Point/ Proof/ Discussion Paragraph Writing Point/ Proof/ Discussion

A paragraph of analysis must include: 1) Topic sentence outlining topic of paragraph 2) Body of paragraph Point-stating argument: Proof-from the text or the film: Discussion-providing comment You should use 2-4 examples of Point/Proof/Discussion in each paragraph 3) Concluding statement restates topic sentence, in a fresh new way

Question How does the narrator’s description of the Lost and Found department of the Toronto subway system reflect the way Duncan feels about working there?

Example of Topic Sentence: Duncan’s description of the Lost and Found department of the Toronto subway system creates a picture of a workplace that is cluttered, cold, and filled with unusual people, reflecting his dislike of working there. The Topic Sentence must answer the question.

Point, Proof, Discussion Use this structure to make an argument and support it You will use this method in your English classes throughout high school and it can be useful in other disciplines as well

Make a point Example: First of all, Duncan describes the vast number of objects which fill the Lost and Found.

Give Proof: We learn that “there’s a maze of stacks holding row after row, shelf after dusty shelf of lost stuff.”(2)

Now discuss why this is important: Everywhere he turns, Duncan is faced with other people’s junk which makes him feel surrounded. The discussion must be more than a restatement of the point: it must add to our understanding of the point.

What does it look like all together? Duncan’s description of the Lost and Found department of the Toronto subway system creates a picture of a workplace that is cluttered, cold, and filled with unusual people. First of all, Duncan describes the vast number of objects which fill the Lost and Found. We learn that “there’s a maze of stacks holding row after row, shelf after dusty shelf of lost stuff.”(2) Everywhere he turns, Duncan is faced with other people’s junk which makes him feel surrounded.

Secondly, even when it is hot in Toronto, the Lost and Found office stays cool. Duncan tells us that “it’s been six weeks with no rain. Major heat wave. But down here you’d never know… This must be what it feels like to be buried alive.”(2) Duncan feels cut off from the world above, even by the temperature.

Finally, Duncan meets many unusual people in the Lost and Found Finally, Duncan meets many unusual people in the Lost and Found. There is his boss, Jacob, who looks like “a half-deflated soccer ball with two of the hairiest ears you’ve ever seen”(2), the transit cop who doesn’t follow the rules when treating a suspicious package(30), and the man looking for his mini-golf putter(45). These unusual characters add to Duncan’s feeling of being out of place in the Lost and Found.

Concluding Sentence: Duncan doesn’t like working in the subway, and his description of his workplace reflects his dislike of the place. The Concluding Sentence must cover the same information as the Topic Sentence in different words.

Your turn: Answer one of the following questions in a well-developed paragraph of analysis based . How does Vinny's discomfort with his disability affect his behaviour? How do Duncan's voluntary and involuntary actions so far illustrate his unhappiness about his inability to save the dying girl?

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