHT!

CCS  Concluding Sentence (1 sentence) Reiterates the argument of the paragraph. Exemplifies what has been proven in the paragraph.

Concluding Sentence Example: By making such a brave, fearless statement at the end of the games, Katniss clearly establishes herself as the heroine of Collins’ dystopic story. EXEMPLIFIES WHAT HAS BEEN PROVEN IN THE PARAGRAPH REITERATES THE ARGUMENT

“The Veldt” Rushdie Analysis – The Prompt Support or refute whether “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury fits Rushdie’s definition of excellent literature. You may wish to consider characterization, theme, as well as other literary devices, figurative language, and structural techniques.

“The Veldt” Sample Thesis – Example A Despite the allure of technology in Ray Bradbury’s The Veldt, George & Lydia realize too much technology can take over one’s life, ruin relationships, and change one’s personality.

“The Veldt” Sample Thesis – Example B Despite the lack of high points in the short story The Veldt by Ray Bradbury fits Rushdie’s definition of excellent literature because it has characters that teach readers life lessons, it has a plot that shows low points of society, and it had a lesson that teaches the truth of the heart.

“The Veldt” Sample Thesis – Example C Although, the story “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury, is full of imagination it does not demonstrate Rushdie’s idea of excellent literature because it is full of dark, devious thoughts, it shows the worst in characters, and the weakness humans have for power.

“The Veldt” Sample Thesis – Example D Although it’s mostly dialogue in The Veldt by Ray Bradbury, it should be considered excellent literature because of its compelling characters, strong themes, and colorful language/techniques.

“The Veldt” Sample Thesis – Example E Although there are not many high points of human society through out Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Veldt,” it fits Rushdie’s definition of excellent literature because of its dark characterization, exquisite foreshadowing, and descriptive imagery.

YOUR HOMEWORK Using the prompt… Compose one (1) three-pronged thesis statement. Compose one (1) body paragraph. Please make sure your writing assignment is typed!