The paragraph is a series of sentences developing one topic.

The Topic Sentence The topic of a paragraph is stated in one sentence. This is called the topic sentence.

The rest of the paragraph consists of sentences that develop or explain the main idea. Through the centuries, rats have managed to survive all our efforts to destroy them. And, “try to destroy them” is certainly what we have done. We have poisoned them and trapped them. We have fumigated, flooded, and burned them. We have tried germ warfare. Some rats even survived atomic bomb tests conducted on Entwetok atoll in the Pacific after World War II. Rats are an absolutely resilient creature. It seems to be a battle mankind is destined to lose. Rats seem to be telling us that they are here to stay. In spite of all our efforts, these enemies of ours continue to prove that they are the most indestructible of pests. concluding sentence

Unity in the Paragraph main idea Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. main idea sentence sentence sentence sentence

The concluding or clincher sentence Restate the topic sentence in different words. A clincher sentence or concluding sentence clinches the point made in the paragraph. It summarizes the paragraph.

Coherence in a Paragraph Stick to the point: The ideas have a clear and logical relation to each other. Put details or examples or incidents in logical order. 4 3 2 chronological 1 in relation to each other in order of importance

Connecting Sentences Within the Paragraph chronological order first meanwhile later afterwards finally objects in relation to one another next to in front of beside between behind in order of importance however furthermore as a result in fact yet Transition words

The Literary Analysis Always include the title and author in your opening paragraph Always consider audience Write in the present tense Literature is considered to exist in the present Use academic writing Academic writing is not for expression of personality. A good paragraph has 10-12 sentences It takes time and space to develop an idea worth talking about.

Common Mistakes to Correct Italicize a major work (ie: novel, play), and put quotes around a short story, chapter, or poem). Gracefully enter and exit from quotes and reference the literature. NO! “In chapter two it says…” “The text states...” “This quote tells the reader...” Yes! Billy reveals his attitude when he says, “….” (71). “That is significant because...”

Common Mistakes to Correct Two no-no’s for working with textual citations: NO! He says, “Among the things Billy could not change were the past, the present, and the future” (77) after explaining the framed prayer on Pilgrim’s wall. Yes! He says, “Among the things Billy could not change were the past, the present, and the future” (77). After attempting to explain the framed prayer on Pilgrim’s wall, he continues to...

Thesis Statement Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech utilizes rhetorical devices to demonstrate the need for equality in the United States. TS1 TS2 TS3

Thesis Statement and Essay Organization Thesis: Hemingway and Plath both use point of view and symbolism to argue that becoming a mother is an individual experience that should be free of societal expectations. TS1: In each of these works, the father reflects the societal norms and plays a role in a woman’s feelings about motherhood. TS2: Plath does not mention the father overtly; however, the point of view and the symbolism lead the reader to understand his influence on the speaker’s views of motherhood.